We may not eat shellfish, but if the fish has fins and scales, we're game. Get ready to dive deep and explore the underwater world of Jewish food like never before. From classic favorites like gefilte fish and lox to unique creations inspired by Jewish communities around the world, these recipes celebrate the bountiful treasures of the sea. So let’s make a splash in the kitchen with these ten sensational Jewish fish recipes.
Gefilte Fish Recipe
Let's start with the classic that needs no introduction—gefilte fish. This recipe proves that the real gefilte fish does not come from a jar. Imagine tender fish cakes served with a hot horseradish sauce. It's the perfect appetizer for any Jewish gathering!
Herbed Fish Cakes with Lemon-Horseradish Sauce
Put a modern twist on traditional gefilte with these fish cakes. These patties are infused with fresh herbs, served with a zesty lemon horseradish sauce that adds a delightful tang. If you’re not a gefilte lover, you will still love these.
Pastrami Gravlax
No Jewish fish dish listicle would be complete without mentioning lox—a beloved staple of Jewish delis worldwide. This pastrami flavored gravlax combines the flavors of classic Jewish deli fare with the Scandinavian tradition of gravlax. Luscious salmon fillets are coated in a flavorful mix of pastrami spices, including black pepper, coriander, and mustard seeds. The result is a marriage made in culinary heaven that will leave you craving seconds.
Mexican-Style Gravlax with Cilantro and Tequila
Not sure you want that pastrami flavor? Prefer something a little more mexican? This recipe offers just that! This zesty twist on gravlax incorporates vibrant ingredients like cilantro, lime, tequila, and jalapeño. The combination of flavors creates a fiesta in your mouth that will leave you wanting more.
Whitefish Salad
This Jewish deli classic combines smoked whitefish with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and herbs to create a luscious and satisfying spread. Serve it on a bagel, crackers, or as a dip with fresh veggies for a delicious and versatile appetizer.
Traditional Moroccan Fish
Here is one of the most popular fish recipes around Israel. A Moroccan-inspired fish bursting with bold flavors, it combines tender fish fillets with a rich and fragrant tomato sauce spiced with cumin, paprika, and a hint of heat. This dish is a true culinary adventure that will transport you to the colorful markets of Morocco.
Sumac Ceviche: Spice Up Your Taste Buds
Sometimes we simply add some uniquely Jewish or Israeli flavors to a dish to make it special and that is what we did here with this ceviche. We sprinkled a simple ceviche with sumac, a naturally lemony spice.. The result is a light and vibrant dish that's perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch.
Fish Alberas
Take a culinary journey to India with Fish Alberas, a traditional Jewish fish curry. This is an easy, yet flavourful fish dish cooked with only a minimal amount of spices.
Italian Fish with a Jewish Twist
Here we have an Italian-inspired Jewish fish dish that brings together the best of both worlds. This recipe features a succulent fish fillet marinated in a tantalizing blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and fragrant herbs. It's a delightful fusion of both sweet and sour flavors that showcases the diversity of Jewish culinary influences.
Odessa Forshmak
This flavorful spread combines herring, apples, onions, and spices, resulting in a unique blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Spread it on rye bread or serve it as a dip for a true taste of Soviet-Jewish culinary history.
There you have it— a tantalizing voyage through the depths of Jewish fish dishes that will leave you yearning for an encore. From the timeless elegance of gefilte fish to the audacious flavors of Moroccan fish and the daring reinventions of our modern flavored lox, these recipes cast a net that captures the very essence of Jewish cuisine. So, batten down the hatches, don your culinary cap, and prepare to astound your loved ones with these unforgettable fishy feasts. Your taste buds will be singing the praises of the sea!
