Fish burgers? We've all done beef burgers and fish cakes so why not try a Thai fish burger?
These fish burgers are very low in fat, taste great and work well on the barbecue too. This is a quick and easy dish which is also great for entertaining.
They are perfect for preparing in advance and the flavours mean that you might even win over a few fish phobics too!
What are the ingredients for the fish burgers?
Fish is generally expensive, wherever you live so for this recipe I am using frozen white fish fillets. In the UK and France this tends to be hake, which has a mild flavour and is naturally low in fat.
Youlwill need 500g for 4 people.
For the Thai flavours
- 1 lemon grass stalk
- 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste from a jar
- 2 long red chillies
- 15 g fresh coriander
- 20 g ginger root
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
You will also need
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoon of plain or all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 like quartered to serve
Ingredient variations
It really doesn't matter what type of fish you use but it does need to be skinless and boneless. As the fish is going to be mixed with strong flavours there is no need to use a more expensive fish. Other fish you could use that are available in the UK are basa or pollack.
If you can't get hold of lemon grass try using the zest of a lemon or lime.
If you are not keen on heat thenreduce or leave out the chillies. You could use a small amount of chopped red bell peppers for colour.
How to make the fish burgers
Start by chopping the fish into chunks.
If you are using frozen fish make sure that it is well thawed and place it in a colander over the sink. It's really important to squeeze out all the excess water ot the fish burgers will not stick together. You can use your hands to squeeze but I find it's easier to used a potato masher over the colander.
Lay the fish on some kitchen paper while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Rough chop the chillies, ginger, lemon grass and coriander and put in the food processor with the egg, sugar, fish sauce and red curry paste. Process until well combined.
Add the fish and pulse a few times until well combined. If the mixture still seems too wet add a tablespoon of flour.
Divide the mixture into four burgers using the flour to coat.
Refrigerate for the fish burgers for 30 minutes. I find this helps them to firm up and make them easier to fry.
Heat the oil to medium in a non stick frying pan and add the burgers. They are quite thick so allow about 3-4 minutes a side. They are quite robust so you could griddle them or cook them on a well oiled grill or barbecue too.
You can serve these straightaway or cool and reheat, or freeze later.
If you fancy another gurger with a difference try these homemade Beef Burgers Stuffed with Stilton.
What to serve with these burgers
I love to serve these heaped with Asian Coleslaw and nestled in a toasted bun!
More fish dishes to try
- Crispy Miso Cod
- Baked Szechuan Salt and Pepper Prawns
- Salmon Gravlax with Gin and Juniper
- Baked Sefood Parcels
- Seared Scallops on Peas with Chorizo
- Squid Stuffed with Prawns and Crab
📋 Recipe
Thai Fish Burgers
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
- 500 g white fish
- 1 lemon grass stalk chopped (or zest of 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Thai red curry paste
- 2 long red chillies chopped
- 15 g coriander chopped
- 20 g ginger chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoon plain flour to coat the burgers
- 1 tablespoon oil for frying
- 1 lime quartered to serve to serve
Instructions
- Cut the fish into chunks and squeeze out excess water.
- Rough chop the coriander, chillies and ginger and put in a food processor.
- Process to a paste then add the fish and pulse until well combined.
- Put the flour on a plate and divide the mixture into patties before dusting in flour.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before frying.
- Heat the oil in a pan and fry for about 4 minutes each side.
- Serve with the lime.
Notes
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Detailed instructions for this recipe, including step by step photographs, hints and tips, can be found in the main article.
Thai Fish Burgers was originally published on the 15th May 2016 and has been updated with new pictures and content.
Food safety
We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Amanda
Thanks Karen!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
What a great idea Amanda, I've pinned your recipe. Thank You!
Amanda
Thanks so much Taylor!
Amanda
Thanks Traci!
Amanda
Thanks Jessica.
Amanda
Thanks Toni. I'm so glad!
Amanda
Thanks Farah!
Taylor Kiser
This is my new favorite way to enjoy fish! So creative and delicious!
Traci
You had me at Thai! This recipe is easy enough and packed with flavor! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Jessica Formicola
We had these burgers for dinner last night and they were incredible! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Toni
My family really loved it!! Quickly become a new favorite at my house!
Farah Maizar
These look fantastic! So much flavor in one patty- I love the idea of these fish burgers thank you for the recipe!
Amanda
Hi. Thanks for the feedback. I've made the recipe many times and it's really important to literally squeeze out as much moisture from the fish as possible. If you've already processed it and it's still too wet then I would recommend adding a tbsp of flour or some fresh breadcrumbs. I am planning on rewriting the recipe to reflect this as it's so annoying when something does not turn out as you expect. Thanks again.
John B
It may have been something I did but it didn't work. The paste was very wet even after squeezing and would not mould. The cooked patties had little or no flavour. Sorry.
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Thank you Lana. You are very kind. I think we have some similarities! 🙂
Lana-Once Upon a Spice
I have been looking for this recipe forever! Thank you for posting! What a wonderful blog you have!
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Thank you Nandini. Definitely can't go wrong with chillies, ginger and coriander.
Nandini
Love thai food and am sure these must be equally delicious 🙂
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Thanks very much Chef Mimi. I'm a victim of Thai flavours in everything too! The flavours are so good for summer and trying to be healthy! 🙂
chef mimi
These look and sound fabulous! I love using Thai flavors in just about everything!
stevenanthony123456
Love this dish!