124 Shares

This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure).

Gefilte fish is a staple at Jewish holiday tables, known for its delicate flavor and unique texture. This homemade version takes the traditional recipe to a new level by using a blend of fresh fish, onions, and carrots, simmered to perfection in a rich fish stock. Whether you’re preparing it for Rosh Hashanah or Passover, this recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful dish that your family will love.

homemade gefilte fish

Gefilte fish is one of the most famous traditional Jewish recipes. Classic gefilte fish is made out of the fish patties that are simmered in the fish stock with onions and carrots. Gefilte fish is served cold, and it goes perfectly with the spicy horseradish. Make the gefilte fish the day before you plan on serving it, so it has time to become refrigerator-cold.

Why You’ll Love Homemade Gefilte Fish

Classic and comforting: This recipe brings the comforting flavors of tradition right to your table. The mix of fresh fish, onions, and carrots creates a well-balanced taste that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for holidays: Gefilte fish is a must-have for Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Passover. It’s an authentic dish that elevates your holiday meals while keeping the tradition alive.
Make-ahead convenience: One of the best parts about gefilte fish is that it tastes even better when made in advance. Preparing it a day before allows the flavors to fully develop, saving you time on the big day.
Impressive yet simple: Despite its gourmet appeal, this gefilte fish recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. It’s a great way to impress your guests without a complicated process.
Customizable flavors: You can easily tweak the recipe by using your favorite type of fish or adding more seasoning. Plus, you can serve it with horseradish for an extra kick.

Gefilte fish recipe has fish stock as one of the ingredients. Check the stock section of your supermarket, and if they don’t have fish stock, check the bouillion cubes section – they might have Knorr Fish Stock cubes. Also, Whole Foods usually carries fish stock. If you can’t find fish stock, you can use store-bought vegetable stock instead – I have made gefilte fish with vegetable stock, and it tasted great!

Gefilte fish is the classic recipe for Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Passover. The recipe below is the authentic Jewish homemade Gefilte fish recipe that tastes outstanding.

Homemade Gefilte Fish Recipe

Ingredients For Gefilte Fish

2 lbs of fish fillets (1 lb of rainbow trout and 1 lb of cod, or you can also use white fish or tilapia) – A mix of rainbow trout and cod provides a great balance of flavor and texture, but white fish or tilapia works too.
5 onions – Onions add a sweet, savory flavor to the fish patties and the simmering broth.
2 carrots – These bring a slight sweetness and lovely color to the dish, as well as being used in the layering process.
1 egg – Acts as a binder to help the fish patties hold their shape.
1 cup of flour – Used for coating the fish patties before frying, giving them a golden crust.
1 package (16 oz) store-bought fish stock (you can also use vegetable stock instead) – This provides rich, savory flavor during simmering. Vegetable stock can be used as a substitute.
1 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the fish and vegetables.
1/4 tsp pepper – Adds a mild heat and balances the other flavors.
2 tbsp oil – Used for sautéing the onions and frying the patties until golden.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Homemade Gefilte Fish

Food processor – Essential for finely chopping the fish fillets and onions to create a smooth texture for the patties.
Non-stick frying pan – Used for sautéing the onions and frying the fish patties to get a golden-brown crust.
Non-stick pot – Required for simmering the layered fish patties in fish stock to infuse the flavors.
Measuring cups and spoons – Helpful for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, oil, salt, and pepper.

Instructions How To Make Gefilte Fish

Chop 2 of the onions. Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the 2 chopped onions and reduce heat to medium. Cook, stirring periodically, for 10 minutes.
Put the fish (leave the skin on) and the fried onions in the food processor fitted with a steel blade and process until everything is finely chopped (it should have the texture similar to ground meat).
Put the fish mixture in a bowl. Add raw egg, salt and pepper. Mix until combined.
Put the flour on a large plate.
Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a non-stick frying pan (you will need 2 frying pans if you want to fit all the patties at once, if using 2 frying pans, use 1 tbsp of oil in each pan). Form the fish mixture into patties. The fish mixture is very sticky, so if it sticks to your hands too much, wet your hands with cold water before forming the patties – it should help with the sticking. Dip the fish patties in the flour on both sides and put on a frying pan.
Cook the fish patties for 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for 3 minutes on another side, or until golden-brown on each side. Remove from heat.
Chop the remaining 3 onions. Peel the carrots and slice them into thin rounds. Put 1/3 of the onions on the bottom of a non-stick pot. Put half of the fish patties on top of the onions, then put half of the carrots on top of the fish and put half of the remaining onions on top of the carrots. Put the rest of the fish patties in the pot, then put the remaining onions and carrots on top. Add enough fish stock to cover the fish patties (if you don’t have enough fish stock, add water).
Bring the pot with gefilte fish to a boil. Reduce heat to the lowest simmer, cover and simmer the gefilte fish for 1.5 hours.
Let the gefilte fish cool down and refrigerate it. Serve the gefilte fish the next day, with horseradish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve gefilte fish cold as an appetizer or main course for Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah or Passover.
Pair it with a generous side of spicy horseradish for a traditional accompaniment that enhances the flavors.
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness.
Add a slice of challah bread on the side to soak up the flavorful broth.
Consider serving it alongside matzo ball soup for a complete and festive holiday meal.

