Fish Cutlet | Fish Fritters | Tuna Cutlets

Fish Cutlet is a yummy appetizer prepared with fish chunks, potato, spice powders, and a few more add ons. The crusty appetizer is then rolled on bread crumbs and cooked to perfection.

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Fish Cutlets or fish cakes or Fish patties is a very popular appetizers. This Indian fish cake recipe is very popular in Kerala and Goa. It is one of the best Indian fish starters. During the festival days or if there is a family get togther. We shape the cutlets and freeze them the previous day and then we cook it fresh and hot before serving. And yes, my cutlets are very popular.

I also make chicken and mushroom cutlets which are equally popular !! Now let's see how to make the easy and delicious fish cutlets step by step with Canned Fish.

Jump to:

• What is a cutlet
• Tuna Fish Cutlet
• Ingredients
• FAQ's
• Air Fryer Fish Cutlet
• How to make fish cutlet
• Tips & Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• How to freeze?
• Similar Recipes
• 📖 Recipe

What is a cutlet

Cutlet is often referred to as a portion of meat or vegetables coated with bread crumbs and grilled or deep-fried. They are shaped as patties or in any desired shape.

Tuna Fish Cutlet

I made this crispy delicious fish cakes with canned fish. They come in handy and are easy to use. All you have to do is to drain the water and use them. no need of cleaning the fish. Perfect for the busy working days.

You can check the detailed video of me cooking the Fish Cutlets on youtube as well.

Ingredients

Fish - I am using canned fish. It's precooked so, I just drained the water and used it in the cutlets. If using fresh fish, Marinate the fish with ½ tsp Turmeric powder and Salt. Shallow fry in a medium flame until cooked and then shred the pieces and use to the cutlets.

Onion - Finely chop the onions and use them in the cutlets.

Potato - Cook the potatoes in a pressure cooker for 3 whistles. Peel the skin and mash them well without lumps. Add the boiled and mashed potatoes to the fish cakes. You can also cook the potato on the stovetop. Just that it takes a little longer to cook.

Cilantro and Green Chilli - Chop Cilantro finely and then add them to the cutlet. If you prefer, you can also add in green chili. I avoid green chili if I am cooking for kids.

Spice Powders - Spice powders add a lovely flavor to the dish.

Bread Crumbs - Coating the cutlets with breadcrumbs gives a crispy outer cover to the dish. I prefer using panko breadcrumbs over normal ones.

Eggs - Eggs hold the breadcrumbs intact over the outer coating. You can also use flour paste instead of eggs.

Oil - Use any cooking oil for deep frying the cutlets. I always prefer cold-pressed groundnut oil for frying.

FAQ's

Can I prepare a fish cutlet without potatoes?

Potato helps in binding the cutlet together without falling apart. If you have to skip potatoes, you may add any flour for binding. You can use Maida or rice flour.

Can I use raw fish in fish cakes?

Definitely, you may use the shredded raw fish or pulse the flesh once and then use it. Fry the fish cakes in a medium flame until its cooked.

How do I select the fish for Cutlets?

Use any fish that has fewer bones. I suggest tuna, Salmon or kingfish, or similar types. It is easy to discard the bones from them.

How do you freeze fish cutlets?

After making the patties, you can freeze them in the zip lock bags for 2 weeks. Just before frying, you can thaw the patties dip in egg, coat in breadcrumbs, and fry.

Why do cutlets break when frying?

This happens mainly when the cutlets are not shaped properly or if there is excess moisture. So make sure you mix the potato and fish well without lumps and shape them well.

Air Fryer Fish Cutlet

If you do not want to deep fry, you can fry the fish fritters in the air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer for 5 mins. Spray in some cooking oil in the air fryer baskets and then. Air fry at 200 Deg C or 400 F for 14 mins. Turn the cutlets mid-way for even browning on both sides.

You can shape the cutlets as patties rather than cylinders if air frying.

How to make fish cutlet

1.In a mixing bowl add the mashed potato, finely chopped onion, chopped green chilli (if using) Coriander leaves, and crushed ginger garlic.

2. Next, add in the spice powders and salt.

3. Next, drain the water and add in the canned fish. Combine everything together and shape them into cutlets

4. Shape the dough into patties or as you prefer. I shaped them like cylinders. Beat egg in a bowl and set aside. In another bowl place the bread crumbs and set them aside.

5. Dip the shaped cutlets in the beaten egg fully.

6. Next roll the egg dipped cutlets in the bread crumbs.

7. In a Pan heat in oil for deep frying. Once it’s hot drop in the Fish cutlets and deep fry in a medium-high flame.

8. Fry till golden and crisp. Drain in paper towels. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Do not flip the cutlets immediately after dropping in the oil it might get crumbled. Hence give some time to set and then flip and cook.
• After Shaping the cutlets dip in egg and coat with bread crumbs. You can then freeze them for 15 mins or put in the fridge for 30 mins and then fry. This prevents the crumbling of the cutlets while frying.
• Freezing helps the Indian fish cakes to hold their shape well.
• Never overcrowd the cutlets while frying it might again crumble the cutlets.
• Any Fish with fewer bones can be used for the cutlets.
• I am using Tuna canned fish.
• Salmon cutlets and Tuna Cutlets are very popular worldwide.
• I have shown the stovetop method in this recipe. However, you can also prepare the baked fish cutlets or even air-fry them for a less calorie variation.
• Kerala style fish cutlet recipe is slightly different from this method. They usually add curry leaves, black pepper, green chillies, and vinegar as well. Other than that the recipe method and preparation remain the same. Also the kerala fish cutlets are often deep fried.

Serving Suggestions

Goes well as a snack with some tomato sauce or Mayonaise. You can also serve them as a starter for any potluck or party.

How to freeze?

After coating the fish cakes with egg and bread crumbs arrange them on the plate and put them in the freezer for 4 hours. You can then transfer them to zip lock bags or airtight containers and freeze them for 2 months.
Thaw them for 1 hour and then you can fry.

Similar Recipes

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📖 Recipe

Disclaimer: I am not a nutritionist, the nutrition value provided here is an estimate. It will vary based on the quantity and brands of the products used.

Note: This post is originally from 2016. I have updated with new Recipe card, Pictures and video now.