Bajan Fish Cakes

Name: Bajan Fish Cakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Barbadian
Ingredients: 250g boneless salt cod, soaked overnight; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 stalks chive, chopped; 1 sprig fresh thyme, minced; 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced; 1 clove garlic, minced; Water as needed; Vegetable oil for frying; Black pepper to taste

Fish Cakes (BAY-jan fish cakes)

Salt Cod Fritters

⏱ Prep Time 30 min

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 319 kcal

Golden fried fritters made from salted cod blended with herbs, onion, and Scotch bonnet pepper, crispy outside and fluffy inside.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 18.0g

Carbs 28.0g

Fat 15.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ fish ⚠ gluten

Equipment Needed

deep fryer or heavy pot mixing bowl slotted spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: serving basket lined with paper

Garnishes: lime wedges, pepper sauce

Accompaniments: salt bread, Bajan pepper sauce

Ingredients

250g boneless salt cod, soaked overnight
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 small onion, finely diced
2 stalks chive, chopped
1 sprig fresh thyme, minced
1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and minced
1 clove garlic, minced
Water as needed
Vegetable oil for frying
Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1
Soak salt cod overnight in cold water, changing water twice. Drain and flake finely, removing any bones.
2
Mix flour and baking powder in a bowl. Add flaked fish, onion, chive, thyme, garlic, and Scotch bonnet.
3
Add water gradually, stirring to form a thick batter that holds its shape on a spoon.
4
Heat oil to 180C. Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown, about three minutes per side.
5
Drain on paper towels and serve hot with pepper sauce on the side.

💡

Did You Know?

Fish cakes are the unofficial national snack of Barbados and are paired with bread for the classic Bajan "bread and two" breakfast.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

deep fryer or heavy pot
mixing bowl
slotted spoon

Garnishing

lime wedges, pepper sauce

Accompaniments

salt bread, Bajan pepper sauce

The Story Behind Bajan Fish Cakes

Bajan fish cakes trace their origins to the days when salted cod was imported from Newfoundland as cheap protein for enslaved workers on sugar plantations. Over centuries, Barbadians transformed this humble preserved fish into a beloved fritter seasoned with local herbs and fiery Scotch bonnet pepper. Today fish cakes are sold at every rum shop, bakery, and roadside vendor across the island, remaining the quintessential Bajan street food.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed breakfast and street food anytime 📜 Origins: Colonial Barbadian

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