Best 30-Minute Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry recipe

If you’re craving a seafood dish that’s both quick and flavorful, this fishcakes and scallops stir fry recipe is a must-try. It’s a perfect blend of tender scallops, crispy golden fishcakes, and vibrant vegetables tossed in a light yet savory stir-fry sauce.

In under 35 minutes, you can bring together a colorful, protein-rich meal that feels restaurant-quality but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Stir-frying locks in freshness, enhances texture, and makes the most of every ingredient—without a lot of prep or cleanup.

The Beauty of Fishcakes and Scallops Together

A harmony of texture and flavor

What makes this dish stand out is the way it balances soft and crisp textures. Scallops, naturally sweet and tender, sear beautifully to a golden crust. Fishcakes, with their flaky centers and lightly crisped exteriors, bring a comforting contrast. When tossed together in a stir-fry, they complement each other perfectly.

Quick, satisfying, and full of variety

This recipe isn’t just about great taste—it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re working with store-bought fishcakes or homemade, fresh scallops or frozen, it all comes together in one pan with everyday vegetables. The result? A colorful, protein-packed dinner that’s both nourishing and satisfying without being heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This stir fry combines everyday ingredients with bold flavors. The table below outlines everything you need for the perfect fishcakes and scallops stir fry.

How to Cook It

This fishcakes and scallops stir fry comes together quickly in one pan, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. Follow these easy steps to get everything cooked just right.

Step 1: Sear the Fishcakes

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
• Add the fishcakes and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Remove from the pan, let cool slightly, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Scallops

• In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed.
• Lightly season the scallops with salt and pepper.
• Sear for 1–2 minutes per side over medium-high heat until a golden crust forms. Do not overcook.
• Remove from the pan and set aside with the fishcakes.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• Lower the heat slightly. Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil to the same pan.
• Stir in the garlic, ginger, and green onions. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add the bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender and vibrant.

Step 4: Combine and Sauce

• Return the cooked fishcakes and scallops to the pan.
• Pour in the soy sauce, lemon juice, and red chili flakes (if using).
• Toss everything together gently until evenly coated and heated through (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 5: Serve

• Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, sesame seeds, or extra scallions as desired.

Flavorful Sauce That Ties It Together

The secret to a great stir fry isn’t just in the seafood or the veggies—it’s in the sauce that brings everything together. This recipe keeps the sauce light but layered, letting the natural flavors of the scallops and fishcakes shine without overpowering them.

Savory, Balanced, and Easy to Make

Here’s what goes into the sauce:

Tips for Perfect Sauce Texture & Taste

• Add sauce at the end so it coats everything evenly without overcooking.
• For a sweeter twist, add ½ teaspoon of honey or a splash of hoisin.
• Want a bolder flavor? Try a few drops of fish sauce or a teaspoon of oyster sauce.
• To thicken the sauce slightly, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water—but only if you like a glossy finish.

The result is a balanced, vibrant stir fry that doesn’t rely on heavy sauces or cream—just a few well-chosen ingredients doing their job.

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Nutrition Benefits

This fishcakes and scallops stir fry isn’t just fast and flavorful—it’s also packed with nutrients that make it a smart choice for health-conscious eaters.

High in Lean Protein

Both scallops and fishcakes are excellent sources of protein. Scallops are particularly lean, making them ideal for those watching fat intake, while fishcakes offer a satisfying, filling base—especially when made with white fish like cod or haddock.

Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Scallops provide heart-healthy omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation and support brain function. Combined with a light cooking method, this dish becomes a nutritious seafood option without unnecessary fats.

Fiber and Vitamins from Fresh Veggies

The colorful mix of snap peas, carrots, and bell peppers adds:

• Dietary fiber for digestion
• Vitamin C for immune support
• Beta-carotene and antioxidants to help protect cells

Lower in Calories, Big on Flavor

By stir-frying with minimal oil and using a light soy-based sauce, this recipe keeps the calories in check while delivering on taste.

