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Gefilte Fish Recipe with Beet Horseradish

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The gefilte fish is a traditional Jewish recipe that’s made during festive times like Passover and Rosh Hashanah. In fact, it is a must-have dish on the seder table. Traditionally made with carp or pike fish, boiled eggs, matzo meal, then shaped into fish cakes that are simmered in fish broth.

Passover fish on a white plate.
Gefilte Fish, Jewish Passover Fish, Fish for Seder

Passover is almost here and so is Easter! Yes, we celebrate both because Ziv is Jewish and I am Catholic. As a mom, it’s kinda hectic to keep track, plan, and prepare for both but as a kid – gosh it is so much fun. My kids get the best of both worlds.  

So over the past 15 years, I’ve had to venture into making these traditional Jewish recipes so we can maintain the tradition. Lucky for me  I love to cook so it has been fun.

Why make gefilte fish

  • It is a Jewish holiday tradition for Passover seder or Rosh Hashana. No holiday dinner is complete without gefilte fish (stuffed fish in Yiddish).
  • For those who are not familiar with it, it is a very unique fish dish that is worth trying at least once.
  • It is very versatile, using a choice of whitefish you like. As well as add stock ingredients per your taste.
Passover fish on a white plate.
Gefilte Fish, Jewish Passover Fish, Fish for Seder

Ingredients and substitutes

  • Fish – Traditionally used in this recipe is carp, white fish, halibut, cod, or pike but you can use other varieties as well. Today I am using bouri which came recommended by my fishmonger. It comes in plenty and is quite affordable.
  • Matzo meal – This dish is made for Passover. So, matzo meal is the obvious choice. But you can use bread crumbs or crushed matzah as well. And if you want to make it gluten-free, use an almond meal.
  • Carrots – Add flavor to the stock. Some recipes have grated carrots in the fish cake mixture, you can add 1/2 cup grated carrots. It will keep the fish cakes moist. Personally, I like them without the carrots. You can also use parsnip.
  • Medium Onions – Adds tons of flavor to the fish. As you can see, traditionally this fish has minimum flavor ingredients.
  • Fennel – Not traditionally used, which is why I put it as optional but fennel is a great flavor addition to fish. You can also use dill if you prefer.
  • Parsley – Again not a traditional ingredient, but I love the flavor it brings to the stock and the fish cakes.
  • Bay leaves – Not a traditional ingredient, but I think it helps to add more flavor and lessen that fishy smell.
  • Lemon slices – My main reason to add the lemon slice is to reduce that fishy smell. It really does help – if you don’t like the flavor of lemon – you can take it off after the first 30 minutes of boiling.
  • Large eggs – The boiled eggs add texture to this fish cakes which is more grainy compared to smooth. The fresh raw eggs help combine all the ingredients. I’d say 1 egg per 500 grams is good proportion – any more than that will tend to give you dry fish cakes.
Ingredients shot collage for Gefilte Fish.
Gefilte Fish, Jewish Passover Fish, Fish for Seder

Gefilte fish recipe

Fish stock

  • In a pot, add the fish bones, water, and all the stock ingredients such as carrots, onions, fennel, parsley, etc. Alternatively, you can substitute the fish bones with fish broth as I have done in the video.
    Pro tip – Use a wide pot so you have enough space to add all the fish cakes later.
  • Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 1 hour (if using fish bones simmer 1/2 hour more).
  • Once simmered, drain or remove all veggies. Discard all other vegetables but save the carrots for garnish.
Progress pictures collage for making gefilte fish.
Gefilte Fish, Jewish Passover Fish, Fish for Seder

Ground fish & Egg mixture

  • Meanwhile, In the food processor, pulse the fish (without bones) for a minute or more to make groundfish. Set aside.
    Pro tip – Traditionally, the whole fish is purchased. The bones are used for the broth and the flesh for the fish cakes.
  • In the same food processor, pulse onions for a minute. Then, add the parsley, boiled eggs, salt, and pepper until fine but not smooth. Set aside.
    Pro tip – Gefilte fish cakes are not smooth, they do have some texture. Plus it is easier to mold when not as smooth.
Progress pictures collage for sharing passover fish.
Gefilte Fish, Jewish Passover Fish, Fish for Seder

