One of the first things people say to me when they learn I write a column about British food is ‘what, like fish and chips?’ They think they’re being funny, but actually why not fish and chips? It’s the number one meal tourists come looking for, and the very fact that it’s the first thing people think of when they hear ‘British food’ means that it deserves to be at the head of the table – figuratively and literally.
So I should obviously post a recipe for fish and chips, right? Well, there’s a problem. Now this is very personal, and you may disagree with me, but I think fish and chips can never be quite as good as when you buy them piping hot, doused in salt and vinegar and wrapped in paper from a chippy (fish and chip shop). It’s purely psychological, I admit, but I make no apologies (except to you poor souls who don’t happen to be blessed with a chippy on every corner).
Therefore, rather than a recipe, I intended to write a historical portrait of the dish and its place in the British patrimony. Here again, I was foiled. It seems someone at the BBC not only beat me to it (which I suppose was to be expected) but wrote such a great article that all I can see fit to do is direct you to it and wish you well. (There’s even a cute little video on there showing you how to make fish and chips if you’re so inclined, or if you’re one of the afore-mentioned geographically challenged). 
And now, you may be wondering, where does that leave us? Well, the one new thing I feel I can add to this discussion is an answer to the question of leftovers. As gob-stoppingly scrumptious as a good portion of fish and chips can be, there is almost always too much to comfortably shove down in one sitting. Not without paying the price later in the evening, anyway. And leftovers are invariably disappointing – we all know that chips are never as good warmed up the next day.
Here’s where I’ve finally earned my keep. I put together a clever little Saturday luncheon made up of your Friday fish and chips leftovers. I’ve even used the uneaten peas which, either whole or mashed (‘mushy’) are the traditional accompaniment. I hope you’ll like this so much that the very thought of it will stop you from over-doing it on Friday nights and you’ll find yourself purposefully reserving a portion (or ordering extra) just so you can make it the next day.
The only problem I have left is naming my creation. ‘Fish and Chip Fishcakes with Avocado Mushy Peas’ is quite a mouthful – anyone have a better idea?
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A Bite of Britain: Fish Friday Leftovers
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 fishcakes 1x
Description
Transform your Friday fish and chips leftovers into delicious fishcakes with avocado mushy peas for a clever Saturday luncheon.
Ingredients
Fishcakes
- 1 large or 2 small fillets breaded fish, cooked
- 1 cup (240 ml) leftover potato chips (aka thick-cut French fries)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- Pinch ground pepper
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fine cornmeal (I used white)
- Rocket (arugula) and/or spinach salad and sweet chili sauce to serve
Avocado Mushy Peas
- 2 cups (480 ml) leftover peas
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) crème fraîche (you can substitute sour cream or Greek-style yogurt/lebneh)
- 1 small avocado, peeled and seeded
- A few leaves fresh mint (or pinch dried), chopped finely
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- For the fishcakes: Put the fish fillets and chips in a blender and pulse until finely chopped.
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped fish and chips with the beaten egg, 1 tsp salt, and a pinch of ground pepper.
- Shape the mixture into 4-6 patties, depending on your preferred size.
- Coat each patty with fine cornmeal, ensuring an even layer on all sides.
- Refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Fry the fishcakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and heated through.
- For the avocado mushy peas: In a bowl, mash the ripe avocado with the cooked peas.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix until well combined.
- Serve the fishcakes warm with a side of avocado mushy peas.
Notes
- This recipe works well with leftover fish fingers, and even breaded shrimp or prawns.
- Avocado is not traditional with mushy peas, but it adds a creamy texture.
- Refrigerating the patties helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Consider ordering extra fish and chips to ensure you have leftovers for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fishcake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 15 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These
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- Mohinga – How to Make Burmese Fish Noodle Soup
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the fishcake patties need to be refrigerated before frying?
The notes explain that refrigerating the patties helps them hold their shape during cooking. Since the mixture of blended fish, chips, egg, and cornmeal is fairly loose, chilling it for at least 30 minutes (as stated in the instructions) firms the binders so the patties don’t fall apart in the pan.
Is avocado traditional in mushy peas?
No — the notes acknowledge directly that avocado is not traditional with mushy peas, but say it adds a creamy texture. The classic British version uses only mashed peas; the avocado is the recipe’s own twist, mashed with 2 cups (480 ml) of leftover peas and crème fraîche (or sour cream or Greek yogurt).
Does this recipe work with leftover fish other than battered fillets?
Yes — the notes specifically state the recipe works well with leftover fish fingers and even breaded shrimp or prawns, so any breaded or battered cooked fish can stand in for the large fillet the recipe calls for.
Thanks Biren. I still remember my first time tasting mushy peas. My brother had ordered fish and chips and, when it came, there was something that looked like green mashed potatoes on the plate and yet the taste was more pea than potato. It took a second for the penny to drop. ;-) I love them, especially with the avocado, but the kids prefer the kind of peas they can chase around the plate!
Brilliant idea! You used up everything in this makeover. Talking about mushed peas, I had the hardest time trying to understand my server in Liverpool last summer when she asked if I prefer mooshed p’s or ar’den p’s in her Liverpudlian accent. I went for the one I thought sounded “safer” :)