What Sauces Go With Fish Cakes? 14 BEST Sauces!

Fish cakes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetiser, side dish, or main course – but what really makes them shine is the sauce!

A good sauce can elevate the flavours of the fish cakes, add a pop of colour, and provide a contrast in texture and temperature.

But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start.

In this article, we’ll explore the best sauces to serve with fish cakes, from classic tartar sauce to more adventurous options like Vietnamese dipping sauce.

We’ll also give you tips on how to make your own sauces at home, so you can customise them to your liking and impress your guests with your culinary skills. 

Let’s get going!

What Sauces Go With Fish Cakes?

Just need to grab a few quick ideas and run? 

No worries! 

Here are some of the best sauces that go with fish cakes: 

  • Tartar sauce
  • Lemon and parsley sauce
  • Garlic sauce
  • Creamy dill sauce
  • Hollandaise sauce
  • Creamy parmesan sauce
  • Creamy mustard sauce
  • Miso soy sauce 
  • Hoisin tomato ketchup

(Be sure to also take a look at our guide to what to serve with fish cakes!) 

Classic Fish Cake Sauces

In this section, we’ll introduce three classic sauces for your fish cakes: Tartar Sauce, Lemon and Parsley Sauce, and Garlic Sauce. 

Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is a popular dipping sauce for fish cakes, and it’s incredibly easy to make at home. To create your own tartar sauce, you’ll need:

  • Mayonnaise
  • Pickles
  • Capers
  • Onion
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt

Simply chop the pickles, capers, and onion finely, and then mix them with the mayonnaise. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt to taste.

Your homemade tartar sauce is now ready to be served alongside your delicious fish cakes, and it’s perfect with a wedge of lemon for squeezing and some baby new potatoes. 

Lemon and Parsley Sauce

Lemon and parsley sauce is a light and refreshing option to serve with your fish cakes.

To make this sauce, you’ll need:

  • Lemon juice
  • Butter
  • Parsley
  • Salt

Melt the butter in a saucepan and mix in the lemon juice.

Add a pinch of salt to taste, and stir in some finely chopped parsley.

This lemon and parsley sauce is a delightful addition to your fish cake dish, and its citrusy tang will perfectly complement the flavours of your seafood.

Garlic Sauce

If you’re a fan of a robust and flavourful dipping sauce, then garlic sauce is the one for you.

To make this sauce, gather the following ingredients:

  • Sour cream
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Tomato sauce

Start by combining the sour cream, lemon juice, and finely minced garlic.

Add salt to taste and, for an extra kick, you can also include a spoonful of tomato sauce.

This garlic sauce is a fantastic choice for pairing with your fish cakes, offering a unique and savoury experience for your taste buds.

Enjoy exploring these classic sauce options, and remember to keep experimenting with different ingredients to find the perfect accompaniments for your fish cakes.

Creamy Sauces

When it comes to pairing fish cakes with delicious sauces, you can never go wrong with a creamy sauce. It adds an extra layer of indulgence and flavour, complementing the delicate fish perfectly.

Let’s explore some popular creamy sauces, ideal for serving with your fish cakes…

Creamy Dill Sauce

A beautiful and simple sauce to prepare at home, a creamy dill sauce is a fantastic accompaniment for fish cakes, especially those made with salmon.

To make it, combine yogurt or sour cream with chopped fresh dill, a touch of lemon juice, and some salt and pepper.

The tangy, herbaceous flavour of the dill sauce pairs wonderfully with the richness of the salmon cakes, refreshing the palate in every bite.

Hollandaise Sauce

Hollandaise sauce is a classic French sauce made from egg yolks, melted butter, and lemon juice.

This smooth and silky sauce is an excellent choice for those serving fish cakes made from white fish, such as tilapia.

To elevate your hollandaise sauce, consider adding a hint of Dijon mustard or a finely chopped fresh herb, like tarragon.

Drizzle the sauce over the fish cakes, and add a leafy green salad on the side for a perfect meal.

Creamy Parmesan Sauce

For a rich, indulgent sauce with a depth of flavour, opt for a creamy parmesan sauce.

Melt butter in a saucepan, then whisk in some flour, creating a roux.

Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.

Stir in grated parmesan cheese, white wine, and fresh onions or shallots.

This luxurious sauce enhances the taste of any fish cake and can also be served with a side of steamed vegetables.

Creamy Mustard Sauce

Creamy mustard sauce is another delightful option to serve with fish cakes.