Shape the fish cakes

  • In a large bowl, add all the fish cake ingredients starting from ground fish, onion mixture, matzo meal, eggs, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
  • Combine the mixture well but do not over mix. You want it to be soft but still be able to shape in an oval cake.
    Pro tip – If the mixture is too stiff the cakes will be hard because the matzo meal will absorb all liquid. So, add a few tablespoons of water to the mixture if necessary.
  • Take small portions of the mixture and shape it into an oval. Use a 1/4 or 1/3 measuring cup to ensure all cakes are the same size.
    Pro tip – Overmixing will make tough fish cakes so be gentle and keep them light and airy.
  • The best way to do this is to roll the mixture into a ball then shape it into an oval.
    Pro tip – Wet your hands with water to prevent the fish mixture from sticking to your hands
  • You can keep the shaped fish cakes in the fridge until the stock is ready.
    Pro tip – These cakes will keep in the refrigerator for up to two days before cooking further.
Progress pictures collage for simmering gefilte Jewish fish.
Gefilte Fish, Jewish Passover Fish, Fish for Seder

Cook the fish cakes

  • Once the fish broth is ready, reduce the heat to low so the broth is at a gentle simmer
  • Gently place the fish cakes in one at a time. Use a spoon to move them around gently to create more space.
    Pro tip – These cakes very gentle at this time so handle them carefully.
  • Once all the fish cakes are in, cover with a lid. Cook the broth on a medium-low heat for one and half hours.
    Pro tip – Keep to medium heat and if necessary medium-low heat. Otherwise, the fish cakes can break into pieces if boiled.
  • After an hour and a half, the fish cakes will be cooked and have turned white. Use a slotted spoon to remove them to a shallow serving platter.
    Pro tip – It is necessary to take them out so they do not overcook and soak up too much liquid. The stock can be reused or served as a plain fish soup.
  • Pour some of the fish stock over the fish cakes to keep them moist. Garnish with sliced medium carrots (we saved from the stock above) and a parsley leaf.
  • Place in the fridge for a few hours to chill. This dish is traditionally served cold with beet horseradish.
    Pro tip – These will keep in the fridge for up to a week.
Progress pictures for horseradish.
Gefilte Fish, Jewish Passover Fish, Fish for Seder

Make the beet/horseradish

  • Peel and grate the horseradish and beets in a bowl. Add the vinegar, salt, and sugar – Combine well
  • Pour into a mason jar and let macerate in the fridge until ready to serve. This can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
A mason jar with horseradish for passover fish.
Gefilte Fish, Jewish Passover Fish, Fish for Seder

Tips for success

Passover can be an overwhelming time – the kids are on vacation! Everyone is planning the seder and the seder is so much about the food.  You have to make all these wonderful dishes. BUT, there are a few things you can do to reduce this stress, such as:

  • Ask your fishmonger to do the cleaning and mincing of the fish. Yes, they do charge a little more but why not; if it reduces your workload, stress and keeps the house clean, not smelling of fish!!
  • Gefilte fish has a good shelflife and it can be kept in the fridge for a few days, so make it ahead of time.
  • After you are done cooking this dish, place a pot of water to boil. Then, add a cinnamon stick and a chopped lemon and let it boil on a medium-low simmer for an hour. Your home will smell amazing again. The lemon does a great job of removing all the fish smell from every corner of the house.
  • Horseradish – Over time, the horseradish tends to get more intense in flavor. So if you like it spicy, prepare it a few days ahead. If not, make it on the day you want to serve it. Alternatively, change the ratio of the horseradish to beets. Instead of using 1:1 use 1:2 or even 1:3 three being beets of course. I notice that when I use more beets my kids can eat some too.
Passover fish on a white plate.
Gefilte Fish, Jewish Passover Fish, Fish for Seder

More middle eastern recipes


Frequently asked questions

What fish is best for gefilte fish?

The carp or pike fish is more traditional but the varieties with a fleshly fish you like to eat work best.

Do I need to make the stock from scratch?

