Pan-Fried Laotian Fish Cakes with Dill and Kaffir Lime Leaves
Crisp on the outside and tender inside, these fish cakes are infused with fragrant dill and kaffir lime leaves, served with a spicy dipping sauce. This asian-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes layers minced garlic cloves, finely chopped shallots, chopped fresh dill into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, chopped white fish fillets (tilapia or cod)
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2, finely chopped shallots
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
- 4 leaves, finely shredded kaffir lime leaves
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green beans
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp rice flour
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 4 tbsp for frying vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp chopped fresh chili
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, pulse 1 lb chopped white fish fillets until coarsely minced but not pureed. Transfer to a bowl.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 finely chopped shallots, 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill, 4 finely shredded kaffir lime leaves, and 1/2 cup finely chopped green beans to the fish. Mix well.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 large beaten egg, 3 tbsp rice flour, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1/2 tsp white pepper until the mixture is sticky and holds together.
- Step 4: Heat 4 tbsp vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Step 5: Form the fish mixture into 12 round patties, about 2.5 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick, then carefully place them in the hot oil.
- Step 6: Pan-fry the fish cakes for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, adjusting heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Step 7: For the dipping sauce, whisk together 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp chopped fresh chili, and 2 tbsp water until sugar dissolves.
- Step 8: Serve the warm fish cakes with the spicy lime dipping sauce and garnish with extra dill if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Laotian Fish Cakes with Dill and Kaffir Lime Leaves take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Laotian Fish Cakes with Dill and Kaffir Lime Leaves?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Laotian Fish Cakes with Dill and Kaffir Lime Leaves?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Fried Laotian Fish Cakes with Dill and Kaffir Lime Leaves for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Fried Laotian Fish Cakes with Dill and Kaffir Lime Leaves?
Asian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
