Looking for a quick way to turn simple fish into something your whole family will love?
Mackerel fish can be pretty hard to cook. Maybe its been sitting in your pantry for quite a long time.
But guess what? Mackerel patties are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor that’ll surprise everyone, especially kids.
They’re budget-friendly and ready in a few minutes.
Plus, you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already.
What are Mackerel Patties?
It is popular in the Caribbean, Southern, and coastal areas, where pan-fried cakes made from flaked mackerel mixed with binding ingredients like breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings are common.
You can make them with canned or fresh mackerel.
The fish gets combined with potatoes, onions, herbs, and spices, then shaped into round patties and cooked until golden brown.
They’re crispy on the outside and moist inside, with a mild, slightly sweet fish flavor.
It works as an appetizer, main dish, or even sandwich filling.
How to Make Mackerel Patties: Step-By-Step
Making mackerel patties from scratch is easier than you think, and the whole process takes less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans mackerel (or 1 lb fresh, cooked and flaked)
- 1 cup mashed potatoes or breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons flour for coating
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Drain and flake the mackerel: Remove any bones or skin if using canned. Break the fish into small pieces in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add binding ingredients: Mix in mashed potatoes or breadcrumbs, beaten egg, onion, garlic, and parsley. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
Step 3: Season generously: Add paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix until everything’s well combined.
Step 4: Shape the patties: Form the mixture into round, flat patties about ½-inch thick. You should get 6-8 patties, depending on size.
Step 5: Coat lightly: Dust each patty with flour on both sides. This creates that golden crust.
Step 6: Fry until crispy: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Drain and serve: Place cooked patties on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside rice and salad.
Why Mackerel Works so Well for Patties
Mackerel has a firm, meaty texture that holds up beautifully when mixed and shaped into patties.
Unlike fragile white fish that falls apart easily, mackerel stays intact during cooking. The fish also brings a rich, slightly oily quality that keeps patties moist without needing extra fat.
Its bold flavor stands up to spices and seasonings, so you get tasty results every time.
Plus, mackerel is affordable and widely available in cans, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Fresh mackerel works great, too, if you’ve got access to it.
Best Recipes with Mackerel Patties
These variations give you options for different tastes and dietary needs. Each brings its own twist while keeping that satisfying crispy-outside, tender-inside texture you’re after.
Try one, try them all, you really can’t go wrong.
1. Panko Crusted Baked Patties
Skip the frying and coat your patties in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
You get the crispy texture without standing over a hot stove. Perfect for dinners.
2. Mackerel Patties without Eggs
Replace the egg with mashed avocado, Greek yogurt, or even mayonnaise as your binder.
These alternatives work surprisingly well, keeping the patties moist. Add an extra tablespoon of flour if the mixture feels too loose.
Best for people who are allergic to eggs.
3. Mackerel Patties with Potato
Mix equal parts flaked mackerel and mashed potatoes for a more filling patty.
The potato stretches the recipe further and adds a creamy texture that balances the fish, seasoned with dill and a squeeze of lemon juice.
4. Lemon and Herb Patties
Brighten up your patties with fresh lemon zest, dill, and a handful of chopped cilantro or basil.
The citrus cuts through the richness of the mackerel beautifully. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve these with a yogurt-based sauce or tartar sauce for a fresh, summery meal.
5. Southern Fried Mackerel Patties
Season your patties with Cajun spices, a dash of hot sauce, and bell peppers for that Southern kick.
Coat them in cornmeal instead of regular flour for extra crunch and that classic texture. Fry them in a cast-iron skillet until deeply golden. Serve alongside collard greens and cornbread.
DIY Dips for Mackerel Patties
The right dip takes your patties to a whole other level, and these homemade sauces come together in minutes.
1. Classic Tartar Sauce
Mix mayonnaise with chopped pickles, capers, lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This tangy, creamy sauce works with any fish patty.
2. Spicy Sriracha Mayo
Combine mayo with sriracha sauce, a squeeze of lime, and a pinch of garlic powder. This creamy, spicy dip adds heat without overpowering the mackerel’s flavor.
3. Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s tangy, fresh, and adds protein without the heaviness of mayo-based dips.
4. Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce
Mix sweet chili sauce with a splash of rice vinegar and chopped cilantro for an Asian-inspired dip. The sweetness balances the savory fish while the vinegar adds brightness. It’s got sweet, spicy, and tangy all in one.
Mackerel Patties vs Salmon Patties
Both salmon and mackerel patties have similar recipes, but they have different flavors and textures.
| Mackerel Patties | Salmon Patties |
|---|---|
| Strong fish flavor | Milder, slightly sweet flavor |
| Darker, greyish-brown color | Pink to light orange color |
| More affordable, especially canned | Pricier, even in canned form |
| Higher in omega-3 fatty acids | Good omega-3 content, but less |
| Firmer, meatier texture | Softer, flakier texture |
| Holds shape well during cooking | Can fall apart more easily |
Are Mackerel Patties Healthy for You?
They pack serious nutritional value, but how you prepare them matters just as much as the fish itself. Mackerel has
- Omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and reduce inflammation
- High-quality protein
- Vitamin D
- B vitamins
- Minerals like selenium
- Low mercury
When you bake or pan-fry with minimal oil, they stay relatively healthy. Canned mackerel works fine nutritionally, though it can be high in sodium.
Rinse canned mackerel before using if you’re watching salt intake.
Conclusion
Mackerel patties prove you don’t need fancy ingredients or techniques to create something delicious.
With a can of fish, some pantry staples, and less than 30 minutes, you’ve got a meal that works for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
So next time you’re staring at that can of mackerel, wondering what to make? Open this blog, and you know exactly where to start.
Give these patties a try and see how quickly they become a regular in your meal rotation.
