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Home / Recipes / Appetizers/Beverages / Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish [Jewish Fish Balls]

Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish [Jewish Fish Balls]

September 5, 2017 By Jill Selkowitz / 8 Comments Updated March 26, 2021 / As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs I earn from qualifying purchases; see all disclosures.

Jump to Recipe

Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish in Jelled Broth is made from Whitefish and Pike and simmered in a flavorful Homemade Fish Stock.

Jewish Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish in Jelled Broth

Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish in Jelled Broth

Every Passover, every Seder, the meal starts with an appetizer of Gefilte Fish.

Just one piece of fish on a lettuce leaf. One carrot on top. And a dollop of Beet Horseradish, or plain Horseradish.

I have converted my Grandmother’s Homemade Gefilte Fish recipe for the Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi or Pressure Cooker. My hope is that you will love this recipe and keep my Grandma’s recipe alive, for years to come.

One word of advice – make sure you get an extra Silicone Sealing Ring to use for this recipe!

Jump to Section

  • What is Gefilte Fish?
  • Ingredients for Fish Stock
  • How do you make Fish Stock?
  • How do you strain Fish Stock?
  • What ingredients are in Gefilte Fish?
  • Can Gefilte Be Made Gluten Free?
  • How do you make a Gefilte Fish Log?
  • How do you cook a Frozen Gefilte Fish Log?
  • Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish

What is Gefilte Fish?

  • Simply put, Gefilte Fish is boned and ground Whitefish and Pike, mixed with spices and filler ingredients, that have been poached in Fish Stock. Think of Gefilte Fish as a Jewish “meatball,” or a Fish Meatball.
  • Gefilte Fish is generally served for Passover, Shabbos and other Jewish Holidays.
  • Ashkenazi Jews typically serve Gefilte Fish as an appetizer.
  • Long ago, the fish mixture used to be stuffed into the skin and cooked. This is no longer typical.

 

Cast of Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish

Cast of Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish

You may have to order your Whitefish and Pike in advance, as many fishmongers don’t keep this type of fish in stock.

You can also use Carp, Cod, Bass, Salmon, if you prefer a fishier taste.

If you are going to use Whitefish, make sure your Whitefish is Atlantic Whitefish from freshwater lakes in Nova Scotia, Canada.
There is another fish called Whitefish that comes from the ocean off of Mexico, which is an oily fish, so don’t confuse the two.

Jarred Gefilte Fish is pretty good really, but, you can totally customize your recipe, if you make it yourself. This Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish is my very basic recipe and my preference is freshwater fish, Whitefish and Pike.

Ingredients for Fish Stock

  • Fish Trimmings
  • Unpeeled Onions
  • Kosher Salt
  • Sugar – I like to use Raw Demerara Sugar or use a Sugar Substitute to make it Low Carb
  • White Pepper
  • Fresh Water

 

Make the Gefilte Fish Stock

Make the Gefilte Fish Stock

If your butcher did not clean your fish, you will need to do it yourself.

Be careful to make sure that all the bones are removed from the fillets.

All the trimmings, head, tail, bones, skin, will be used for the Fish Stock.

How do you make Fish Stock?

  • The Bones, Heads, Tails, Skin (all trimmings) from a whole Fish are tossed into the Pressure Cooker cooking pot.
  • Onions and Seasonings are added and then covered with Fresh Water.
  • On the stove, the Fish Stock would simmer for over an hour. The Pressure Cooker only takes 15 minutes.

How do you strain Fish Stock?

  • When the cook time is up, grab a 3.5 Quart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl and a Fine Strainer.
  • If you already have the RSVP Strainer Basket, try using that, but be careful to check that no bones slipped by.
  • What is left after Straining out all the solids, is Fish Stock!
  • While your Stock is cooking, mix up the Gefilte Fish Mixture and then put it into the refrigerator.

 

Make Gefilte Fish Balls Food Processor

Make Gefilte Fish Balls

The easiest and quickest way to make your Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish is to use a good Food Processor.

