Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry Recipe Gone Viral

Ever craved a seafood dish that’s both elegant and effortless? This fishcakes and scallops stir fry recipe might just be your new go-to. Combining the crispy charm of homemade fishcakes with the delicate richness of pan-seared scallops, it’s a dish that brings bold flavor to your plate in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with an Asian seafood stir fry, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication. The sizzling aroma of garlic and ginger, the vibrant pop of stir-fried veggies, and the savory punch of a silky stir fry sauce—every bite is a celebration of textures and taste.

Let’s dive in and bring this viral-worthy dish to life, one sizzling stir at a time!

🐟 Why This Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry Is a Must-Try

When it comes to creating a dish that’s quick, flavorful, and visually stunning, this fishcakes and scallops stir fry ticks all the boxes. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing guests, it’s a seafood stir fry that delivers on every level. Let’s explore what makes it truly special:

🍽️ A Perfect Balance of Flavor and Texture

From the first bite, you’re greeted with a satisfying contrast—crispy fishcakes with tender, flaky centers and pan-seared scallops that are buttery-soft with a golden crust. Add in stir-fried veggies and a bold garlic-ginger sauce, and every forkful becomes a flavor-packed experience.

⏱️ Quick and Easy for Busy Weeknights

Don’t let the elegance of this dish fool you—it’s ready in under 30 minutes. With minimal prep and fast cooking time, it’s ideal for those nights when you want something delicious and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

🥦 Nutrient-Rich Without Compromising Taste

This stir fry is as wholesome as it is flavorful. Loaded with lean protein from the fishcakes and scallops stir fry recipe, fiber-rich vegetables, and heart-healthy oils like sesame, it offers a balanced meal that fuels your body—without skimping on indulgent flavor.

🎉 A Crowd-Pleaser with Visual Appeal

Golden, crispy seafood. Vibrant veggies. A glossy stir fry glaze. This dish looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for entertaining or elevating your everyday dinner routine. It’s that kind of “Wow, you made this?!” recipe that keeps people talking.

🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need for the Ultimate Stir Fry

The beauty of this fishcakes and scallops stir fry recipe lies in its simplicity—fresh, flavorful ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this savory seafood stir fry to life:

🐟 Key Proteins – Scallops and Homemade Fishcakes

At the heart of this dish are two irresistible seafood stars:

• Scallops, known for their sweet, delicate flavor and buttery texture, sear beautifully and cook in minutes.
• Homemade fishcakes offer a satisfying contrast—crispy on the outside, soft and flaky inside. You can use cod, haddock, or even salmon depending on your preference.

These two proteins work in harmony, delivering a rich and varied bite that feels indulgent yet balanced.

🧄 Essential Aromatics – Garlic, Ginger, and Spring Onion

No stir fry is complete without bold aromatics. This trio sets the foundation for deep, authentic flavor:

• Garlic: Adds warmth and depth.
• Ginger: Brings a peppery, slightly sweet kick.
• Spring onion: Offers brightness and crunch that ties everything together.

Sautéing these aromatics at the start fills your kitchen with that classic Asian stir fry aroma—mouthwatering and unforgettable.

🥢 Stir Fry Sauce Components – Soy, Sesame Oil, and More

The stir fry sauce is where all the flavors unite. You’ll need:

• Soy sauce (or low-sodium version) for umami richness
• Sesame oil for nutty depth
• A touch of rice vinegar or lime juice for acidity
• Optional honey or brown sugar to balance the salt and spice

Whisk these together before cooking for a glossy, flavorful glaze that clings to every bite.

🫑 Optional Add-Ins – Bell Peppers, Snow Peas, Chili Flakes

This dish is incredibly versatile—feel free to get creative with your veggies and heat level. Some great options include:

• Red or yellow bell peppers for sweetness and crunch
• Snow peas for a fresh, juicy snap
• Chili flakes or sliced red chili if you love a spicy kick

These add-ins boost not only flavor and texture but also make your stir fry burst with color and visual appeal.

