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Quick answer
This 7 Seas version of gefilte fish uses minced sockeye salmon and local snapper for a West Coast take on a classic Passover dish. You can bake it as a ring in a Bundt pan or turn the mixture into fish cakes. If you want help getting started, 7 Seas can mince your fish in-store for holiday pickup.
Why this West Coast version works
Traditional gefilte fish recipes vary from family to family, and that is part of what makes them special. This version keeps the familiar structure while using local seafood choices that suit Vancouver cooks.
Sockeye salmon adds colour, richness, and a fuller flavour. Snapper helps keep the texture tender and balanced. Together, they create a mixture that feels celebratory without becoming heavy.
It is also flexible. You can bake it in a ring for a classic holiday presentation, or add panko and shape it into fish cakes if that better suits your table.
The recipe
Makes: about 30 small fish cakes, or 1 Bundt-style fish ring
Good for: Passover gatherings, make-ahead holiday prep, family meals with leftovers
Ingredients
- 3 carrots
- 2 tablespoons dill
- 2 onions
- 3 pounds minced fish
- 1.5 pounds skinless sockeye salmon
- 1.5 pounds local snapper
- 4 eggs
- 1.5 cups cold water
- 6 tablespoons matzah meal
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 8 cups panko breadcrumbs, optional if making fish cakes
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Finely process the carrots and dill, then set aside.
- Chop the onions and combine them with the minced fish, eggs, cold water, matzah meal, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Mix on medium speed for about 15 minutes, until the mixture looks smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the carrots and dill.
- For a fish ring, spread the mixture into a sprayed 10-inch Bundt pan.
- Place the Bundt pan into a larger pan with about 1 inch of hot water.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour.
- Cover loosely and continue baking for about 1.5 hours, or until fully cooked through.
- Let cool for 20 minutes, then unmold.
- Once completely cool, cover and refrigerate before serving.
- Garnish with tomato and cucumber before bringing it to the table.
Want the fish cake version instead?
If you prefer individual cakes, add the panko breadcrumbs, chill the mixture until easier to handle, then shape into patties. This can be a great option for smaller gatherings, buffet-style serving, or make-ahead holiday prep.
If you already know you want cakes instead of a ring, call ahead and ask about getting your fish minced for that style of recipe.
Helpful tips before you start
- Use cold fish and cold water for a better texture.
- Do not rush the mixing. The full mixing time helps bind the mixture properly.
- Make it ahead. This recipe is well suited to advance prep and chilled serving.
- If you are making fish cakes, chilling the mixture first makes shaping easier.
- Serve with simple garnishes so the fish remains the focus.
Holiday seafood help in Kitsilano
Some recipes are too important to leave to guesswork. If you are preparing for Passover and want the right fish ready for pickup, 7 Seas Fish Market can help you plan ahead.
We have been helping customers prepare seafood for holiday meals for decades. Whether you want fish for this exact recipe or for your own family version, calling ahead can make the week much easier.
Visit us in Kitsilano, order online, or contact the shop to ask what is best for your menu.
Watch the recipe
Quick questions people ask
Can 7 Seas mince fish for my Passover recipe?
Yes. 7 Seas has been mincing fish for holiday cooking for many years. It is best to call ahead and arrange your order so it is ready when you need it.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. This recipe works well as a make-ahead dish. After baking and cooling, cover it well and refrigerate until serving time.
Do I have to make it in a Bundt pan?
No. You can bake it as a ring or adapt the mixture into fish cakes if that better suits your meal and serving style.
What fish works best for this version?
This version uses sockeye salmon and local snapper for a balanced texture and a distinctly West Coast flavour profile.
Order ahead or visit 7 Seas in Kitsilano
Whether you are following this recipe closely or making your own family version, 7 Seas Fish Market can help you get the right fish ready for the occasion.
Order online, contact the shop, or stop by our Vancouver store to plan your Passover seafood.
Order pickup Order delivery Get directions
Make West Coast gefilte fish with sockeye salmon and snapper, then order ahead from 7 Seas Fish Market in Kitsilano for holiday pickup.
Recipe adapted for 7 Seas Fish Market with appreciation to Nava Creative Kosher Cuisine for the original inspiration.