What ingredients are in Gefilte Fish?

  • Whitefish and Pike (or Carp and Whitefish, or other varieties of mild fish and/or oily fish, like Salmon)
  • Matzo Meal* – save yourself some money and use Matzo (assuming it is a staple in your house)
  • Carrot
  • Kosher Salt
  • Sugar – I like to use Raw Demerara Sugar in the mix too (or leave it out if you are Low Carb).
  • White Pepper
  • Eggs – whole eggs or egg whites

Can Gefilte Be Made Gluten Free?

  • Yes, use Potato Starch instead of Matzo Meal and omit the Sugar

Make sure to first process all the ingredients, except for the fish, in the Food Processor.

Once the ingredients are well processed, add in the fish and process until just combined. Make sure not to over process the fish, as it will turn to mush.

You can change up the ingredients and fish, if you like, so if you like it sweeter, add more sugar.

If you like it less sweet, omit the sugar.

 

Refrigerator Fish Mixture

Refrigerator Fish Mixture

While the Fish Broth is cooking, place the Mixing Bowl with the Gefilte Fix Mixture into the refrigerator.

It is easier to shape when it is very cold.

That little Mixing Bowl above, is what I use for Pot in Pot to reheat leftovers like Macaroni and Cheese, Japanese Beef Stew, Seafood Chowder and more.

 

Form Mixture into an Oval Shape

Form Mixture into an Oval Shape

After the Fish Broth has been strained, rinse out the cooking pot and pour the broth back into the pot.

Right away, Set the Pressure and Time on the Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi or Pressure Cooker.

Remove the Fish from the refrigerator and start shaping the Gefilte Fish Mixture into Balls.

 

Carefully Lower the Gefilte Fish into Broth

Carefully Lower the Gefilte Fish into Broth

Don’t be scared about the Pressure Building up in the Pot. It won’t.

The Broth will just start to slightly simmer, or not, depending on how fast you shape the Gefilte Fish.

Use a Spoon or Spatula and slowly lower each piece of Gefilte Fish into the Hot Broth.

 

The Gefilte Fish will Float

The Gefilte Fish will Float

The Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish will begin to float. Continue to add the Fish Balls, until all of them are in the pot.

Throw the Sliced Carrots in at the last second.

Some people like to make a log with their Gefilte Fish Mixture.

I made Balls and a Log with this batch, so I could show you what’s what.

So, with that being said…………………..

 

Gefilte Fish Log - Great for Freezing

Gefilte Fish Log – Great for Freezing

Here is how you can make your own Gefilte Fish Log and then freeze it for later.

How do you make a Gefilte Fish Log?

  • Grab some Cheesecloth or Butter Muslin and plop the Gefilte Fish Mixture into the middle.
  • Form the Gefilte Fish Mixture into a big ole log.
  • Tightly roll up the Fish and tie it on the ends.
  • Either use a Foodsaver and freeze the raw Gefilte Fish Log for another day, or add it to the pot of Fish Stock.

How do you cook a Frozen Gefilte Fish Log?

  • To cook, place the frozen Gefilte Fish log into Pressure Cooker and add carrots, parsnips, onions, sugar, Fish Stock, Vegetable Stock or Water.
  • Chill the Gefilte Fish Log and then remove the Cheesecloth or Butter Muslin and serve.

You can also find Frozen Gefilte Fish Logs in the grocery store and cook them in the Pressure Cooker.

 

Gently Place the Log in the Fish Broth

Gently Place the Log in the Fish Broth

Grab a set of Tongs and gently lower the Fresh or Frozen Gefilte Log into the Hot Broth.

Be careful not to burn yourself….remember, the Pot is heating up since it was already set to cook.

 

Even the Gefilte Fish Log Floats

Even the Gefilte Fish Log Floats

Floating Gefilte Fish!

The Gefilte Fish will expand as they cook and then float to the top.

