Transport yourself to the sunny shores of the Caribbean with this delightful recipe for Cayman Islands Bajan Fish Cakes. Bursting with flavor and tradition, these savory bites are a beloved culinary treasure of the region. Made with fresh fish, aromatic herbs, and a hint of spice, they offer a tantalizing taste of island life. Whether you're craving a snack reminiscent of sandy beaches and clear blue waters or simply seeking to add some Caribbean flair to your table, these fish cakes are sure to impress. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to recreating this authentic Cayman Islands delicacy in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) salted codfish
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
• 1 cup water
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1- Soak the salted codfish in cold water overnight, changing the water several times to remove excess salt. Alternatively, you can boil the codfish for 15-20 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to remove the excess salt. Flake the codfish into small pieces and set aside.

2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked codfish, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped thyme, chopped parsley, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Mix well to combine.

3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground black pepper, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning (if using).

4- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the codfish mixture, stirring continuously. Add water gradually until you achieve a thick, smooth batter consistency. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when spooned.

5- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.

6- Using a spoon or your hands, form the fish cake mixture into small patties or balls, depending on your preference.

7- Carefully place the fish cakes into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

8- Once cooked, remove the fish cakes from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

9- Serve the Cayman Islands Bajan Fish Cakes hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them on their own as a delicious snack or appetizer.

10- Enjoy the taste of the Caribbean with these flavorful fried fish cakes!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Cayman Islands Bajan Fish Cakes recipe:

1 lb (450g) salted codfish:

• Calories: 261
• Protein: 62g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health.
• Good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, phosphorus, and selenium.

2 cups all-purpose flour:

• Calories: 908
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 190g
• Fiber: 7g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates, the body's main source of energy.
• Contains some protein and dietary fiber.
• Can be enriched with vitamins and minerals such as iron and B vitamins.

1 medium onion, finely chopped:

• Calories: 44
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Rich in vitamins C and B6, which support immune function and metabolism.
• Contains fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.

2 cloves garlic, minced:

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Has antibacterial and antiviral properties, helping to boost the immune system.
• Contains compounds like allicin, which may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Rich in antioxidants that protect against cell damage and aging.

2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped:

• Calories: 3
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Rich in vitamins C and A, which support immune function and promote healthy skin.
• May help improve digestion and relieve coughs and sore throats.

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped:

• Calories: 1
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin K, important for bone health and blood clotting.
• Contains antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin C, which help protect cells from damage.
• May aid in detoxification and support kidney health.

1 scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely chopped:

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains capsaicin, which has been shown to boost metabolism and reduce appetite.
• Rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and promote healthy skin.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties and help relieve pain.

1 teaspoon baking powder:

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Acts as a leavening agent, helping baked goods rise and become light and fluffy.
• Contains sodium bicarbonate, which can help neutralize acids in recipes.
• Adds volume and texture to baked goods without adding calories.

1 teaspoon ground black pepper:

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption and improve digestion.
• Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds flavor and depth to dishes without adding significant calories or sodium.

1 teaspoon paprika:

• Calories: 6
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and carotenoids, which may help protect against chronic diseases.
• Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and aid in weight management.
• Adds color and flavor to dishes without adding significant calories.

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning:

• Nutritional values may vary based on brand and ingredients. Generally, it contains a small amount of calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber.

benefits:

• Typically contains a blend of herbs and spices such as celery salt, mustard, and red pepper, adding depth and complexity of flavor to dishes.
• May contain minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium depending on the blend.
• Enhances the overall taste of the dish without adding significant calories or fat.

1 cup water:

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Essential for hydration and maintaining bodily functions.
• Supports digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation.
• Helps flush toxins from the body and keeps tissues and organs functioning properly.

Vegetable oil for frying:

• Nutritional values vary based on the amount absorbed during frying. Generally, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil contains about 120 calories and 14g of fat.

benefits:

• Provides healthy fats, which are essential for brain function and hormone production.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• Adds moisture and flavor to fried foods.

These values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, cooking methods, and specific ingredients used.