🐟 Thai Fish Cakes (Tod Mun Pla) Recipe
Crispy, spicy, and full of Thai flavor — these authentic Thai Fish Cakes (Tod Mun Pla) are made with white fish, red curry paste, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish with sweet chili sauce!
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or snapper), chopped
- 2 tbsp Thai red curry paste
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 kaffir lime leaf, finely sliced (optional but adds aroma)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped green beans
- 2 tbsp rice flour or cornstarch
- Oil for frying
For serving:
- Sweet chili sauce or cucumber relish
👩🍳 Instructions
-
Prepare the fish mixture:
In a food processor, combine chopped fish, red curry paste, egg, fish sauce, and sugar.
Blend until smooth and sticky. -
Add texture:
Mix in sliced lime leaf, chopped green beans, and rice flour. Stir until well combined. -
Shape the cakes:
Form small, flat patties about 2–3 inches wide. -
Heat oil:
In a skillet or wok, heat oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking. -
Fry the cakes:
Fry each fish cake for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. -
Serve:
Drain on paper towels and serve hot with sweet chili sauce or Thai cucumber relish.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a starter with Thai peanut sauce or sweet chili dip.
- Pair with Thai fried rice or papaya salad (Som Tum) for a full meal.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for extra zest.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Store uncooked fish cakes in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Reheat in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
❓ FAQs
Q1. What type of fish works best for Thai fish cakes?
White fish like cod, tilapia, or snapper works best because they blend easily and absorb Thai flavors well.
Q2. Can I bake the fish cakes instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q3. Are Thai fish cakes spicy?
They are mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less red curry paste.
Q4. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use cornstarch or rice flour and ensure your curry paste is gluten-free.
Q5. What sauce goes best with Thai fish cakes?
Traditional Thai sweet chili sauce or cucumber relish (Nam Jim Arai) complements them perfectly.
🍛 Similar Recipes You May Like:
- Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai) – Creamy coconut soup with chicken and lemongrass.
- Thai Green Curry – Fragrant curry with coconut milk and fresh herbs.
- Thai Fried Rice – Savory rice dish with Thai sauces and vegetables.
- Som Tum (Thai Papaya Salad) – Tangy and spicy salad that pairs beautifully with fried dishes.
- Pad Thai – Classic stir-fried noodle dish with tamarind and peanuts.

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