CAROL’S HOMEMADE FISH PASTE (UK)
Recipe and photo: Carol Gambale
For those who love fish paste and can’t buy it outside SA.
I make my own fish paste – just as nice as Pecks.
- 2 tins of sardines in oil or water
- 1 tin anchovies in oil
- 1 – 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Drain sardines and remove any tiny bones.
- Place in blender and blend till smooth, add anchovies including half of the oil – add tomato paste (I add a bit at a time) and blend till smooth. (Check and adjust with more tomato paste if necessary) – keep in fridge.
- Make some toast and spread your fish paste – grab a cup of coffee and sit back and enjoy the flavour of home.
Hope this helps those of you who love Pecks.
Category:
Fantastic, so true to the original Pecks Anchovy taste! I didn’t use any of the Anchovies oil though, too salty.
Sorry , I meant to give a five star rating !
I’m definitely going to make this fish paste!! I was very disappointed when I didn’t find any fish paste in the shops in my area. Fortunately ii saw this recipe. Thankyou Carol
Yummy, not sure when you put this up. But did you know Pecks Anchovette is discontinued now. So your recipe is valuable to SA too now thks will be making it ASAP.
I add lemon juice. Home-made fish paste is in fact nicer than the commercial stuff was
I have seen recipes with anchovies/sardines along with a poached white fish like cod, haddock, halibut and no tomato paste…..do you have a recipe like that? Or is all UK Fish Paste made using only your ingredients? I’m not particularly fond of the tomato paste version…
I’m from the USA, and became interested in Fish Paste while watching several versions of Agatha Christies’ Miss Marple TV series.
Thank you!
Hi Carol
Thanks for your enquiry. Unfortunately I only have the recipe with the tomato paste, and scrolling through google, it seems to me that all the recipes has tomato paste in it. I think it is to get the colour and the taste, but it is such a small amount, I am sure if you do not mind the colour, you can just omit it, and add a little lemon juice and spices to taste. Maybe you must try and give us feedback please? Also try this recipe, https://yourrecipeblog.com/recipes/sardine-butter/
Regards
Rina
Hi Carol I also found this on Al
To make fresh fish paste, blend 1 kg of boneless, skinless white fish fillets (mackerel or redfish) with 2 tbsp tapioca/cornflour, 1 egg white, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp white pepper, and
½ cup ice-cold water until smooth. For a bouncy texture, repeatedly slam the mixture against a bowl.
Instagram
+3
Another one from ChatGPT
Here is a simple homemade fish paste recipe using fresh fish. It’s commonly used as a spread, filling, or base for fish cakes.
Ingredients
500 g fresh fish fillets (hake, snoek, cod, or any firm white fish)
1–2 cloves garlic (optional)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1–2 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
2–3 tbsp cooking oil or olive oil
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional flavorings:
1 tbsp chopped parsley or coriander
½ tsp chili flakes
1 tsp paprika
Instructions
Prepare the fish
Remove skin and bones from the fish.
Cut into small pieces.
Cook the fish
Steam or boil the fish for about 8–10 minutes until fully cooked.
Let it cool slightly.
Blend or mash
Place the fish in a blender or food processor.
Add garlic, onion, oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Blend until it becomes a smooth paste.
If you prefer a coarse texture, mash with a fork instead.
Adjust texture
Add a little more oil or a spoon of warm water if the paste is too thick.
Add herbs or spices
Mix in parsley, chili, or paprika if desired.
Store
Put in a clean jar and refrigerate.
Keeps for 3–4 days in the fridge.
How to Use Fish Paste
Spread on bread or crackers
Mix into rice or noodles
Use as filling for sandwiches
Base for fish cakes
✅ Tip: For a richer paste, mix in 1–2 tablespoons mayonnaise or cream cheese.
If you’d like, I can also show you:
Traditional fermented fish paste (long-lasting)
Thai-style fish paste for fish cakes
South African snoek fish spread.