Thai Fish Cakes with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce

Lora Lopez

Posted on April 27, 2025

If you’re looking for an exciting and flavorful dish to impress your guests or simply treat yourself, look no further than Thai Fish Cakes with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce. These delightful little patties are a staple in Thai cuisine, known for their crispy exterior and tender, flavorful interior. The combination of fresh fish, aromatic herbs, and zesty spices creates a burst of flavor in every bite, making them an irresistible appetizer or main course. Paired with a sweet and tangy chili lime sauce, these fish cakes are perfect for dipping and are sure to become a family favorite.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create these delicious Thai Fish Cakes with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce at home. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll find that this dish is easy to prepare and incredibly rewarding. Let’s dive into why you will love making this dish and how you can impress your family and friends with your cooking skills.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about Thai Fish Cakes with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce is their versatility. You can serve them as a starter, a main course, or even as part of a larger Thai-inspired meal. They are perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to fancy gatherings.

Flavorful: The blend of red curry paste, fish sauce, and fresh herbs brings an explosion of flavor that is both authentic and satisfying. Each bite is packed with the essence of Thai cuisine, making them a true delight for your taste buds.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these fish cakes in no time. The entire process is beginner-friendly, ensuring that you can impress without stress.
Healthy Option: Made with white fish and fresh ingredients, these fish cakes are a healthier alternative to many fried appetizers. Serve them with a salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Perfect for Dipping: The sweet chili lime sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang that complements the savory fish cakes beautifully. It’s an excellent way to enhance the overall dish and offers a fun interactive element for your guests.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Aside from their delicious taste, there are several reasons to try making Thai Fish Cakes with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce. First, this recipe allows you to explore the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine right in your kitchen. Ingredients like red curry paste and fish sauce are essential to Thai cooking, and using them in this recipe will expand your culinary repertoire.

Additionally, this dish is highly customizable. If you have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, you can easily adapt the recipe. For instance, if you prefer a spicier kick, you can add more chili paste or serve with additional hot sauce. Alternatively, you can use different types of fish or even substitute with tofu for a vegetarian version.

Moreover, these fish cakes are excellent for meal prep. You can make a larger batch, freeze them, and enjoy them later. Simply reheat them in the oven or pan-fry them again for a quick and tasty meal.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

To make Thai Fish Cakes with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Fish Cakes:
- 500g white fish fillets (such as cod or tilapia), skinless and boneless
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon green onions, finely chopped
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
For the Sweet Chili Lime Sauce:
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Recommended Tools or Utensils

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience much smoother. Here are some essential utensils you’ll need:

Food processor: For blending the fish and other ingredients into a smooth mixture.
Large skillet: For frying the fish cakes to a perfect golden brown.
Mixing bowls: To combine the ingredients easily.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you use the correct amounts of each ingredient.
Spatula: For flipping the fish cakes while frying.
Paper towels: For draining excess oil from the fried fish cakes.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients and tools, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create your Thai Fish Cakes with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce:

Prepare the Fish Mixture: Start by placing the white fish fillets in a food processor. To this, add the red curry paste, fish sauce, lime juice, chopped cilantro, green onions, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it is smooth but still retains some texture. This will ensure your fish cakes have a nice bite.
Form the Fish Cakes: Transfer the fish mixture to a mixing bowl. Add the beaten egg and breadcrumbs, mixing until everything is well combined. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add more breadcrumbs until it holds together well. Shape the mixture into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter. This size is perfect for frying and ensures even cooking.
Fry the Fish Cakes: Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the fish cakes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a spatula to flip them gently to avoid breaking. Once cooked, remove the fish cakes and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Make the Sweet Chili Lime Sauce: While the fish cakes are frying, you can prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, lime juice, and soy sauce. Mix well and adjust the taste as needed. If you like it sweeter, add more sweet chili sauce; for more tanginess, add extra lime juice.
Serve: Serve the crispy fish cakes hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Place the sweet chili lime sauce in a small bowl for dipping. Enjoy your creation with family and friends!

FAQs

What type of fish is best for Thai fish cakes?

White fish fillets such as cod or tilapia work best for making Thai fish cakes. These types of fish have a mild flavor and firm texture, making them ideal for this recipe.

Can I make Thai fish cakes in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the fish mixture in advance and shape them into patties. Store them in the refrigerator for up to a day or freeze them for longer storage. Just fry them when you’re ready to serve!

What can I serve with Thai fish cakes?

Thai fish cakes pair well with a variety of sides. You can serve them with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or even rice. The sweet chili lime sauce also complements many dishes.

How do I store leftover Thai fish cakes?

Store leftover Thai fish cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven to retain their crispiness before serving.

Can I make Thai fish cakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can make Thai fish cakes gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring that the sauces you use are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

Thai Fish Cakes with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce are not just a delectable dish but also a wonderful way to bring the flavors of Thailand into your home. With their crispy exterior and flavorful fish filling, they are sure to become a hit at your table. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments section below or try this recipe and let us know how it turned out for you. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Pinterest page for inspiration, and explore other fantastic dishes like Crispy Tofu Nuggets or Sweet and Sour Chicken Meatballs.

We hope you enjoyed this recipe for Thai Fish Cakes with Sweet Chili Lime Sauce and look forward to seeing you again for more culinary adventures!