The Sporting Chef Season 2 Episode 21 Fish Cakes

The Sporting Chef is a cooking show hosted by acclaimed chef Scott Leysath, who specializes in preparing dishes with wild game and fish. In season 2 episode 21, titled "Fish Cakes," Chef Leysath focuses on turning fresh fish into deliciously crispy cakes.

The episode begins with Chef Leysath discussing the benefits of using fresh fish in cooking, highlighting the nutritional value and how it tastes better than frozen fish. He then introduces the main ingredient of the episode, a beautiful whole rockfish. He shows viewers how to fillet the fish properly, ensuring that all the meat is removed from the bones and ready to be used for the fish cakes.

The chef then moves on to the seasoning portion of the recipe. He creates a flavorful blend of spices, including onion, garlic, and paprika, that will be added to the fish. He also discusses the importance of balancing the seasoning to ensure that the fish flavor doesn't get lost in the mix.

Next, Chef Leysath shows viewers how to prepare the binding agent for the fish cakes. He starts by mixing eggs and mayonnaise together, creating a creamy base for the cakes. He then adds in bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, creating a paste-like texture that will hold the fish cakes together.

With all the components of the recipe ready, Chef Leysath begins to form the fish cakes. He takes pieces of the seasoned fish and mixes them with the mayo and bread crumb mixture, creating small patties that are ready to be fried up. He also offers tips on how to ensure that the cakes maintain their shape and don't fall apart during frying.

Once the fish cakes are formed, Chef Leysath cooks them up in a skillet, using a mixture of butter and oil to achieve a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender. After a few minutes, the cakes are ready to be plated, and the chef adds a finishing touch of lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

To show how versatile the recipe is, Chef Leysath also offers different variations on the fish cakes, including a spicier version made with cajun seasoning and a lighter version made with salmon and herbs.

Throughout the episode, viewers get an inside look at Chef Leysath's cooking expertise and his love for using fresh ingredients in his recipes. The Fish Cakes episode is a perfect example of his ability to create delicious dishes that highlight the beauty of wild game and fish.