Prince Edward Island Fish Cakes

Prince Edward Island Fish Cakes ~ For the tour in Canada the only goal in the Atlantic Prince William and Kate Middleton spent the rainy days in Prince Edward Island today. They have a busy schedule, including a picnic and maneuver the water aboard a Sea King helicopter search-and-rescue. I wonder what they will eat for dinner.

Every time I think of PEI I think about my friends, food superstar and Prince Edward Island native Chef Michael Smith. Undoubtedly one of the ambassadors of Canada's most famous and beloved Canadian cuisine, he is recognized not only for his height (he's 6'7 ") but a warm presence at The Inn Chef, Chef at Large, Chef and Chef of Foreign Affairs in the House, which airs on Food Network Canada and in 26 countries worldwide.

Of all his TV series, Chef at Home is probably the most popular. The facts show lets viewers peek into Michael's home kitchen in PEI and allows us to pull up a chair at the dinner table with his family, no doubt a major factor in popularity. While Michael shine in restaurant kitchens all over the world, he is clearly happiest at home, cooking for and with family and friends.

Michael Smith’s Potato Fish Cakes

Printed with permission from The Best of Chef at Home by Michael Smith.

Historically, fish cakes have been one of the most common ways to eat fish in the Maritime provinces of Canada. Usually they were made with preserved salt cod, but today they’re much tastier with fresh salmon. These crispy cakes are as easy to make as they are to enjoy.

a splash or two of vegetable oil
2 fillets of salmon or any other fish, about 12 oz. (375 g) in total
a sprinkle or two of sea salt and freshly ground pepper
4 large baking potatoes, peeled
2 eggs, whisked together
1 Tbsp. (15 mL) Dijon mustard
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp. (30 mL) all-purpose flour
1-2 Tbsp. (15-30 mL) butter

Preheat a sauté pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

Add a splash of oil to the pan, enough to cover the bottom of the pan with a thin film. Season the salmon filets with salt and pepper and carefully place them in the pan. Sear the fillets on both sides until they’re golden brown, crispy and cooked through.

Boil or steam the potatoes. Toss hot potatoes into a mixing bowl. Using a potato masher, mash them until smooth. Add the salmon, eggs, mustard and green onions. Season with more salt and pepper. Beat with a wooden spoon until everything is well combined and then form the mixture into evenly shaped cakes. Dredge them in the flour.

Clean out the skillet and preheat over medium-high heat. Add another splash of oil and this time 1-2 tablespoons or so of butter. When the butter melts and sizzles, add the fish cakes. Pan-fry them until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Serves 4.