Crispy Mackerel Potato Cakes (Printable)

Potato cakes with smoked mackerel and chives, crisped and served alongside a fresh dill yogurt sauce.

# Components:

→ Potato Cakes

01 - 14 oz potatoes, peeled and diced
02 - 7 oz smoked mackerel fillets, skin removed and flaked
03 - 1 small shallot, finely chopped
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ For Frying

09 - 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil

→ Dill Yogurt Sauce

10 - 5.25 oz plain Greek yogurt
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
12 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Place the diced potatoes in a saucepan, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until fork-tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. Drain well and allow to steam-dry for 2 to 3 minutes.
02 - Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth. Let them cool slightly before proceeding.
03 - Add the flaked mackerel, chopped shallot, chives, lemon zest, egg, and all-purpose flour to the cooled potatoes. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Gently fold the mixture until evenly combined.
04 - Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and shape each into a patty. Dust both sides of the cakes lightly with extra flour.
05 - Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry the cakes in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp. Remove and drain on kitchen paper.
06 - Combine the Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Serve the potato cakes warm, accompanied by a generous spoonful of dill yogurt sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • These potato cakes are crisped to perfection and hide a flaky, savory center that feels like a secret treat.
  • The dill yogurt is so refreshing and unexpectedly addictive, it turns a simple plate into something memorable.
02 -
  • If the potato mixture is too warm when adding the egg, it turns mushy and makes shaping difficult–be patient here.
  • I once fried with olive oil and ended up with burnt bits; stick with a neutral oil for golden, not bitter, edges.
03 -
  • Let the cakes rest a minute after frying–they hold together best when they’re not piping hot.
  • The leftover dill yogurt doubles as a dip for veggie sticks, so make extra if you have room in the fridge.
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