This prawn and fishcake are crispy golden pops of seafood dressed with a tangy sweet slightly spicy kind of sauce. This fishcake has fresh prawns, which give it a hint of sweetness, along with fresh herbs and sambal belacan, which give it a flavour all its own apart from traditional...

Ingredients
- 750gdiced fish fillets (snapper)
- 250gpeeled and deveined prawns
- 4kaffir lime leaves
- 1tbspSambal belacan
- 1egg white
- 1/2tspsugar
- 2tsplight soy sauce
- 2tspsalt
- Enough cooking for frying
- Some diced cucumber for serving
Drizzle sauce
- 3tbspcalamansi / lime juice
- 3tbsplight soy sauce
- 3tbspsugar
- 1long red chili
- finely chopped
How to make Prawn fishcakes
In a food processor, pulse the snapper fillets until a paste forms and finely mince the prawn with a knife. Transfer the fish paste and minced prawn to a big mixing bowl.
- Julienned and minced the kaffir lime leaves and add into the mixing bowl together with the sambal belacan, egg white, sugar, soy sauce and salt.
- Mix and knead the mixture with your hands. Halfway through, lift the entire piece of fishcake and smack it hard against the bowl several times to remove the excess air and to get a bouncy texture.
- Add enough cooking oil to a well heated deep bottom wok. Put some water on your palm, grip your fist, and grasp a handful of fishpaste. Using your thumb and index finger, create a hole and squeeze out the fish paste from that hole.
- Carefully drop fishcakes into the oil one at a time. Keep the fishcakes evenly space apart, do not overcrowded the wok. Fry for 15 to 20 seconds until the fishcake firms up. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Turn it over and fry for another 3 to 4 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towel.
- To make the sauce, combine the all the ingredients in a bowl, stir well until sugar melts. Set it aside.
- Pile the fishcakes onto a plate and scatter over the diced cucumbers. Drizzle the sauce on top and serve.
Tips & Tricks
You have to lift up the entire piece of fishcake mixture and smack it hard against the bowl several times to get a bouncy texture.
FAQS
How can I make prawn fishcakes gluten-free?
To make gluten-free prawn fishcakes, substitute the light soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the sambal belacan, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without gluten.
What are some good side dishes to serve with prawn fishcakes?
Prawn fishcakes pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of rice. You can also serve them with a tangy dipping sauce or a light cucumber salad to complement the flavors of the fishcakes.
How do I store leftover prawn fishcakes?
To store leftover prawn fishcakes, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Can I use frozen prawns for this fishcake recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen prawns for this prawn fishcake recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before mincing. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of the fishcakes.
What is sambal belacan and can I substitute it in the recipe?
Sambal belacan is a spicy chili paste made from ground chilies and fermented shrimp paste, commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine. If you can't find sambal belacan, you can substitute it with a mix of chili paste and a small amount of fish sauce for a similar flavor profile, though it may not be as authentic.
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Tham Jessica
(@jessieinthekitchen)
I loved to cook and enjoyed learning about all sort of cuisines. Today, I am still in the kitchen and every chance I get, I cook. Some days it isn’t even fancy or a hard recipe. Some days it’s a classic, but something that I’ve created. Cooking is my time to be me. I loved to cook and enjoyed learning about all sort of cuisines. Today, I am still in the kitchen and every chance I get, I...
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