Wash the parsley
Rinse the parsley under cold water, shake off the excess, and pat it very dry.
Prep the fish
Peel the onion and grate it on the fine side of a box grater. Finely chop the parsley leaves. Pat the white fish fillets dry with paper towels, run your fingertips over them to check for any pin bones, remove any you find, then cut the fish into small pieces and chop until very fine and sticky.
Mix the batter
Put the chopped fish in a large bowl and sprinkle over the fine salt. Stir and mash it firmly for 1–2 minutes until it starts to look tacky. Mix in the grated onion and the egg, then add the white pepper and wheat flour. Pour in the cold whole milk a little at a time, stirring well after each addition, until you have a smooth, thick, spoonable batter. Fold in the chopped parsley.
Chill the mixture
Cover the bowl and chill the fish mixture for 15 minutes so it firms up and becomes easier to shape.
Heat the pan
Set a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the butter and neutral oil, and let the butter melt completely. When the foaming settles and the fat looks glossy and gently shimmering, the pan is ready.
Fry the fish cakes
Give the batter a quick stir. Using 2 tablespoons or 2 large spoons, scoop portions straight into the pan and gently shape them into small oval cakes; avoid crowding, so cook in 2 or 3 batches. Fry over medium heat for 4 minutes on the first side, until the underside is richly golden, then flip carefully and cook for 3–4 minutes more, until the second side is golden and the centers feel just firm. Transfer the finished cakes to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter.
Serve warm
Serve the fish cakes while they are still warm, with their crisp edges and juicy centers at their best.


