Traditionally, the stock is made using the bones left after cleaning the fish but I prefer to use fish stock. It’s not as strong with a fishy smell.

How long will these gefilte fish keep?

This homemade gefilte fish will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze the gefilte fish?

Yes, you can but not with the stock. I suggest you store the fish cakes separately and the stock separately. The gefilte fish will last in the freezer for up to a month.

Is gefilte fish served hot or cold?

Cold. I’ve never had hot gefilte fish.


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Passover fish on a white plate.

Gefilte Fish with Beet Horseradish

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Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Calories: 158kcal
Adjust Servings Here: 20 fish cakes

Description

The gefilte fish is a traditional Jewish recipe that's made during festive times like Passover and Rosh hashana. In fact, it is a must-have dish on the seder table. Traditionally made with carp or pike fish, boiled eggs, matzo meal, then shaped into fish cakes that are simmered in fish broth.

Video

Ingredients 

Fish stock

  • 4 cups (1 liter) Fish stock (or fish bones with water)
  • 2 sprigs Parsley
  • ½ cup Onion ((chopped))
  • ½ cup Carrots ((chopped) )
  • 1 tsp Kosher salt
  • 10 Black peppercorns
  • ½ tsp Fennel seeds ((optional))
  • 2 leaves Bay leaves
  • 1 slice Lemon slice

Fish cakes

  • 2 lbs (900 g) Fish fillets (ground)
  • 1 cup Onion (roughly chopped)
  • 2 Boiled eggs ((large))
  • 2 Fresh eggs ((large))
  • ¾ cups (100 g) Matzo meal
  • 5 tbsp (75 g) Sugar
  • 1 sprig Parsley
  • ½ tsp Kosher salt
  • ½ tsp Black pepper

Horseradish

  • 2 cups Horseradish ((grated))
  • 1 cups Raw Beet ((grated))
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) White vinegar
  • 3 tbsp Sugar
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Instructions

Fish stock

  • In a pot add the fish bones, water, and all the stock ingredients such as carrots, onions, fennel, parsley, etc. Alternatively, you can substitute the fish bones with fish broth as I have done in the video.
    Pro tip – Use a wide pot so you have enough space to add all the fish cakes later.
  • Cover and simmer on medium-low for 1 hour (if using fish bones simmer 1/2 hour more). Once simmered, drain or remove all veggies. Discard all other vegetables but save the carrots for garnish.

Ground fish & Egg mixture

  • Meanwhile, In the food processor, pulse the fish (without bones) for a minute or more to make ground fish. Remove and set aside.
    Pro tip – Traditionally, the whole fish is purchased. The bones are used for the broth and the flesh for the fish cakes.
  • In the same food processor, pulse onions for a minute. Then, add the parsley, boiled eggs, salt, and pepper until fine but not smooth. Set aside.
    Pro tip – Gefilte fish cakes are not smooth, they do have some texture. Plus it is easier to mold when not as smooth.

Shape the fish cakes

  • In a large bowl, add all the fish cake ingredients starting from ground fish, onion mixture, matzo meal, eggs, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  • Combine the mixture well but do not over mix. You want it to be soft but still be able to shape in an oval cake.
    Pro tip – If the mixture is too stiff the cakes will be hard because the matzo meal will absorb all liquid. So add a few tbsp of water to the mixture if necessary.
  • Take small portions of the mixture and shape it into an oval. Use a 1/4 or 1/3 measuring cup to ensure all cakes are the same size.
    Pro tip – Overmixing will make tough fish cakes so be gentle and keep them light and airy.
  • The best way to do this is to roll the mixture into a ball then shape it into an oval.
    Pro tip – Wet your hands with water to prevent the fish mixture from sticking to your hands.
  • You can keep the shaped fish cakes in the fridge until the stock is ready.
    Pro tip – These cakes will keep in the fridge for up to two days before cooking further.