Tips for Success

Use fresh fish for the best flavor: The freshness of the fish fillets is crucial in this recipe. Opt for fresh rainbow trout, cod, or white fish to ensure the best taste and texture. If you can, visit a fish market to get the freshest options available.
Chill the mixture if it’s too sticky: If the fish mixture is too sticky when forming patties, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up, making it easier to shape the patties without them falling apart.
Don’t skip the frying step: Frying the patties before simmering them is important to develop a golden crust that adds texture and flavor. Make sure the oil is hot enough before placing the patties in the pan to prevent sticking.
Simmer gently: Once the patties are in the pot with the stock, simmer them on the lowest heat possible. A gentle simmer ensures the patties cook evenly and stay tender without breaking apart.
Make it ahead of time: Gefilte fish tastes even better when made a day in advance. Letting it chill in the refrigerator overnight helps the flavors meld together and gives the dish its classic cold texture.

Variations And Substitutions

Fish substitutions: If you don’t have access to rainbow trout or cod, you can easily substitute them with other white fish like tilapia, pike, or haddock. Each fish brings a slightly different texture, but all will work well in this recipe.
Gluten-free option: To make the recipe gluten-free, swap the flour used for coating the patties with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or rice flour. This will still give the patties a crispy coating without the gluten.
Vegetarian gefilte fish: For a vegetarian version, you can use finely chopped or pureed vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and cauliflower instead of fish. Combine them with eggs and gluten-free flour to bind the mixture, and use vegetable stock for simmering.
Herb and spice variations: For extra flavor, you can add herbs like fresh dill or parsley to the fish mixture. A pinch of garlic powder or paprika can also add a subtle depth of flavor. Play around with these seasonings to match your preferences.
Stock alternatives: If you’re unable to find fish stock, vegetable stock is a great alternative. You can also make your own fish stock by simmering fish bones and scraps with onions, carrots, and herbs for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Gefilte fish is best stored in the refrigerator. Once it has cooled completely after cooking, transfer the fish patties and their broth into an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: If you’d like to store gefilte fish for longer, it freezes well. Place the fish patties in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, with the broth covering them to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: Gefilte fish is typically served cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can gently reheat it. Place the patties and some broth in a saucepan over low heat, covering the pan to retain moisture. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the fish to become dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make gefilte fish without a food processor?

Yes, you can make gefilte fish without a food processor, but it will take more time. You can finely chop the fish fillets and onions by hand or use a meat grinder. Make sure the texture is as smooth as possible to achieve the traditional consistency.

Can I use pre-made fish stock?

Absolutely! Store-bought fish stock works well for this recipe and saves time. If you can’t find fish stock, vegetable stock is a good alternative that still adds plenty of flavor.

How far in advance can I make gefilte fish?

Gefilte fish can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, it tastes better when prepared ahead, as this gives the flavors time to develop. Just make sure to keep it well-covered in an airtight container.

What’s the best way to serve gefilte fish?

Traditionally, gefilte fish is served cold with a side of spicy horseradish. It can also be garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor. Pair it with challah bread or matzo for a complete dish.

Can I customize the spices in gefilte fish?

Yes, you can adjust the spices based on your taste. While the classic recipe uses salt and pepper, you can add herbs like dill, parsley, or even a pinch of garlic powder or paprika for added flavor. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate taste of the fish.

Other Easy Fish Recipes

Crispy Fried Grouper Fillets Recipe: These crispy fried grouper fillets are golden, crunchy, and perfect for a quick seafood dinner.

Healthy Oven-Baked Grouper Fillets: Enjoy tender and flavorful grouper fillets baked to perfection for a healthy, guilt-free meal.

Simple Baked Lemon Sole | Low-Calorie Fish Recipe: This light and zesty baked lemon sole is an easy, low-calorie option for a healthy seafood dish.

Air Fryer Crispy Flounder Fillets: These air fryer flounder fillets are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with minimal oil required.

Easy Broiled Flounder Recipe: Quick and easy broiled flounder makes a simple, healthy dinner ready in minutes.

Oven-Baked Catfish Nuggets: These crunchy oven-baked catfish nuggets are a delicious and healthier twist on classic fried seafood.

Parmesan Crusted Baked Cod: This parmesan-crusted baked cod offers a savory, cheesy crust over flaky, tender fish for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Click Here To Pin This Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

No ratings yet