Quinoa-Coated Salmon & Sweet Potato Fishcakes Recipe
Introduction
These quinoa-coated salmon and sweet potato fishcakes combine tender, flaky salmon with creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy quinoa crust. They make a delicious and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or lunch.

Ingredients
- 750g sweet potatoes (about 4 medium sized)
- 65g quinoa (red and black mix, if possible)
- 1 tbsp oil, plus a little extra for brushing
- 240g skinless and boneless salmon fillets
- Small bunch of chives, chopped
- 90g watercress
- 200g frozen peas, cooked
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash the sweet potatoes and prick them a few times with a fork. Cook in the microwave for around 10 minutes (time may vary based on size), or bake in the oven at 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 for about 45 minutes. Scoop out the flesh into a bowl and reserve the skins if you want to make crisps.
- Step 2: Place the quinoa in a saucepan and pour over 150ml boiling water. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 15 minutes until the water is absorbed. Drain well, spread the quinoa on a plate, and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the salmon fillets for a few minutes on each side until cooked through. Transfer the salmon to the bowl with the sweet potato, add the chopped chives, and mix well to break up the fish. Season to taste.
- Step 4: Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4. Shape the mixture into eight equal-sized fishcakes. Dip each fishcake into the quinoa, pressing to coat fully. Place on a baking tray lined with baking parchment and brush with a little oil.
- Step 5: Bake the fishcakes for 15-20 minutes until golden and crisp. Serve with watercress, cooked peas, and optional sweet potato crisps made from the reserved skins.
Tips & Variations
- Use the discarded sweet potato skins to make crispy chips: drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, or smoked paprika, and bake at 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4 until crisp.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the fishcake mixture before shaping.
- You can substitute the peas with green beans or a fresh salad for variety.
Storage
Store leftover fishcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or in a non-stick pan to maintain their crisp coating. They can also be frozen before baking—freeze shaped fishcakes on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of salmon?
Yes, firm white fish like cod or haddock can be used, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Adjust cooking times as needed.
Is quinoa necessary for the coating?
Quinoa adds a lovely crunch and a boost of protein, but you could use panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as an alternative coating.
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Quinoa-Coated Salmon & Sweet Potato Fishcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 fishcakes 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These quinoa-coated salmon and sweet potato fishcakes offer a wholesome and flavorful twist on traditional fishcakes. Sweet potatoes provide a creamy base, while the salmon adds rich protein, all encased in a crispy quinoa coating for added texture. Served alongside fresh watercress and peas, this dish is a nutritious, colorful, and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 750g sweet potatoes (about 4 medium sized)
- 65g quinoa (red and black mix, if possible)
- 1 tbsp oil, plus a little extra for brushing
- 240g skinless and boneless salmon fillets
- small bunch of chives, chopped
- 90g watercress
- 200g frozen peas, cooked
Optional Ingredients for Sweet Potato Crisps
- Sweet potato skins (reserved from the sweet potatoes)
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt and pepper or smoked paprika for seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Wash the sweet potatoes and prick each a few times with a fork. Cook them in the microwave for around 10 minutes, adjusting time for size, or alternatively bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4) for about 45 minutes. Once cooked, scoop out the flesh into a bowl and reserve the skins for optional crisps.
- Prepare the Quinoa: Place the quinoa in a saucepan and pour over 150ml boiling water. Cover with a lid and simmer for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Drain any excess liquid, then spread the quinoa out on a plate and set aside to cool.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat a frying pan with a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Fry the salmon fillets for a few minutes on each side until cooked through. Transfer the salmon to the bowl with the sweet potato flesh, add the chopped chives, and mix well, breaking the fish into flakes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Form and Coat Fishcakes: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4). Form the salmon and sweet potato mixture into eight equal-sized fishcakes. Dip each fishcake into the quinoa on the plate, coating fully and pressing gently to help the quinoa stick. Place the coated fishcakes on a baking tray lined with baking parchment, brush lightly with olive oil.
- Bake the Fishcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa coating is golden and crispy. Remove from the oven and keep warm.
- Prepare the Sides: Serve the fishcakes with fresh watercress and cooked peas. Optionally, make sweet potato crisps by drizzling reserved sweet potato skins with olive oil, seasoning with salt, pepper, or smoked paprika, and baking at 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4) until crisp.
Notes
- Microwaving the sweet potatoes is a quick alternative to baking, but baking enhances flavor and texture.
- Red and black quinoa mix adds visual appeal and a nutty flavor, but any quinoa can be used.
- Make sure to press the quinoa into the fishcakes firmly for a better crisp coating.
- Leftover sweet potato skins can be transformed into delicious crisps, reducing waste and adding a crunchy side.
- Adjust seasoning after mixing the fish and sweet potato to suit your taste preference.
- Cook peas according to package instructions or until tender before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Modern British
Keywords: salmon fishcakes, quinoa coated fishcakes, sweet potato fishcakes, healthy fishcakes, baked fishcakes, quinoa recipes, low fat fish recipes

