Jamie Oliver Fish Pie Recipe [GUIDE]

Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie is a comforting, classic British dish that’s packed with creamy flavors and hearty ingredients. It’s a perfect blend of delicate fish, a rich white sauce and a buttery mash topping. The magic comes from the way the flavors meld together. the mild fish, often a mix of salmon, cod and prawns, is paired with a velvety sauce made from butter, flour and milk. It’s baked until the top turns golden and slightly crispy while the inside remains creamy and indulgent.

This dish is a staple in British homes and Jamie’s version brings a modern twist to it with fresh ingredients and a focus on ease. Jamie’s fish pie has that nostalgic warmth that makes it feel like a hug on a plate.

Jamie Oliver Fish Pie Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie, you’ll need a mixture of fish, creamy sauce ingredients and some flavorful vegetables. Here’s the breakdown:

• Fish: A mix of fresh white fish like cod or haddock, some salmon and prawns. This combination gives a nice variety of textures and flavors.
• Butter: For richness and to help make the creamy sauce.
• Flour: To thicken the sauce and give it that smooth, velvety texture.
• Milk: To form the base of your sauce.
• Cream: This adds extra richness and creaminess to the pie’s filling.
• Egg yolks: These make the sauce even richer and add a lovely depth of flavor.
• Leeks: For a mild, slightly sweet onion flavor.
• Frozen peas: These pop in with sweetness and color to contrast the creaminess of the dish.
• Mustard (Dijon): For a subtle zing that cuts through the richness.
• Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top to freshen up the whole dish.
• Potatoes: For the topping. You’ll want starchy potatoes to make the mash fluffy and easy to spread.
• Cheese: Cheddar, grated, for the golden crust on top.

Equipment Needed

To make this dish, you don’t need too much specialized equipment, just some basics you probably already have in your kitchen:

• Large pan or frying pan: For sautéing the leeks and making the sauce.
• Large saucepan: For boiling the potatoes and making the mashed topping.
• Baking dish: A medium-sized casserole or pie dish is perfect for holding the fish pie once assembled.
• Potato masher or ricer: To mash the potatoes into a smooth, creamy topping.
• Whisk: For ensuring the sauce doesn’t go lumpy and to incorporate the egg yolks properly.
• Spoon or spatula: For mixing and spreading everything evenly.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie

Making this fish pie is actually simpler than it sounds, even though it’s packed with layers of flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to bring it all together:

1. Prepare the potatoes: Start by peeling and boiling your potatoes in salted water until tender. Once cooked, mash them with a bit of butter, cream and seasoning. You want them smooth and fluffy to create that perfect topping.
2. Cook the fish and veggies: While the potatoes are cooking, sauté the leeks in a bit of butter until soft. Then add the fish fillets and prawns, cooking them until just done. It’s okay if the fish flakes apart as it will still hold together in the pie. Add a handful of frozen peas to the pan for color and sweetness.
3. Make the sauce: In a separate pan, melt butter, then whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly add the milk and cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Once it’s thickened, stir in Dijon mustard, egg yolks and seasoning (salt, pepper). The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Combine everything: Pour the cooked fish and veggies into your baking dish. Pour over the creamy sauce, mixing gently to combine. Spread your mashed potatoes on top, making sure to cover everything.
5. Bake: Sprinkle a generous amount of grated cheddar cheese over the mashed potatoes. Pop the dish in the oven and bake at around 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
6. Serve: Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a bit of freshness.

What I Learnt

Making Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie taught me a lot about balancing flavors and textures. The key to this dish is the layering. from the creamy fish filling to the smooth mashed potato topping. I also realized how crucial it is to get the right balance in the sauce: not too thick but not too runny either. It needs to coat the fish and veggies without overwhelming them.

I also learned that it’s important to be patient with the potatoes. The mashed topping can really make or break the dish. The smoothness of the mash combined with the golden cheese layer on top creates the perfect contrast to the creamy fish filling below.

And surprisingly while the recipe sounds complex, it’s actually pretty straightforward. Once you break it down, it’s just about cooking things in stages and then combining them in the oven. There’s no rush and the end result is totally worth the time.

Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie

Jamie Oliver’s fish pie is a classic British comfort dish but there’s always room for personalization. Here are a few fun tweaks you can experiment with:

1. Add More Veggies: While Jamie’s version typically includes peas, you could throw in some spinach, leeks or even fennel. These add texture and a fresh, subtle flavor that pairs well with the fish.
2. Spicy Twist: If you like a bit of heat, try adding some chili flakes or a small diced fresh chili to the sauce. It’ll give the pie an unexpected kick without overpowering the fish.
3. Herbs & Aromatics: A touch of fresh thyme or dill in the sauce will elevate the overall flavor profile. For extra depth, consider adding a small dash of mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the creamy base.
4. Cheesy Mash: If you’re a fan of cheesy mashed potatoes, fold in some grated cheese-like mature cheddar or gruyère. into the mash before spreading it over the pie. It adds an irresistible crust when baked.
5. Swap the Fish: While cod, haddock and salmon are commonly used, don’t be afraid to try something different. Monkfish, sea bass or even smoked haddock will add a different texture and flavor that could surprise your taste buds.
6. Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, you can swap regular flour for a gluten-free variety and use cornflour to thicken the sauce. The mash typically doesn’t have flour, so it should work just fine.

Storage Tips For Leftovers

Fish pie is one of those dishes that gets better after a day or two but proper storage is key to keeping it fresh.

1. Cool Down First: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming which could make the crust soggy.
2. Fridge Storage: If you plan to eat leftovers within a couple of days, cover the pie tightly with cling film or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge. It should last about 2-3 days.
3. Freezing: If you want to keep it for longer, fish pie freezes really well. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, try to defrost it overnight in the fridge to ensure it heats evenly.
4. Reheating Tips: To avoid a mushy pie, reheat it in the oven rather than the microwave. Cover it with foil to prevent the top from burning and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes or until piping hot. If you want a crispy topping, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes.

What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie?

Fish pie is rich and hearty, so you’ll want sides that complement its creamy texture without overwhelming the dish. Here are some ideas:

1. Light, Crisp Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, lemony dressing and maybe a few sliced radishes or avocado will cut through the richness of the pie. A simple cucumber salad with dill is another great option.
2. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed asparagus, broccoli or green beans add a nice contrast to the soft and creamy fish pie. The slight bitterness of these veggies balances out the richness of the dish.
3. Bread: If you’re craving carbs, a nice crusty bread, like a sourdough or baguette, will do the trick. You can use it to mop up the sauce which is always satisfying.
4. Peas or Sweetcorn: For a nostalgic touch, serve it with peas or sweetcorn on the side. The sweetness of the corn or the slight earthiness of peas pairs perfectly with the pie’s flavors.
5. Pickles or Chutney: A tangy pickle or chutney. like a sharp, sweet onion chutney. adds a zingy contrast to the smooth, creamy filling of the pie.

FAQs

What Type Of Fish Is Best For Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie?

Jamie uses a mix of white fish like cod and haddock, along with some smoked haddock for extra flavor.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prep the pie in advance and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Fish Pie Different From Others?

Jamie adds a creamy leek sauce and a crispy mashed potato topping, giving it extra richness and flavor.