To prepare this sauce, you’ll need Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and mayonnaise.

Combine them in a bowl with some lemon juice, olive oil, and a little bit of honey to balance the tanginess.

This robust sauce works well with both white fish and salmon cakes, providing a tasty contrast of flavours.

Cajun Cream Sauce

A spicy twist on the classic tartar sauce, Cajun cream sauce brings a burst of flavour to fish cakes.

To make this sauce, blend mayonnaise with hot sauce, lemon, Cajun seasoning, and a pinch of garlic salt.

The zingy spices in this sauce complement the succulent fish, adding a burst of excitement to your dish.

Enjoy it with your favourite fish cakes, whether grilled or fried.

International Flavours

When it comes to pairing fish cakes with delicious sauces, there’s a world of flavours to explore.

In this section, we’ll discuss some international options that will transport your taste buds to new destinations.

Vietnamese Dipping Fish Sauce

Crispy fish cakes pair wonderfully with a refreshing Vietnamese dipping fish sauce, known as Nuoc Cham. Combining salty, sweet, spicy, and tangy elements, this dipping sauce can elevate your dish. To make this sauce, you will need:

  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 bird’s eye chilli, sliced (adjust to your preferred heat level)

Simply whisk all the ingredients together and serve alongside your fish cakes.

Miso Soy Sauce

For a more umami-rich flavour experience, consider making a miso soy sauce to accompany your fish cakes.

By combining tangy, salty, and sweet flavours, this sauce adds depth and complexity to your dish.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 tablespoons miso paste (preferably white or red miso)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon wasabi (optional, for a touch of heat)

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool before serving.

Hoisin Tomato Ketchup

For a sweet and tangy spin on a classic sauce, try a Hoisin tomato ketchup.

This versatile sauce mixes hoisin’s signature richness with tomato ketchup’s familiarity to create a unique pairing for your fish cakes.

To create this sauce, gather the following ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons tomato ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Sriracha)
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon chili paste

To make this sauce, simply whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Taste and adjust the level of sweetness, spiciness, or tanginess to your personal preference.

While these international sauces may be inspired by specific cuisines, don’t hesitate to get creative and combine elements from different sauces or experiment with additional ingredients. The key is to find the flavours that best complement your fish cakes and create a memorable dining experience! 

Unique Sauce Combinations

Fish cakes are versatile, making them ideal for pairing with a variety of sauces.

In this section, we’ll explore three unique sauce combinations for your fish cakes: Authentic Chimichurri, Romesco Sauce, and Norwegian Butter Sauce.

Authentic Chimichurri

One perfect sauce to complement your fish cakes is an authentic chimichurri.

This vibrant Argentinian sauce brings a fresh and tangy flavour to your dish.

Made with finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, and a blend of herbs and spices, this sauce adds a zesty kick that enhances the taste of your fish cakes.

To prepare an authentic chimichurri, you’ll need:

  • Fresh parsley
  • Minced garlic
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl, and adjust the spices to your taste preferences. 

Romesco Sauce

Another unique sauce combination for your fish cakes is a traditional Spanish romesco Sauce.

This rich and bold sauce is made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, almonds, and a blend of spices. It’s an excellent choice for adding an earthy and nutty flavour to your fish cakes.

The key ingredients for a Romesco sauce include:

  • Roasted red peppers
  • Ripe tomatoes
  • Almonds (roasted or raw)
  • Garlic
  • Smoked paprika
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Serve the romesco sauce alongside your fish cakes for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Norwegian Butter Sauce

For a rich and velvety touch to your fish cakes, consider a Norwegian Butter Sauce (known as Sandefjordsmør in Norwegian).

This luxurious sauce features melted butter whisked with cream, and it pairs wonderfully with fish cakes. To make a Norwegian Butter Sauce, you will need:

  • Unsalted butter
  • Heavy cream
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh dill or parsley (optional)
  • Salt and white pepper

Melt the butter in a saucepan, then whisk in the cream until well combined.

Adjust the seasoning with lemon juice, salt, and white pepper to your liking.

You can also add chopped fresh dill or parsley for additional flavour. Pour the Norwegian Butter Sauce over your fish cakes and savour the comforting blend of flavours.

Remember, the key to an exquisite fish cake dish is selecting a sauce that complements the flavours of your fish cakes.

Each of these unique sauce combinations offers a different taste profile that will enhance your dining experience. Choose one based on your preferences and enjoy the delightful harmony of tastes in your fish cakes dish.