I am always looking for new things to do with fish. In the Cagle home we have an abundance of fish and after a while the 'same old, same old' just won't cut it. My husband James hadn't even heard of Fisherman's Pie before I made this for him.
Well, why would he - he's a typical American from the South and this is a classic Irish dish!
There are a few tweaks you can make to this recipe, depending on who you're cooking for. I love to make this for St. Patrick's Day.
For my family I have to leave out the veggies, like peas and carrots (which in my opinion absolutely MAKE the dish! But, I have two very picky eaters who won't even look at a vegetable - it's very frustrating!
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What makes this recipe so yummy
- This is a traditional Irish recipe - one you'll find often in an Irish pub.
- It's deliciously comforting.
- It's similar to a Shepherd's Pie (or Cottage Pie), but with fish in a creamy sauce instead topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Fisherman's Pie Recipe Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Hint: It may seem like the pie filling is too thick, but trust me, there will be fluid that comes from the veggies and the fish.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- White Wine - always tastes good in anything.
- Egg Yolks - this can help thicken the sauce instead of plain flour.
- Coconut Milk - instead of heavy cream.
- Seafood - you could use any types of seafood.
How To Serve Fisherman's Pie
Remove from the oven and let rest. This part can be quite important. You'll be eager to start digging into the pie right away as it smells so good! But don't. The filling needs a slight cooling period to be able to thicken up. I give it about 15-20 minutes.
Serve with a salad and crusty bread.
If you like this Irish recipe you should try this Irish Stew with Mashed Potatoes recipe. It's perfect and soul warming.
How to store leftovers
Once cooled completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
About The Author
Melanie Cagle
Melanie is a professional cook, food photographer and Cajun food connoisseur. Since 2020 she has been sharing rigorously tested recipes and tutorials right here on this blog.
Her work has been featured on Fox News channels, Yahoo news, Southern Living and more.
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Fisherman's Pie
Video
Ingredients
Potato Topping
- 7 Each Yellow Potatoes
- ¼ Cup Unsalted Butter
- ¼ Cup Whole Milk
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- ¼ Cup Cheddar Cheese
Pie Filling
- ¼ Cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 Each Sweet Onion diced
- 3 Cloves Garlic minced
- ¼ Cup All Purpose Flour
- 1 Cup Seafood Stock
- ¼ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- ½ Teaspoon Dill
- 1 Pound White Fish Fillets patted dry and cut into 1" pieces.
- 1 Pound Small Shrimp shelled, deveined, tail off - patted dry
Optional Ingredients
- 1 Cup Peas
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and place into cold, salted water.7 Each Yellow Potatoes
- Boil until potatoes are soft, drain and add to the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat using the wire whip until creamy.
- Put butter and milk together and microwave for 1 min before adding to the potatoes.¼ Cup Unsalted Butter, ¼ Cup Whole Milk
- Taste the potatoes and season with salt and pepper as preferred.Salt and Pepper to taste
- Melt ¼ cup butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.¼ Cup Unsalted Butter
- Add diced sweet onions and cook until soft. Then add the garlic and black pepper and cook another 2 minutes.1 Each Sweet Onion, 3 Cloves Garlic
- Add flour and cook for a further 3 mins.¼ Cup All Purpose Flour
- Slowly stir in the seafood stock.1 Cup Seafood Stock
- Slowly stir in the heavy cream.¼ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- Add seasonings. Cook for 3 mins more.1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, ½ Teaspoon Dill
- Add the fish, shrimp and peas and stir to combine.1 Pound White Fish Fillets, 1 Pound Small Shrimp, 1 Cup Peas
- Remove from heat.
- Turn filling into casserole dish and top with mashed potato mixture.
- Sprinkle with the grated cheese.¼ Cup Cheddar Cheese
- Bake in center of oven for 40 mins at 375°F.
- Remove from oven and allow to stand for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Maura says
Question: I'd like to make this for my Saint Patrick's Day 2024 and will include the vegetables. How much? One cup of each? Half a cup of each? I ask because there are only two cups of stock added which is already being used by the shrimp.
Melanie Cagle says
Great idea, I love this fisherman's pie for St Patrick's day! Thanks for bringing that to my attention, you're right. Depending on whether you are wanting to add both veggies (peas AND carrots) or just one, or even something else entirely, 1 Cup (total) will be enough.