⏱ 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.
I’ve made these fish patties many times at home, and from experience, getting the filling well-seasoned and the dough soft but not sticky makes the biggest difference.
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.
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
Tip: Use fresh fish if possible, but canned fish also works well for a quick version.
How to Make Fish Patty (Step-by-Step)
Now let’s go through the full process step by step so everything comes together properly.
Step 1
- Put the flour in a bowl, then add salt and mix it.
- Now add the butter to it, knead it into a soft dough (similar to coconut roti dough).
- 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.
- I’ve noticed that letting the dough rest properly makes the patties softer and easier to shape.
Step 2
- Put the minced fish and potatoes in a bowl and mix well.
- Heat a pan with oil.
- When the oil is hot, add curry leaves, 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
Step 3
- 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.
💡 Tips for Perfect Fish Patties
Here are a few simple tips that will help you get better results every time.
- 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
Sri Lankan Fish Patties Recipe (Crispy & Delicious)
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with chili sauce
- Best with tea
- Add a fresh salad
- Serve hot with chili sauce or ketchup for the best taste.
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Keep in fridge for 2 days
- Freeze up to 1 month
- You can store uncooked patties in the fridge for a few hours before frying.
🔥 Common Mistakes
- Dough too soft → patties break
- Oil too hot → burn outside, raw inside
- Filling too wet → soggy patties
Watch how to make crispy fish patties step-by-step
Here are some common questions people usually ask when making fish patties.
❓ 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.
📌 Conclusion
Homemade Sri Lankan fish patties are crispy on the outside and packed with a delicious spicy filling inside. These homemade fish patties are simple, crispy, and perfect for tea time. Once you try making them at home, you’ll see how easy it is to get that classic Sri Lankan short eats taste with basic ingredients. Check our Crispy Cutlet Recipe. Try this recipe and share your experience in the comments.
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