Craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish without spending hours in the kitchen? This Golden Crispy Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry recipe brings you the perfect balance of crispiness, tenderness, and bold Asian-inspired flavors—all in just 30 minutes!
Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy fishcake, packed with tender scallops and fresh herbs, followed by juicy, buttery scallops seared to perfection. Paired with vibrant stir-fried vegetables, this dish is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor and nutrition. If you love quick and delicious dinners, check out this 30-Minute Delicious French Onion Chicken and Rice Recipe! for another easy meal idea!
Whether you’re a seafood lover looking for a quick weeknight meal or want to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe is your go-to. Let’s dive in!
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Why You’ll Love This Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about great taste—it’s designed with quality, expertise, and nutritional value in mind. Here’s why it stands out:
Quick & Effortless
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple steps with no complicated techniques—anyone can master it.
High-Quality Ingredients & Nutrition
- Uses fresh white fish and scallops, packed with lean protein and omega-3s.
- Stir-fried veggies add essential vitamins and fiber for a well-balanced meal.
Expert-Approved Cooking Techniques
- Golden, crispy fishcakes with a light, crunchy coating—just like a professional chef would make.
- Perfectly seared scallops with a buttery, caramelized crust, ensuring tenderness.
Flavorful & Versatile
- Inspired by Asian flavors, blending garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of spice.
- Easily customizable—swap fish types, adjust seasonings, or add your favorite vegetables.
By following this recipe, you’re not just making a meal—you’re crafting a wholesome, high-quality seafood dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. Let’s get started!
Ingredients Needed for Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry
For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s everything you need:

Fishcakes Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
White fish fillet (cod, tilapia) | 1 lb | Tender, flaky base |
Scallops (chopped) | ½ lb | Adds richness and sweetness |
Panko breadcrumbs | 1 cup | Creates a crispy coating |
Egg | 1 | Binds the mixture |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | Enhances flavor |
Cilantro (chopped) | 2 tbsp | Fresh, aromatic touch |
Lime zest | 1 tsp | Adds brightness |
Salt & Pepper | To taste | Balances flavors |
Olive oil | For frying | Achieves golden crispiness |
Stir Fry Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
Large scallops | ½ lb | Juicy, buttery texture |
Bell peppers (sliced) | 1 cup | Adds sweetness & crunch |
Snap peas | ½ cup | Fresh, crisp contrast |
Soy sauce | 2 tbsp | Umami depth |
Garlic butter | 1 tbsp | Rich, savory finish |
Sesame oil | 1 tsp | Boosts aroma |
Red pepper flakes | ½ tsp | Adds a gentle heat |
Green onions (for garnish) | 2 tbsp | Finishing touch |
These carefully chosen ingredients ensure a balanced, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Ready to cook? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crispy Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry
Follow these simple steps to create a crispy, golden fishcake and perfectly seared scallops stir fry in just 30 minutes.

Step 1: Prepare the Fishcake Mixture
- Blend the seafood – In a food processor, pulse white fish and chopped scallops until combined but not over-processed.
- Mix ingredients – In a bowl, combine the seafood blend with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, cilantro, lime zest, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into patties – Form evenly sized fishcakes, about ½ inch thick. Coat lightly with additional breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Step 2: Cook the Fishcakes
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry fishcakes for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Sear the Scallops
- Pat scallops dry with a paper towel for a perfect sear.
- Heat a pan with garlic butter over high heat.
- Sear scallops for 2 minutes per side until golden with a slight crust. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add sesame oil and toss in bell peppers and snap peas.
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add soy sauce and red pepper flakes, tossing everything together.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Return scallops to the pan and mix gently with the stir-fried vegetables.
- Plate alongside the crispy fishcakes, garnishing with green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
With these simple steps, you’ll achieve a perfectly balanced seafood dish—crispy fishcakes, juicy scallops, and vibrant stir-fried veggies in every bite! 🍽️
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
This Golden Crispy Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry is not just delicious—it’s packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Here’s the breakdown per serving:
Nutrient | Amount | Health Benefits |
Calories | 320 kcal | Balanced for a light yet satisfying meal |
Protein | 28g | Supports muscle growth and repair |
Carbohydrates | 18g | Provides energy without excess carbs |
Fats | 14g | Healthy fats from seafood and olive oil |
Omega-3s | High | Promotes heart and brain health |
Vitamin C | 25% DV | Boosts immunity and skin health |
Iron | 15% DV | Essential for oxygen transport in the body |
Calcium | 10% DV | Supports bone health |
This recipe delivers a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins, making it a wholesome and flavorful seafood dish you can enjoy guilt-free!
Tips & Variations for the Best Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Keep it Crispy – Use panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch and fry over medium heat to prevent burning.
- Pat Scallops Dry – Removing excess moisture ensures a perfect golden sear.
- Use Fresh Seafood – Fresh fish and scallops enhance texture and flavor.

Easy Variations
- Swap the Fish – Use salmon for a richer taste, or try a scallop-only version.
- Make It Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Add a Sauce – Serve with cilantro-lime mayo or a light ginger soy glaze for extra depth.
- Spice It Up – Add chili flakes or Sriracha for a kick.
With these simple tweaks, you can customize the dish to your taste while keeping it quick, crispy, and flavorful! Pair this dish with a fun and effortless dessert—try these 3 Easy Cheesecake Fondue Tricks You’ll Adore Instantly! for a sweet finish!
FAQ – Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry Recipe
How do I keep fishcakes from falling apart?
Use fresh fish (not overly watery) and chill the mixture for 15 minutes before shaping. The egg and breadcrumbs act as binders, so don’t skip them!
Can I bake the fishcakes instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. They’ll be crispy but slightly less golden than pan-fried ones.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.
Chef’s Note
For the best Golden Crispy Fishcakes and Scallops Stir-Fry, always use high-quality, fresh seafood—it makes all the difference in texture and flavor. When frying fishcakes, don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps them cook evenly and stay crispy.
If you want a restaurant-style sear on your scallops, make sure the pan is very hot before adding them. A quick pat dry with a paper towel and a touch of garlic butter will give you that golden crust and rich flavor.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment! Whether it’s adding a citrusy dipping sauce, swapping in your favorite veggies, or adjusting the spice level, this dish is versatile and easy to customize. Enjoy!