5 Delicious Fish Pie Recipes You Must Try

Have you ever craved a warm, comforting dish that combines the tender, flakiness of fish with creamy, cheesy goodness all nestled under a golden crust? Then you're in for a treat! Fish pies are a delightful twist on the classic savory pie, offering a unique blend of textures and flavors. From luxurious salmon and prawn concoctions to hearty cod and smoked haddock creations, there’s a fish pie for every palate. Today, we'll guide you through five scrumptious fish pie recipes you absolutely must try.

1. Classic Fish Pie with a Modern Twist

This timeless recipe has been given a contemporary makeover, ensuring it remains a crowd-pleaser.

• 500g of white fish fillets (like cod or haddock)
• 250g of smoked haddock
• 150g of raw prawns
• 75g of butter
• 75g of flour
• 600ml of whole milk
• 2 tbsp of finely chopped parsley
• 4 hard-boiled eggs, quartered
• 100g of mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 500g of potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• A pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by cooking the potatoes in salted boiling water until tender. Mash them with 50g of butter until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
2. Meanwhile, melt 25g of butter in a saucepan, stir in the flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk to create a thick, smooth sauce. Add the cheese to melt, then remove from heat.
3. Fold in the fish, prawns, hard-boiled eggs, and parsley into the cheese sauce. Season to taste.
4. Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Spread the mash over the top, using a fork to create peaks.
5. Bake at 200°C for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.

🍴 Note: For a more luxurious texture, you can add some béchamel sauce or cream to the fish mixture.

2. Mediterranean Fish Pie

Bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your table with this vibrant, herby fish pie.

• 500g of white fish fillets
• 200g of fresh spinach
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 400g of chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp of dried oregano
• 1 tsp of dried basil
• 200ml of white wine
• 150g of feta cheese, crumbled
• 400g of puff pastry

Instructions:

1. In a pan, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent. Add the peppers and cook until soft.
2. Add the tomatoes, herbs, and white wine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, wilt the spinach in a pan with a little water or steam.
4. Layer the fish fillets in a pie dish, followed by the spinach and tomato mixture. Sprinkle feta on top.
5. Cover with puff pastry, crimp the edges, and cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape.
6. Bake at 200°C for 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden and puffed.

3. Salmon and Spinach Fish Pie

This pie is all about the salmon, with spinach adding a pop of color and nutrition.

• 600g of salmon fillets, skinned
• 300g of baby spinach
• 2 shallots, finely sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 50g of butter
• 50g of flour
• 600ml of whole milk
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 2 tbsp of chopped dill
• 500g of ready-rolled shortcrust pastry

Instructions:

1. Poach the salmon in a shallow pan with just enough water to cover it, for about 5 minutes, then flake it.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan, add shallots and garlic, cook until soft, then stir in the flour. Gradually whisk in the milk for a creamy sauce.
3. Add the flaked salmon, spinach, lemon zest and juice, dill, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Line a pie dish with pastry, prick the base with a fork, add the filling, and cover with a pastry lid.
5. Bake at 200°C for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden and the filling is hot.

4. Seafood Feast Pie

Delight in the flavors of the sea with this generous mix of seafood encased in a creamy sauce.

• 400g of mixed seafood (mussels, shrimp, scallops)
• 250g of white fish fillets
• 250g of salmon fillets
• 100g of butter
• 100g of flour
• 750ml of fish stock or white wine
• 300ml of double cream
• 1 large leek, finely sliced
• 150g of peas
• 1 tbsp of chopped tarragon
• 500g of puff pastry

Instructions:

1. Poach the fish and seafood in a mixture of fish stock and white wine until just cooked. Set aside.
2. In another pan, melt butter, add the leek, and sauté until soft. Stir in the flour, then gradually whisk in the poaching liquid and cream until thickened.
3. Fold in the poached seafood, peas, and tarragon. Season to taste.
4. Fill a pie dish with the seafood mixture, cover with puff pastry, and brush with beaten egg.
5. Bake at 200°C for about 35 minutes until the pastry is golden and puffed.

5. Smoked Haddock and Leek Pie

A comforting combination of smoked haddock and sweet leeks topped with a cheesy mash.

• 600g of smoked haddock
• 2 large leeks, sliced
• 50g of butter
• 50g of flour
• 600ml of milk
• 2 tbsp of mustard
• 250g of potatoes, peeled and boiled
• 100g of cheddar cheese, grated
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Instructions:

1. Poach the haddock in milk until just cooked, reserving the milk. Flake the fish.
2. Melt butter in a pan, add leeks, and cook until soft. Stir in the flour, then gradually add the poaching milk, whisking until you have a thick sauce.
3. Add mustard, then the flaked haddock, and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Transfer to a pie dish, spread the mashed potato over the top, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 200°C for 20 minutes until the top is crisp and golden.

🦀 Note: Seafood pies can often be served with a side of peas, beans, or a green salad to complete the meal.

In wrapping up our exploration of these delightful fish pie recipes, we've seen how versatile this dish can be. From the comforting classics with a modern touch to the fresh and vibrant Mediterranean flavors, each recipe offers something unique to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're looking for a luxurious salmon feast, a straightforward family dinner, or an impressive dish for guests, these recipes cater to every occasion. They are not only a testament to the rich heritage of British cuisine but also a canvas for culinary creativity, allowing you to adapt and experiment with flavors and ingredients you love. The next time you're in the mood for something comforting and delicious, consider giving one of these fish pie recipes a go. Not only will they warm your kitchen, but they'll also fill your heart with the comfort of good, home-cooked food.

Can I prepare a fish pie in advance?

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Yes, fish pies can be prepared in advance. Assemble the pie and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake, or freeze it for a future meal. If baking from frozen, extend the cooking time by about 20-30 minutes, ensuring the center is hot.

What’s the best way to serve fish pie?

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Fish pie is often served with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for balance. Some also enjoy it with crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Can I make a fish pie without seafood allergens?

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Absolutely! You can replace shellfish or any fish that triggers allergies with other white fish or even veggies like cauliflower or mushrooms for a pescatarian-friendly or vegetarian option.

What are some gluten-free options for fish pie?

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For a gluten-free pie, use a flour substitute like cornflour or gluten-free flour blend for the sauce, and top with mashed potatoes or choose a gluten-free pastry option for the lid.

How can I ensure my fish pie isn’t bland?

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Use fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or even tarragon for a punch of flavor. A splash of lemon juice or a tablespoon of mustard can also enhance the taste, and make sure to season the sauce well with salt, pepper, and perhaps a pinch of nutmeg.