Fiji By Food Enthusiasts · 5 min read

National Dish Fiji: Fish Cakes with Dill Sauce (Recipe)

Golden pan-fried fish cakes served with a creamy dill sauce and lemon

In this article

Bring a taste of the South Pacific to your kitchen with these fish cakes with dill sauce from Fiji. Tender flakes of fresh fish are folded together with fragrant herbs and gentle seasonings, then pan-fried until golden and crisp at the edges. Paired with a cool, creamy dill sauce, they make a wonderfully versatile dish that works equally well as a light starter or a satisfying main. Every bite carries the bright, sea-fresh flavours of the islands.

About Fish Cakes with Dill Sauce

These fish cakes from Fiji are a genuine treat, capturing the flavours of the Pacific in every mouthful. The dish combines fresh fish with a careful balance of seasonings that give it a character all of its own. With their tender texture and aromatic taste, the cakes are not only delicious but also remarkably flexible to prepare. They make an excellent starter or main course and are served with a creamy dill sauce that rounds the whole thing off beautifully — a hallmark of relaxed, sea-facing Fijian cuisine.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

200 g fresh fish (such as cod or salmon)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 egg
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste

Shopping for the ingredients

When shopping for these fish cakes, it pays to pay close attention to the freshness of the fish. Visit a trusted fishmonger or a good market to be sure you are buying quality produce. The other ingredients, such as onions and dill, should be fresh and crisp too. If you have particular dietary requirements, you can choose some of these ingredients in organic quality.

Preparing the dish

Preparing the fish cakes is straightforward and takes very little time. First, the fish should be cut into small pieces and rinsed well. The onion and garlic need to be finely chopped so their aromas are released fully. Finally, all the ingredients are combined in a bowl to form a smooth, even mixture that is easy to shape.

Step-by-step instructions

Cut the fresh fish into small pieces and place in a bowl.
Add the onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, dill and lemon juice.
Season with salt and pepper and mix everything thoroughly.
Shape the mixture into small patties and fry them in a pan with a little oil until golden.
Arrange the fish cakes on a serving plate and serve with the dill sauce.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

If you would like to eat gluten-free or lactose-free, you can swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative. Using plant-based cream in the dill sauce is an easy way to make the dish lactose-free as well. Take care that all the products you use are clearly labelled as gluten-free or lactose-free. That way you can enjoy the fish cakes with complete peace of mind.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

The fish cakes are easy to turn into a vegan or vegetarian version. Use mashed tofu or chickpeas instead of fish to achieve a similar consistency. In place of egg, you can rely on ground flaxseed or chia seeds as a binder. These alternatives deliver not only a comparable taste but also a healthy helping of plant-based protein for your dish.

More tips and tricks

The fish cakes can be seasoned and adapted however you like. Add chilli or other spices, for example, to give them a hotter edge. The texture can vary too — experiment with more or fewer breadcrumbs to find the perfect consistency. Serve the cakes warm or cold, depending on your preference.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

This recipe offers a brilliant base that is easy to tailor to different preferences. If you fancy trying another type of fish, you can do so without any trouble. Adding various herbs and spices also ensures that every bite is unique. Be bold and let your creativity run free!

Ingredient substitutions

Some ingredients can be swapped easily if they are not available. Instead of fresh dill, dried dill will do, though fresh herbs deliver the best flavour. If you cannot find fresh fish, tinned fish can also stand in, as long as it is well drained and mashed — much like the seafood that shines in a Seafood Kokoda or a Fijian Seafood Chowder. Just make sure your chosen alternatives sit well alongside the rest of the ingredients.

Drink pairing ideas

Light drinks pair wonderfully with these fish cakes. A refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, rounds the dish off perfectly. Alternatively, you could serve a zingy cocktail or a cool, non-alcoholic drink such as a Fresh Coconut Drink. These pairings complement the flavours of the fish cakes and make for a balanced tasting experience.

Serving and presentation ideas

For an attractive presentation, arrange the fish cakes on a handsome wooden board. Garnish the plates with fresh dill or lemon to add extra colour and aroma. Serve the dill sauce in a small bowl alongside the cakes, so everyone can help themselves to as much as they like. A thoughtful arrangement makes the experience even more enjoyable.

A bit of history

The fish cakes of Fiji are not only a delicious dish but also carry an interesting history. The culinary tradition of the Fijian islands draws heavily on fresh seafood and the flavours of the tropics. The pairing of fish with local seasonings reflects the cultural variety and the influence of different cultures on Fijian cooking — the same heritage you taste in classics like Kokoda. This background gives the fish cakes a deeper meaning than mere enjoyment alone.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Fish Cakes with Dill Sauce

In summary, the fish cakes from Fiji are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. They offer a wonderful way to bring the taste of the Pacific into your kitchen. With fresh ingredients, a wealth of flavours and the option to tailor the recipe to your own preferences, they are a true delight. Give this recipe a try and let the cooking of the islands win you over.