🔥 Step-by-Step Guide to Making It Perfect Every Time

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the process. This step-by-step guide will ensure your fishcakes and scallops stir fry recipe comes out perfectly every time. With a few simple techniques, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s both satisfying and beautiful.

🍽️ Prepping and Searing the Fishcakes

Start by preparing the homemade fishcakes (or store-bought if you prefer). Here’s how to get them just right:

1. Form the fishcakes: If making your own, shape the fish mixture into small patties. Coat them lightly in breadcrumbs for a crisp exterior.
2. Preheat your pan: Heat a bit of oil in a non-stick skillet or wok over medium heat.
3. Sear until golden: Place the fishcakes in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside to keep warm.

The goal is to get a crispy outer layer with a tender, flaky inside—these fishcakes should be the perfect contrast to the tender scallops!

🦑 How to Cook Scallops for That Golden Crust

Perfectly cooked scallops are all about achieving a crisp golden crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Here’s how:

1. Pat dry: Gently pat the scallops with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear properly without steaming.
2. Season and heat the pan: Season the scallops with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of sesame oil in your skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the scallops: Add the scallops to the hot pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they release easily from the pan and have a golden crust.
4. Remove and set aside: Once cooked, remove the scallops from the pan and set them aside with the fishcakes.

The key here is to not overcook the scallops—just a few minutes on each side to keep them tender inside with a lovely, crispy finish on the outside.

🥕 Stir-Frying the Vegetables for Crunch

The veggies should maintain their crunch to balance the softness of the seafood. Here’s how to get them just right:

1. Prepare the vegetables: Slice your bell peppers, snow peas, and spring onions. You can also add mushrooms, carrots, or any stir-fry favorites.
2. Heat your wok or skillet: Add a little more sesame oil to the pan, heating over medium-high heat.
3. Toss the veggies: Add the vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. You want them to be slightly tender but still have a crisp bite.
4. Add aromatics: Toss in the garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

This quick stir-fry helps retain the veggies’ natural flavor and color, while still offering a satisfying crunch.

🍲 Combining and Glazing with the Sauce

Now that the seafood and veggies are cooked to perfection, it’s time to bring everything together:

1. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared stir fry sauce (soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, etc.) into the pan with the vegetables. Stir to coat evenly.
2. Return fishcakes and scallops: Gently add the fishcakes and scallops back into the pan. Toss everything together so the sauce glazes the seafood and vegetables evenly.
3. Simmer briefly: Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Taste and adjust: Check the seasoning and add a little more soy sauce or a squeeze of lime if needed.

Once everything is well-coated with the sauce and heated through, your stir fry is ready to serve!

🌟 Tips, Variations, and Flavor Boosters

To make this fishcakes and scallops stir fry recipe even more personalized, here are some tips, tweaks, and variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. From spice adjustments to clever substitutions, these ideas will help you elevate your dish every time.

🌶️ Make It Spicier or Sweeter – Sauce Tweaks

The stir fry sauce is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to suit your mood:

• For a spicy kick: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or freshly sliced red chili to the sauce for a fiery twist. If you want it extra spicy, toss a few whole dried chilies into the pan while cooking.
• For a sweeter finish: Add a touch of honey, brown sugar, or even pineapple juice to the sauce. The sweetness will balance out the savory flavors and add a hint of tropical flair.

Feel free to experiment with these tweaks until you find the perfect balance for your palate!

🥗 Swapping Ingredients for Dietary Needs

This stir fry is easy to customize for various dietary preferences or restrictions:

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free while maintaining its signature umami flavor.
• Low-Carb: Swap fishcakes for a low-carb option like cauliflower rice or skip the carbs altogether for a pure seafood and veggie feast.
• Vegetarian or Vegan: Skip the seafood entirely and substitute the fishcakes with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Ensure the stir fry sauce is free from fish-based ingredients like oyster sauce if needed.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce the salt content without sacrificing flavor.

These swaps make the recipe inclusive for almost every dietary requirement without losing the delicious flavors you love.