Cook the fish cakes

  • Once the fish broth is ready, reduce the heat to low so the broth is at a gentle simmer.
  • Gently place the fish cakes in one at a time. Use a spoon to move them around gently to create more space.
    Pro tip – These cakes very gentle at this time so handle them carefully.
  • Once all the fish cakes are in, cover with a lid. Cook the broth on a medium-low simmer for one and half hours.
    Pro tip – Keep the heat to medium-low. Otherwise, the fish cakes can break into pieces if boiled.
  • After an hour and a half, the fish cakes will be cooked and have turned white. Use a slotted spoon to remove them to a shallow serving platter.
    Pro tip – It is necessary to take them out so they do not overcook and soak up too much liquid. The stock can be reused or served as a plain fish soup.
  • Pour some of the fish stock over the fish cakes to keep them moist. Garnish with sliced carrots (we saved from the stock above) and a parsley leaf.
  • Place in the fridge for a few hours to chill. This dish is traditionally served cold with beet horseradish.
    Pro tip – These will keep in the fridge for up to a week.

Make the beet/horseradish

  • Peel and grate the horseradish and beets in a bowl. Add the vinegar, salt, and sugar – Combine well.
  • Pour into a mason jar and let macerate in the fridge until ready to serve. This can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Passover can be an overwhelming time – the kids are on vacation! Everyone is planning the seder and the seder is so much about the food.  You have to make all these wonderful dishes. BUT, there are a few things you can do to reduce this stress, such as
  • Ask your fishmonger to do the cleaning and mincing of the fish. Yes, they do charge a little more but why not; if it reduces your workload, stress and keeps the house clean, not smelling of fish!!
  • Gefilte fish has a good shelflife and it can be kept in the fridge for a few days, so make it ahead of time.
  • After you are done cooking this dish. Place a pot of water to boil – add a cinnamon stick and a chopped lemon – let it boil on a medium-low simmer for an hour. Your home will smell amazing again. The lemon does a great job of removing all the fish smell from every corner of the house.
  • Horseradish – Over time the horseradish tends to get more intense in flavor so if you like it spicy – prepare it a few days ahead. If not; make it on the day you want to serve it. Alternatively, change the ratio of the horseradish to beets. Instead of using 1:1 use 1:2 or even 1:3 three being beets of course. I notice that when I use more beets my kids can eat some too.

Conversions Used

1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,

Nutrition Information

Serving: 98gCalories: 158kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 8gFat: 6.8gSaturated Fat: 1.7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 345mgPotassium: 0mgFiber: 0gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 0IUVitamin C: 0mgCalcium: 0mgIron: 0mg

The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you

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76 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    There’s an error in the recipe. In the instructions for how to make the cakes themselves, it says to add parsley in one place (“In the same food processor – pulse onions for a minute. Then add the parsley, boiled eggs, salt, and pepper until fine but not smooth. Set aside.”) but not in the ingredients list for the cakes nor for the other place where the instructions are (“In a large bowl – add all the fish cake ingredients starting from groundfish, onion mixture, matzo meal, eggs, sugar, salt, and pepper.”). I’m not sure why the instructions are listed twice. The recipe is otherwise delicious.

    1. Thanks for the feedback, Lydia. I have reviewed the recipe again.
      In the food processor, first, you pulse the fish and set it aside. Then in the same food processor you pulse the onions and few other fish cake ingredients.
      Next, in the large bowl, you combine all fish cake ingredients (groundfish, pulsed ingredients, and remaining ingredients that didn’t go in the food processor).

      I hope that makes sense. Please feel free to ask again.
      Thanks

  2. 5 stars
    I’ve made this only once, and I did like the recipe, but when using the 1/4 c. size, I feel I overcooked the gefilte fish and could have removed it after 25-30 minutes maximum. (The tiny test ball was still moist, when I cooked it for 5-10 minutes but the larger ones were too dry after 35 minutes. Otherwise, I appreciated the gluten free tips (I used almond meal), and will definitely experiment to get the recipe exactly right! It was easy to follow, and appreciated the adjustable portions, since I started with a fixed amount (550 g) of fish, and this saved me a lot of time.

  3. 5 stars
    Fish cakes are my favorite!! I am pretty simple and love drenching them in parsley and lemon. Thanks for the cinnamon trick, that will definitely help with the smell!

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