Mock Gefilte Fish

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Jewish

A flavorful vegetarian version of gefilte fish made with tuna or salmon, seasoned with onions and carrots, perfect for Jewish holidays or as a unique appetizer.

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Ingredients

  • 7 oz. can water packed tuna or salmon
  • 2 onions (1 grated, 1 sliced)
  • 2 carrots (1 grated, 1 sliced)
  • 2 eggs separated
  • 1 Tbsp. oil
  • 1/4 cup matzo meal
  • 1/2 tsp. sugar
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash the fish and drain.
  2. In 2 cups of water, add the sliced onion, sliced carrot, salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar.
  3. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat.
  4. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using canned salmon instead of tuna. To enhance the flavor, add fresh herbs like dill or parsley. If you're out of matzo meal, breadcrumbs can be a suitable substitute. Make sure to grate the onions and carrots finely for better texture. When simmering, adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more salt or pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the mock gefilte fish warm or chilled, garnished with fresh herbs. It pairs beautifully with a side of horseradish for a traditional touch. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or the refreshing 5 In 1 Fruit Salad for a balanced meal. This dish can also be a flavorful appetizer at gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the gefilte fish in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 30 seconds, ensuring they remain moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mock Gefilte Fish contains roughly 646 calories, with 4g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 603mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

646 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.1g 8% DV
Total Fat 51.7g 66% DV
Carbs 45.9g 17% DV
Fiber 6g 21% DV
Sugar 5.9g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 603.3mg 26% DV
Potassium 652.7mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 64.5mg 22% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 529.2mcg 59% DV
Vitamin C 22.3mg 25% DV
Calcium 102.9mg 8% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Fish

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh fish instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh fish, but it will require additional preparation. Poach the fish until cooked through, then flake it for the recipe. Fresh fish will give a different texture and flavor compared to canned options, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the mock gefilte fish. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to two months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm gently on the stove or microwave.

What can I serve with mock gefilte fish?

Mock gefilte fish goes well with a variety of sides. Try serving it with a simple cucumber salad or a dollop of creamy horseradish. It also complements traditional Jewish dishes or could be paired with vegetarian recipes for a wholesome meal. Don’t forget to add some fresh lemon for a zesty kick!

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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