Enjoy these delicious and easy-to-make Vegetarian Fish Cakes! It's definitely a healthy, hearty, and tasty Filipino dish that is worth a try. Everyone can pair it with their favorite dipping sauce!
Looking for more Filipino Appetizers? Try my Crispy Kangkong, Filipino Empanadas, or Mushroom Chicharon!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan fish cakes recipe is a Filipino appetizer or snack. This is gluten-free, budget-friendly, beginner-friendly dish. Banana hearts retain their flakiness and lightness while emulating fish. These cakes are low in fat, high in fiber, aid in digestion, and keep you satisfied for longer.
Vegetarian fishcakes cook up nicely, resulting in a crisp texture without deep-frying. You can also use them as an opportunity to incorporate more vegetables into your diet—especially for kids or those who are picky eaters who enjoy fried snacks!
The Story Behind Vegetarian Fish Cakes
These vegan fishcakes are a modern twist on the traditional Filipino comfort food dish, fish cakes, using banana hearts (puso ng saging) to retain the local flavors and to provide a nutritious, meat-free option.
This vegan version of the recipe shows how popular plant-based meals are in the Philippines. Traditional dishes can still be the star of the plate. But it can be with a healthier, more sustainable twist. It's the perfect recipe!
Where Vegetarian Fish Cakes Come From
It all started with home cooks craving seafood but not meat. Banana hearts and salad potatoes became a common local substitution due to their texture and mild flavor. This easy, clever recipe was often seasoned with garlic, herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
And now, it has become the standard for vegetarian and vegan versions of traditional Filipino dishes. Some even add nori sheets or a splash of soy sauce for that real “sea” flavor.
When is this Dish Typically Enjoyed?
These banana heart patties are packed with flavor, very budget-friendly, and perfect for potlucks and picnics. Feel free to serve this with vegan mayo, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dipping sauce of your choice.
And it’s also a great way to enjoy leftovers the next day. Just warm them in a pan-frying skillet or oven and they’ll taste as good as new.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- Vegetable oil
- Banana hearts (dried banana hearts works too)
- Salt
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Egg
- Baking powder
- Ground white pepper
- Breadcrumbs
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Cook the Banana Hearts
1. In a heated skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
2. Sauté chopped banana hearts for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Season with salt and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
Prepare the Patties
4. To the bowl, add flour, milk, egg, baking powder, and ground white pepper.
5. Mix well until a rough dough forms.
6. Divide the mixture into ¼-cup portions and form into small patties.
7. Place the formed patties on a baking sheet.
8. Dredge each patty in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Fry and Serve
9. In the same skillet, heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
10. Fry the breaded patties in batches until golden brown on both sides.
11. Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately with your favorite sauce.
Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
For a different texture, replace banana hearts with tofu or jackfruit.
Make it completely vegan by using oat milk instead of regular milk. - Variation
Add some vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers for added crunch. - Mistake to Avoid
Do not fry at too high a temperature, as it will burn the outside before the inside is cooked. - Storage Tips
- These cakes freeze well for up to 2 weeks. Store them in the fridge with an airtight container or wrap individually in foil.
- For best results, reheat in a pan or air fryer to bring back their crispiness.
FAQs
Vegetarian Fish Cakes
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil divided
- 2 cups banana hearts chopped
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg beaten
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
Cook the Banana Hearts
- In a heated skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Sauté chopped banana hearts for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Season with salt and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
Prepare the Patties
- To the bowl, add flour, milk, egg, baking powder, and ground white pepper.
- Mix well until a rough dough forms.
- Divide the mixture into ¼-cup portions and form into small patties.
- Place the formed patties on a baking sheet.
- Dredge each patty in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Fry and Serve
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Fry the breaded patties in batches until golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately with your favorite sauce.
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Recipes for Every Moment
Looking for a satisfying snack without meat? These Vegetarian Fish Cakes are crispy, hearty, and perfect for a quick weekday meal or packed lunch!
Mark says
This was so delicious! I shared it with my family and friends and they loved it!
Lainey says
Yay! Thank you, Mark! I'm glad that y'all like this recipe. I hope you'll love my other recipes too. Enjoy!
Sweet says
Really??? This is possible?? So cool! I can't wait to try this!
Simply Bakings Kitchen Team says
Right?! It’s amazing what you can make with just a few ingredients! You’re gonna love how easy (and delicious) it turns out — can’t wait for you to try it!