PCOS Friendly Herb Cod Cakes with Lemon & Turmeric
These golden, herb-flecked cakes are everything a satisfying weeknight dinner should be — crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful within, and built from ingredients that genuinely support hormonal balance. Lean white fish and sweet potato form the base, bringing together clean protein and complex carbohydrates that won't spike blood sugar the way refined starches can. Turmeric and fresh ginger add a warm, earthy depth while also delivering the kind of anti-inflammatory support that matters when managing PCOS symptoms through food. Cassava flour keeps the whole thing grain-free and gluten-free without sacrificing that satisfying, pan-fried texture. The scallion greens, parsley, and chives brighten every bite, and the lemon zest ties it all together with a citrusy lift that makes these feel genuinely restaurant-worthy. A short chill in the fridge before cooking is the secret to cakes that hold their shape beautifully in the pan, so don't skip that step. Serve them with a squeeze of fresh lemon and you have a meal that feels indulgent but works hard for your body at the same time.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the cod cakes
- 1 ½ lb cod fillets, skin removed
- ¾ cup mashed sweet potato (from about 1 medium sweet potato, cooked and cooled)
- ¼ cup cassava flour, plus more for dusting
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced (green tops only)
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
For cooking
- 3 tbsp coconut oil, divided
For serving
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- fresh parsley sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large skillet of salted water to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Add the cod fillets and poach for 6–8 minutes, until the flesh is opaque throughout and flakes easily when pressed with a fork. Transfer to a plate and let cool for 10 minutes, then flake into small pieces with a fork, discarding any bones.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked cod, mashed sweet potato, cassava flour, scallion greens, parsley, chives, ginger, turmeric, lemon zest, and sea salt. Fold together until the mixture holds together when pressed — it should be firm enough to shape but not dry. If it feels too loose, add cassava flour 1 tsp at a time.
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