 

Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish with Carrots

Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish with Carrots

Remove the Fish from the Stock and place into containers to cool.

Cover with the Fish Stock and refrigerate.

The Broth will firm up and become jelled.

 

Instant Pot Gefilte Fish

Instant Pot Gefilte Fish

Serve your Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish with a slice of carrot and a dollop of Beet Horseradish or Hot Horseradish.

Most people add some of the jelled Stock to the plate. I don’t like it, so I don’t put it on my plate.

For more Jewish recipes from my Grandmother’s kitchen, try my Pressure Cooker Jewish Noodle Kugel or my Pressure Cooker Jewish Sweet and Sour Stuffed Cabbage.

Kitchen Equipment and Essentials

  • Instant Pot, Ninja Foodi or Pressure Cooker
  • J.A. Henckels Classic 7-inch Hollow Edge Santoku Knife
  • Amco Advanced Performance 18/10 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons
  • Simply Gourmet (Dry) Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
  • Anchor Hocking Glass (Liquid) Measuring Cups
  • di Oro Living Silicone Spatulas Set
  • Alton Brown Salt Box
  • Electric Pepper Mill
  • 6 oz Porcelain Ramekins
  • My FANTASTIC Teak Cutting & Charcuterie Board & Compartments
  • Small 1.5 Quart “Pot in Pot” Mixing Bowl
  • Silicone Sealing Ring – just for cooking fish

Caring is sharing! If you would like to support This Old Gal, please share this recipe on Social Media, so that I can continue to bring you more wonderful recipes! 

If you share a picture of something you make from our blog, tag it with #thisoldgalcooks so we can see it. We might feature it on Instagram! It makes my day when I see you’ve made one of our recipes!

Here is the handy printable recipe:

Instant Pot Gefilte Fish

Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish

5 from 4 votes
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Jewish
Prep Time: 40 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 16 pieces
Calories:
Author: Jill Selkowitz

Ingredients

  • 3.5 pounds Whole Whitefish and Pike (cleaned, trimmings and fillets separated)
  • 2 large Carrots peeled/sliced

Fish Stock

  • 2 medium Yellow/Brown Onion
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt
  • 2 teaspoons White Sugar optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground White Pepper
  • 2 quarts Fresh Water

Gefilte Fish

  • 1.75 pounds Whitefish and Pike fillets
  • 3 large Eggs (whites only)
  • 1 medium Yellow/Brown Onion
  • 1 large Carrots
  • 1/2 cup Matzo Meal (or 1/4 cup Potato Starch)
  • 2 teaspoons White Sugar optional
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground White Pepper

Instructions

  • Add Fish Trimmings (head, bones, skin), whole unpeeled Onions, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon White Pepper, 1 teaspoon Sugar and 3 quarts Fresh Water to Pressure Cooker cooking pot.
  • Lock on Lid and close Pressure Valve. Cook at High Pressure for 15 minutes. When Beep sounds, allow a full Natural Pressure Release.
  • While Stock is cooking, place 1 carrot, 1 peeled onion, 3 egg whites, 1 teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon White Pepper, 2 teaspoons Sugar and Matzo Meal into the bowl of a food processor.  Process until well combined.
  • Add Fish Fillets and pulse until Fish is incorporated, being careful not to turn the fish to mush. Transfer Mixture to a Bowl and place in refrigerator.  Slice two carrots and set aside.
  • When pressure has naturally released, strain Stock into a Bowl and discard solid matter. Rinse out Pressure Cooker cooking pot and add strained stock back into pot.  Select Low Pressure and 10 minutes on the Pressure Cooker.
  • Remove Fish from refrigerator and form into Oval/Egg Shaped Balls.  Use a large spoon and gently place Fish Balls into the hot liquid.  Add sliced Carrots to Pressure Cooker.
  • Lock on Lid and close Pressure Valve.  (Time has already been set.) When Beep sounds, allow a full Natural Pressure Release.
  • Carefully remove Gefilte Fish and Carrots to a container and let cool for 15 minutes.  Strain Fish Stock and pour over the Gefilte Fish.
  • Place in refrigerator and allow to chill.  Serve with Horseradish

Notes

Whitefish and Pike come from freshwater lakes in Nova Scotia, Canada and usually need to be ordered.
Ask your fishmonger to clean the fish and separate the trimmings from the fillets.
A good fishmonger will clean the fish thoroughly, but to be on the safe side, check to make sure no bones are left in the fillets.