⏳ Time-Saving Tips for Busy Home Cooks

If you’re short on time, here are a few tricks to make this dish even quicker and easier:

• Pre-made fishcakes: Skip the step of making fishcakes from scratch and use store-bought options. Look for high-quality, minimally processed fishcakes for the best results.
• Frozen scallops: Frozen scallops work perfectly in this recipe—just be sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry before cooking.
• Veggie prep: Use pre-chopped or frozen veggies like snow peas and bell peppers to save time on cutting. You can also use a pre-made stir-fry vegetable mix.
• One-pan cooking: If you’re in a real rush, cook the scallops, fishcakes, and veggies in the same pan in stages to cut down on cleanup time.

With these time-saving tips, you can have a flavorful, nutritious meal on the table in no time.

🍚 Creative Twists – Serving Over Noodles or Rice Bowls

Take your stir fry to the next level by serving it in fun and creative ways:

• Serve over noodles: For a heartier meal, serve your stir fry over cooked egg noodles, rice noodles, or soba noodles. The sauce will soak into the noodles, creating an extra layer of flavor.
• Rice bowls: For a comforting, all-in-one meal, serve the stir fry over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. The rice will absorb all the delicious sauce, giving each bite a satisfying depth of flavor.
• Lettuce wraps: For a low-carb alternative, serve the stir fry in large romaine or iceberg lettuce leaves. Simply spoon the stir fry into the lettuce wraps and enjoy a fresh, crisp bite.

These serving suggestions can turn this simple stir fry into a customizable, crowd-pleasing meal for any occasion.

❓ FAQs and Serving Suggestions

As you make your fishcakes and scallops stir fry recipe, you might have some questions. Here are the answers to help guide you through the process, along with some great serving suggestions to complement this delicious dish.

🐟 What Type of Fish Works Best in Fishcakes?

When making your own fishcakes, the key is to choose fish with a mild flavor and firm texture that will hold up during cooking. The best options are:

• Cod: A mild, flaky fish that’s perfect for fishcakes.
• Haddock: Another great choice, with a slightly firmer texture.
• Salmon: If you want a richer flavor, salmon works wonderfully, especially if you want to add a bit of color.
• Pollock: A budget-friendly alternative that’s also mild and flaky.

Feel free to experiment with different fish based on your preferences. For a mix of flavors, you can even use a combination of white fish and salmon!

🧊 Can I Use Frozen Scallops or Fishcakes?

Yes! Both frozen scallops and frozen fishcakes are great time-saving options. If using frozen scallops, be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure a nice sear. For frozen fishcakes, simply cook them directly from frozen or thaw them in the fridge overnight before preparing. The texture and flavor will still be fantastic!

Frozen options can make this dish incredibly convenient while still delivering on taste and quality.

🥢 What Side Dishes Pair Well With This Stir Fry?

This fishcakes and scallops stir fry recipe is a standalone meal, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes to round out your meal:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: A simple, fragrant side that complements the rich stir fry sauce.
• Garlic Butter Noodles: For a slightly indulgent side, serve your stir fry over buttered noodles infused with garlic.
• Asian-Inspired Salad: A crisp cabbage slaw or cucumber salad with a sesame dressing adds a fresh, crunchy contrast.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or sweet potatoes would add an earthy flavor to balance the seafood’s richness.

Feel free to experiment with different sides based on what you have on hand, but these suggestions are sure to be crowd-pleasers!

🍱 Can I Meal Prep This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, this stir fry can be meal-prepped for the week, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Fishcakes: You can make and freeze the fishcakes ahead of time. Just cook them from frozen when you’re ready to serve.
• Scallops: It’s best to cook the scallops fresh, as they can become rubbery when reheated.
• Stir fry: You can prep the vegetables, aromatics, and sauce ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge. Then, just stir-fry everything together when you’re ready to eat.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve the texture.

Meal prepping the components allows for a quick and easy dinner during the week, without sacrificing flavor!