Bajan Fish Cakes Recipe – How To Make Barbadian Salted Cod Fritters

Looking to make some highly addicting snacks or appetizers? If you’ve never had Bajan Fish Cakes before, prepare to be hooked.

These golden, crispy bites are packed with salted cod, fresh herbs, and a subtle kick from Scotch Bonnet pepper. A staple in Barbadian street food, they’re addictive, snackable, and best eaten piping hot—especially with a drizzle of Barbadian hot sauce.

For Toronto Restaurants Signature Recipes, now you can “travel to Toronto” and get a taste of Barbados at home thanks to Chef Tony Bradshaw, owner of Street Shak Caribbean, who shares his Bajan Fish Cakes recipe for us to enjoy.

Want more snack recipes? Try the Air Fryer Potato Chips and Ninja Speedi Corn on the Cob.

What Are Bajan Fish Cakes?

Bajan Fish Cakes are a beloved Barbadian snack made from salted cod, seasoned generously with onions, garlic, thyme, and a blend of spices. The mixture is folded into a light batter, fried to perfection, and enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish.

Whether served at a beachside shack or a family gathering, they embody the heart of Caribbean comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Barbadian Salted Cod Fritters Recipe

Savory, bite-sized goodness! Barbadian Fish Cakes can be enjoyed anytime: breakfast, lunch or as a snack with your favorite cocktail. Crisp on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside, the fish cakes can be eaten on their own or with sweetened fried dough known as bakes.

– Chef Tony Bradshaw

Think crispy, golden exteriors and tender, flavorful insides. The rich umami of salted cod, the aromatic hit of fresh herbs, and the slight heat from Scotch Bonnet create a perfect balance of taste and texture.

Plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to devour. So if you’re looking to impress your family or guests, you’ll want to make these Barbadian snacks that’s special enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a casual weeknight meal.

The recipe and image for Bajan Fish Cakes was provided by Street Shak Caribbean to be included in this list of Toronto Restaurants Signature Recipes. If you made this Toronto recipe, share you creation on Instagram, and tag @street_shak and @travellingfoodie.

What You Need For Bajan Fish Cakes

Equipment

• Mixing bowl – Where all the magic happens.
• Fork – Perfect for flaking the cod.
• Spoon or scoop – Helps shape the batter into bite-sized portions.
• Frying pan – For shallow-frying the cakes to golden perfection.
• Paper towels – To drain excess oil and keep things crispy.

Salted Cod Fritters Ingredients

• Salted Cod – The star of the show, bringing deep, savory flavor.
• Onions & Green Onions – Add texture and a gentle sweetness.
• Garlic – Because everything tastes better with garlic.
• Scotch Bonnet Pepper – A touch of heat for that signature Caribbean warmth.
• Parsley, Thyme & Marjoram – Fresh herbs round out the flavor beautifully.
• Egg (optional) – Helps bind the batter for a softer texture.
• Flour & Baking Powder – The foundation for a light, fluffy bite.
• Black Pepper – For an extra layer of spice.
• Warm Water – Keeps the batter smooth and easy to work with

How to Make Bajan Fish Cakes from Street Shak Caribbean Toronto

Here’s how you can make these crispy Barbadian Salted Cod Fritters.

1. Prep the cod – Flake the desalted cod using a fork.
2. Mix the batter – Combine flour, baking powder, black pepper, and fresh herbs in a bowl. Add warm water and gently fold everything together. If using an egg, mix it in.
3. Add the cod – Fold in the flaked fish without over-mixing. Adjust the batter with more flour or water if needed.
4. Fry to perfection – Heat oil over medium heat, scoop the batter into small portions, and fry until golden brown. Flip to cook evenly.
5. Serve hot – Drain on paper towels and enjoy with Barbadian hot sauce.

FAQs and Helpful Tips for Barbadian Fish Cakes for Beginners

If it’s your first time making chilled asparagus soup, don’t worry. A few simple tricks will get you there.

About Street Shak Caribbean Catering

The inspiration for Street Shak came from the food that owner/operator Tony Bradshaw enjoyed while growing up in Barbados. These dishes along with other Caribbean favorites have been elevated and are freshly made.

What Dishes To Serve With Bajan Salted Cod Fritters

Here’s what you can serve with Barbadian fish cakes as snacks or to make it a meal:

• Cobb Salad
• Ninja Speedi Home Fries
• Instant Pot Jerk Ribs
• Ninja Speedi Mexican Fish & Rice
• Dip with Guacamole

Street Shak Caribbean’s Bajan Fish Cakes Recipe

Be sure to bookmark/save/pin this post so you know how to make Barbadian Salted Cod Fritters from Street Shak Caribbean Toronto at home!

I would love to see how this recipe worked for you! Please share your creations with me on social media and tag me so I can check them out: @TravellingFoodie on Instagram & Facebook and @TravellinFoodie on Twitter.

Hope this Bajan Fish Cakes recipe gives you an idea on what Caribbean food to make for your appetizers or snacks. Whether you’re making it for a dinner party or just wanting to nibble for yourself, it’s a great way to get a taste of Barbados.

Let me know what other snacks or Bajan food recipes you’d like to see or from which Toronto restaurant.