Quick Nutrition Snapshot (per serving):

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

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Tips & Tricks for Success

To make your fishcakes and scallops stir fry come out just right every time, these simple tips will help you avoid common mistakes and elevate your final dish.

1. Use Frozen Scallops the Right Way

If fresh scallops aren’t available, frozen ones are a great alternative. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with a paper towel. This prevents excess moisture from steaming the scallops instead of searing them.

2. Don’t Crowd the Pan

Overcrowding leads to soggy textures. Cook fishcakes and scallops in batches if needed, giving them enough space to get that golden-brown sear.

3. Prep Everything Before You Start

Stir-frying moves fast. Slice your veggies, mix your sauce, and have everything ready to toss in the pan. It keeps the process smooth and prevents overcooking.

4. Customize the Vegetables

Feel free to swap or add vegetables like:

• Mushrooms
• Zucchini
• Bok choy
• Broccoli florets

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on each veggie’s texture.

5. Experiment with Flavor Add-Ins

Add your own twist with extras like:

• Hoisin sauce for sweetness
• Chili paste for heat
• Toasted sesame seeds for crunch
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil for brightness

6. Serve It Right

This stir fry pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Brown rice
• Rice noodles
• Or even as-is for a low-carb option

Learn the art of bold flavor with our Guanciale recipe guide—a great complement to any savory dish.

Why This Stir Fry is a Dinner Winner

This fishcakes and scallops stir fry recipe checks all the boxes for a dependable go-to meal. It’s the kind of dish that fits effortlessly into your weekly rotation—fast, filling, flexible, and full of flavor.

✅ Quick Cooking Time

With just 30–35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for weeknights when time is short but you still want something wholesome and homemade.

✅ One Pan, Less Cleanup

Everything is cooked in the same pan or wok, making cleanup easy and kitchen stress minimal.

✅ Balanced Nutrition

You’re getting lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and heart-healthy fats—all in one dish. It’s satisfying without being heavy.

✅ Easily Customizable

Make it spicy, keep it mild, go gluten-free, or switch up the vegetables—this dish adapts easily to dietary needs and pantry availability.

✅ Feels Special, Tastes Homemade

Even though it’s quick and simple, the flavors feel elevated. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or someone else, this stir fry feels like a meal worth slowing down for.

Fishcakes and Scallops Stir Fry Recipe Easy in 30 Minutes

Print Recipe

A quick and flavorful stir fry combining crispy fishcakes, tender scallops, and vibrant veggies in a light, savory sauce.

• Author: Chef Alex
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir Fry
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4–6 fishcakes (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 oz scallops (fresh or thawed frozen)
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup snap peas
• 2 medium carrots, julienned
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, green onions
• Optional: steamed rice or stir-fried noodles, to serve

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan or wok over medium heat. Add fishcakes and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove, cool slightly, cut into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
2. Add another tablespoon oil if needed. Season scallops with salt and pepper, and sear 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Set aside with fishcakes.
3. Lower heat. Add 1 tablespoon sesame oil to the same pan. Sauté garlic, ginger, and green onions for 1 minute.
4. Add bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Return fishcakes and scallops to pan. Add soy sauce, lemon juice, and chili flakes (if using). Toss gently to combine and heat through, 2–3 minutes.
6. Serve immediately over rice or noodles. Garnish as desired.

Notes

Thaw and pat dry frozen scallops to ensure a good sear. Prep all ingredients before starting to make the stir fry process smooth and quick.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a seafood dish that’s quick, nourishing, and full of bold, satisfying flavors, this fishcakes and scallops stir fry recipe is one to keep on repeat. With a simple list of ingredients, fast cooking time, and endless flexibility, it’s the kind of recipe that fits into any busy lifestyle without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

Whether you’re cooking for one, a family, or friends, this stir fry brings impressive flavor to the table—without the fuss. Serve it over rice or noodles, switch up the vegetables, or adjust the heat to your liking. Either way, you’ll end up with a dinner that’s as comforting as it is crave-worthy.

Looking for more delicious and easy dinner ideas?
Check out House Special Mei Fun or explore more stir fry recipes at Adora Recipes.