From the moment I first tasted this dish, I knew it would become a staple in our home. In this video you’ll see how easy it is to transform humble ingredients into something truly show-stopping — perfect for Shabbat dinners, holiday feasts, or any night you just want to feel a little extra love around the table. Join me as I walk you through every step, share tips to make it effortless, and show you just how beautiful (and delicious!) this recipe can be.
Fish Bites
Servings
8 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 20-ounce package Gefilte Fish, completely defrosted
- 1 8-ounce package feta cheese crumbled into large pieces
- 1/3 cup chopped dry spinach fresh or frozen
- 2 teaspoons prepared minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped or 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2/3 cup breadcrumbs divided
- 1/8 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 3 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon butter or margarine divided
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine gefilte, feta, spinach, garlic, thyme and 1/3 cup breadcrumbs.
- Spread the remaining breadcrumbs on a cookie sheet.
- For each bite, use 2 teaspoons of mixture. With wet hands form into balls and roll in breadcrumbs to coat.
- Heat a large skillet with 1/2 of the butter and oil.
- In batches, begin to sauté the balls on all sides, until golden brown.
- With a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel lined plates.
- Continue, adding remaining butter and oil as needed until you have finished sautéing all the balls.
- Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon, place 3 fish bites on a bamboo skewer or serve with a toothpick in each.
Wasn’t sure how this was going to work out since my family loves a traditional plate of gefilte fish and homemade horseradish. These fish bites were delicious and a huge hit. Served with horseradish aioli.
I made this recipe today with “Follow Your Heart” pareve feta crumbles. It’s delicious! I’ve liked this recipe for years, and being able to make it pareve is a great option. (I bought the 6 ounce container of crumbles at Whole Foods. It has a Kof-K hechsher on it.)
Great to know, thanks
This is so unique and sounds fabulous. During COVID we aren’t entertaining so just the two of us. CAN THE FISH BALLS IF USING THE FROZEN GEFILTE FISH BE FROZEN?
Sure that is fine, just reheat well.
Sure you can! sub it for tofutti cream cheese or tofu or simply omit it entirely. enJOY!
Can I substitute the feta as we do not eat dairy?
fried is really best for these – if you bake I would suggest flattening them into small patties and spraying with cooking spray or drizzling with olive oil – flip them halfway thru and repeat the spray or oil until crunchy and cooked through…
Hi, can these be baked, or do they have to be fried? I’m not a fan of frying and only do it when I have to 😉
Joanie!!!!!!!! You are too fabulous!!!! Thanks so much for buying the books, and visiting the site and commenting here. Is this the video/recipe you saw? http://bit.ly/1iswrlZ
Tried this… turned out great. Would like your mother in laws recipe for baked gefilte fish with vegetables made in the oven. Saw you prepare this on your tv show awhile back. I am Italian, cooking for 10 of my husbands family who are all Jewish. Just for the record I am 78 years young and still learning new ways of preparing different foods. Yes I do have 2 of your cookbooks and enjoy them very much. Thank you…….Joanie
oooh Lindsay interesting allergy. ok, so what about swiss chard/beet greens, or collard greens? after which I can recommend frozen, thawed broccoli florets cut off the stems and chop the florets.
Hi Jamie,
My fiance is allergic to spinach. Can we substitute another vegetable? Thanks!
sure use jarred just not the jellied broth and mash up the gefilte – you want the same measurement 20-oz fish. Also try flaked salmon or tuna from or any other white fish — cod, trout or flounder would work here or even leftover salmon you have in the fridge/or a fillet.
I don’t have access to frozen gefilte fish – this recipe sounds great – can I use a store bought jar of gefilte fish? If yes, are there adjustments to be made?
YAY thanks for commenting — this recipe is an oldie but a goodie!
Hi Jamie,
I tried these tonight and they were fantastic! I actually forgot to get breadcrumbs at the store but low and behold I had a box of matzo meal in the pantry and it worked out great. I’m looking forward to using the bites in your Fusili dish soon.
You can find that video right here – http://www.joyofkosher.com/2010/05/quick-kosher-fish-fusilli-jamie-gellers-kosher-cooking-video/
The video starts off by saying there will be two recipes the fish bites and Bake Fish Fusili but the second receipe has been left out. Please provide the receipe.
Thanks
sure you can! enjoy
can i make it without the cheese for shabbos?