⏱ Prep Time: 20 mins | 🔥 Cook Time: 30 mins | 🍽 Servings: 8
Sri Lankan fish patties are one of the most loved short eats, known for their crispy golden crust and spicy, flavorful filling. These homemade patties are much tastier and healthier than bakery versions, and they are perfect for tea time or special occasions. In this recipe, you will learn how to make perfectly flaky and crispy fish patties step by step.
These Sri Lankan fish patties are crispy on the outside and soft inside, filled with a flavorful tuna and potato mixture. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for tea time snacks, parties, or a quick bite.
These homemade fish patties are simple to make and perfect for beginners. With a crispy outer layer and flavorful filling, they are a favorite snack for any occasion. You can also try our Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Recipe.
Below is a simple step-by-step guide to making crispy fish patties at home.
Ingredients for the patty dough
- 🔸 300 g flour
- 🔸 75 g butter
- 🔸 1 teaspoon salt
- 🔸 A little ice water
Ingredients for the patty filling
- 🔸 200 g of boiled and mashed fish, either kelavallo (Yellowfin Tuna) or talapath (Sailfish), with a little salt and turmeric powder
- 🔸 100 g of boiled and mashed potatoes
- 🔸 1 large onion, finely chopped.
- 🔸 Some finely chopped leek leaves.
- 🔸 2 finely chopped green chilies
- 🔸 1/2 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste
- 🔸 2 crushed cardamom pods, a clove.
- 🔸 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
- 🔸 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 🔸 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 🔸 A little curry powder.
- 🔸 2 tablespoons of oil
- 🔸 Salt to taste
How to Make Fish Patty Dough (Step-by-Step)

- Put the flour in a bowl, then add salt and mix it.
- Now add the butter to it, knead it well with your hands and mix it into the flour.
- Then add ice water little by little and knead it into a coconut roti base.

- If you like, you can make it right away.
- But after about an hour, the patties will rise nicely after being made.
- Now cover it and let it sit for about an hour.
How to Make Fish Patty Filling (Easy Method)

- Put the minced fish and potatoes in a bowl and mix well.
- Heat a pan with oil.
- When the oil is hot, add the ramekin, curry leaves, onion, ginger garlic paste, cardamom, cloves, green chilies and saute.

- When they are fried, add the leek leaves.
- Then add the five spices and salt as required and saute for a while.
How to Shape and Fry Fish Patties

- Now add the fish and potato mixture to this.
- Stir well and remove from the heat after a while.
- Then add some lime juice and stir.

- Then roll out the patty dough thinly and cut into circles, put some of the filling in the middle and fold in half.
- Now press well with your hands and seal well with a fork.
- Then fry and eat.
🟢 Health Benefits of Fish Patties
- ✔️ Fish is a protein-rich food, which helps build and repair body tissues.
- ✔️ Fish like tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids. It supports heart and brain health.
- ✔️ When baked or air-fried, fish patties become a low-fat, healthy snack option.
- ✔️ The addition of potatoes and spices provides the body with energy and essential nutrients.
💡 Tips for Perfect Fish Patties
- If you are making baked patties, mix 300g of flour with 150g of butter and knead the dough with ice water as before.
- Also, bake for 20-25 minutes at 190-200 C.
- Seal edges tightly
- But the time and temperature I mentioned may vary from oven to oven.
- Don’t forget to preheat the oven and do an egg wash before putting the patties in the oven to bake.
- Use raw ingredients (butter) at room temperature.
- Fry on medium heat
- Use cold water (water from the fridge) to knead the mixture.
- I made the filling the way I usually make it.
- You can make patty dough with whatever you like. (You may have some leftover)
- No matter how you make the filling, try adding a few more leek leaves. It gives it a nice flavor.
- Do not overfill the patties

🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with chili sauce
- Best with tea
- Add a fresh salad
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Keep in fridge for 2 days
- Freeze up to 1 month
🔥 Common Mistakes
- Dough too soft → patties break
- Oil too hot → burn outside, raw inside
- Filling too wet → soggy patties
📌 Conclusion
Homemade Sri Lankan fish patties are crispy on the outside and packed with a delicious spicy filling inside. This easy recipe helps you make bakery-style patties at home with simple ingredients. Try this recipe today and enjoy a perfect homemade snack with your family. Check our Crispy Cutlet Recipe. Try this recipe and share your experience in the comments.
Watch how to make crispy fish patties step-by-step:
❓ FAQ Section
Can I bake fish patties instead of frying?
Yes, you can, bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20–25 minutes, flip halfway (after ~12 minutes).
What fish is best for patties?
Yes, I used Tuna. That’s the best type of fish for this. But you can use fish like Seer Fish, Mackerel, and Salmon.
Can I freeze the patties?
They can be kept in the refrigerator for 2 days, and frozen for about a month.
OUR BEST RECIPE FOR YOU