Cod & Tarragon Fishcakes with Minty Peas Recipe
Introduction
These cod and tarragon fishcakes are a delicious and fragrant twist on a classic favorite. Paired with minty peas and fresh rocket, they make a light yet satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients
- Rapeseed oil, for the tin
- 900g potatoes (such as Maris Piper), peeled and cut into medium chunks
- 2 tsp English mustard powder
- 4 anchovies (10g), finely chopped
- 5 spring onions, very finely chopped
- 2 tsp capers (10g)
- 1 ½ tbsp chopped tarragon
- 2 x 280g packs skinless cod loin, cut into cubes
- 8 tsp wholemeal flour
- 2 eggs
- 90g ground almonds
- 320g frozen peas
- 320g leeks, halved and finely sliced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped mint
- 4 handfuls rocket
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas 6) and oil a non-stick baking sheet. Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain well, then return them to the pan.
- Step 2: Mash the potatoes with the mustard powder, chopped anchovies, spring onions, capers, and tarragon until well combined. Stir through the raw cod cubes gently.
- Step 3: Shape the mixture into 8 cakes and lightly coat each in wholemeal flour (about 1-2 teaspoons each).
- Step 4: Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. Dip each fishcake into the egg, then sprinkle about half a tablespoon of ground almonds over the top. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 5: Bake the fishcakes for 20 minutes, turning them halfway through until they begin to turn golden.
- Step 6: While the fishcakes bake, place the peas and leeks in a pan, cover with water, bring to the boil, then simmer and cover for 10 minutes. Drain and stir through the chopped mint.
- Step 7: Divide half of the pea and leek mixture between two plates and top each with two fishcakes. Toss half the rocket with the lemon juice and olive oil, then pile on top of the fishcakes just before serving.
- Step 8: Chill the remaining four fishcakes and the remaining pea and leek mixture separately to enjoy another day.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, lightly toast the ground almonds before coating the fishcakes.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of anchovies or substitute with a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Replace rocket with baby spinach or watercress for a different leafy green option.
Storage
Store the leftover fishcakes and pea and leek mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to two days. To reheat, warm the fishcakes on a baking tray at 200°C (180°C fan/gas 6) for 15-20 minutes until heated through and golden. Reheat the peas and leeks gently in the microwave. Dress the remaining rocket just before serving to keep it fresh.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cod can be used. Make sure it is fully thawed and drained of any excess moisture before mixing it into the fishcake mixture to avoid sogginess.
Can I make these fishcakes ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare and shape the fishcakes in advance, then refrigerate them until ready to bake. This makes meal prep easier and the flavors have a chance to develop.
Print
Cod & Tarragon Fishcakes with Minty Peas Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 fishcakes (serves 4 with 2 fishcakes per person) 1x
Description
Deliciously light and flavorful cod and tarragon fishcakes served with a fresh minty peas and leek medley, topped with a zesty rocket salad. Oven-baked for a crispy exterior and tender inside, these fishcakes combine the subtle flavors of mustard, anchovies, and capers with fresh herbs, perfect for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Fishcakes
- Rapeseed oil, for the tin
- 900g potatoes (Maris Piper), peeled and cut into medium chunks
- 2 tsp English mustard powder
- 4 anchovies (10g), finely chopped
- 5 spring onions, very finely chopped
- 2 tsp capers (10g)
- 1 ½ tbsp chopped tarragon
- 2 x 280g packs skinless cod loin, cut into cubes
- 8 tsp wholemeal flour
- 2 eggs
- 90g ground almonds
Minty Peas and Leeks
- 320g frozen peas
- 320g leeks, halved and finely sliced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped mint
Rocket Salad
- 4 handfuls rocket
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas mark 6) and lightly oil a non-stick baking sheet to prevent sticking during baking.
- Boil and Mash Potatoes: Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the peeled potatoes for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain thoroughly, then return the potatoes to the pan for mashing with mustard powder, chopped anchovies, spring onions, capers, and tarragon until well combined.
- Add Cod to Mash: Stir the raw cod cubes gently into the mashed potato mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed but not broken down completely.
- Shape and Coat Fishcakes: Form the mixture into 8 evenly sized fishcakes. Lightly coat each cake with about 1-2 teaspoons of wholemeal flour. Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl and dip each fishcake into the egg wash. Then, sprinkle approximately 1/2 tablespoon of ground almonds over each fishcake, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Bake the Fishcakes: Place the coated fishcakes onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through to ensure an even, golden crust.
- Cook Peas and Leeks: While fishcakes bake, place peas and finely sliced leeks in a pan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook covered for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender. Drain and stir in the chopped mint for a fresh flavor.
- Prepare Rocket Salad: Toss half the rocket leaves with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil just before serving to maintain freshness and vibrancy.
- Assemble and Serve: Divide half the peas and leeks between two plates, top each plate with 2 fishcakes, and pile the dressed rocket salad on top. Chill the remaining fishcakes and pea mixture separately to enjoy within two days, reheating fishcakes in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan/gas 6) for 15-20 minutes and peas in the microwave.
Notes
- Fishcakes can be chilled for up to two days and reheated for convenience.
- Turning fishcakes halfway during baking ensures even crispness and golden color.
- Using wholemeal flour and ground almonds provides a healthy, nutty coating alternative to breadcrumbs.
- The anchovies add a subtle umami depth without overpowering the delicate cod.
- Toss the rocket salad just before serving to avoid wilting.
- Use skinless cod loin for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: cod fishcakes, tarragon fishcakes, minty peas, baked fishcakes, healthy fishcakes, British seafood dish