Cooking A Frozen Gefilte Fish Log

  • To cook, place the frozen Gefilte Fish log into Pressure Cooker and add carrots, parsnips, onions, sugar, Fish Stock, Vegetable Stock or Water.
  • Set pressure cook time for 10 minutes. Let pressure release for 15 minutes and then release the rest of the pressure.
  • Remove the lid and the log.
  • Chill the Gefilte Fish Log and then remove the Cheesecloth or Butter Muslin and serve.
Make it Low Carb and Gluten Free - use Potato Starch instead of Matzo Meal and omit the Sugar
Tried this recipe?Mention @ThisOldGalCooks or tag #thisoldgalcooks!
© ThisOldGal.com - Sharing the recipe link to any of my recipes posts are both encouraged and appreciated. Unauthorized and improperly attributed or non-attributed use of this material, including screen shots, copy/paste of full recipes to any social media site, website, mobile application or service (e.g., copymethat, recipe keeper, pepper) or cookbook, without the requisite attribution or otherwise with express written permission from Jill Selkowitz is strictly prohibited. You may share a photo with a link back instead.

PIN this Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish!

Homemade Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish in Jelled Broth

Homemade Pressure Cooker Gefilte Fish in Jelled Broth

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September 5, 2017

About Jill Selkowitz

Hi, I'm Jill. I'm a mom to Tonkinese cats and enjoy sharing restaurant quality meals, easily made at home. With my easy step by step photos and directions, new cooks will be able to follow along and cook like rock stars.

Comments

  1. Valerie says

    December 16, 2023 at 4:48 pm

    5 stars
    This brings back memories. My dad is long gone now but he loved Gefilte Fish. Me not so much. Sorry Jill. He didn’t make it though, he got it at the deli. We lived in an area with large Jewish and Italian communities. I was a skinny little thing and all the Jewish and Italian mothers wanted to feed me. Such wonderful food. I’m sure if we had lived there longer they would have fattened me right up. Thanks Jill.

    Reply
  2. Lisa says

    September 19, 2020 at 11:18 am

    Was so excited. Everything looked great until I gently slid the loaves into broth they float then dissolved?? ??‍♀️

    Reply
    • Jill Selkowitz says

      September 27, 2020 at 12:17 pm

      Hi Nichole. It is really important to add enough matzo meal to the fist mixture in order to forms a firm ball. That is an important step. Some fish has more moisture than others. I hope you try again and if your fish is very wet, just add more of the meal. Jill

      Reply
  3. Linda says

    April 20, 2019 at 2:49 pm

    Can gefilte fish be frozen?

    Reply
    • Pauline says

      September 27, 2019 at 5:08 pm

      Yes my mother used to freeze them but the texture is a bit different. Taste is the same. Also can freeze beet horseradish and it keeps its strength so you don’t have to make it fresh every time

      Reply
  4. Martin Jacoby says

    December 18, 2017 at 9:58 am

    5 stars
    Gefilte fish in an Instant Pot, wonderful!!

    Reply
  5. Ezraella Bassera says

    September 24, 2017 at 11:57 pm

    5 stars
    La Shana Tova. I’ll be trying this later in the year. I’m a big fan of the sweet loaf gefelte fish (in the frozen food section).

    Reply
  6. Dorothy S Radowitz says

    September 20, 2017 at 9:09 am

    5 stars
    I wish I would have found this 2 days ago. I made my gefilta fish in a pot on the stove. This looks so much easier.

    Reply

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