Ungar’s frozen gefilte fish is a classic Jewish dish that is both delicious and easy to prepare. Whether you are planning a festive holiday dinner or looking for a quick and tasty weekday meal, this recipe will surely become a family favorite.
Gefilte fish is traditionally made from a mixture of ground fish, onions, eggs, and spices. It is then shaped into small oblong balls or patties and poached in a flavorful broth. While making it from scratch can be time-consuming, using frozen gefilte fish can be a convenient and time-saving alternative.
To cook Ungar’s frozen gefilte fish, start by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature. Then, carefully remove the fish from the packaging and arrange them in a single layer in a baking dish. You can line the dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
Next, prepare the broth by mixing water with the included seasoning packet. You can customize the broth by adding onions, carrots, and celery for extra flavor. Pour the broth over the fish, ensuring that it covers them completely. This will help keep the fish moist and tender during cooking.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Let the fish bake for the recommended amount of time, or until they are cooked through and slightly golden on top. Remove the foil during the last few minutes to allow the tops to brown.
Once the fish are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can garnish them with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the gefilte fish warm with horseradish sauce or a side of tangy pickles to complement the flavors.
In conclusion, cooking Ungar’s frozen gefilte fish is a simple and convenient way to enjoy this beloved Jewish dish. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Preparation steps for cooking frozen gefilte fish
Before cooking the frozen gefilte fish, it is important to properly defrost it. Here are the steps to prepare it:
Step 1: Defrosting
Remove the frozen gefilte fish from its packaging and place it in a bowl filled with cold water. Let it sit for approximately 1-2 hours or until fully thawed. Make sure to change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
Step 2: Draining
Once thawed, drain any excess water from the gefilte fish. Gently pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.
Step 3: Seasoning
Season the gefilte fish according to your taste preferences. You can use traditional seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Alternatively, you can add your own unique blend of herbs and spices.
Step 4: Shaping
To shape the gefilte fish, wet your hands with water to prevent sticking. Take a small portion of the mixture and shape it into an oval or round shape, similar to a meatball. Repeat this process until all the gefilte fish mixture is used.
Step 5: Cooking
Place the shaped gefilte fish on a greased baking sheet or in a baking dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the gefilte fish for approximately 30-40 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown on the outside. To ensure it is fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the gefilte fish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. It is traditionally served chilled or at room temperature, accompanied by horseradish or other condiments.
Ingredients | Instructions |
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Frozen gefilte fish | 1. Remove from packaging 2. Thaw in cold water 3. Drain and pat dry 4. Season according to taste 5. Shape into ovals or rounds 6. Bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes 7. Let cool and serve |
Gathering the ingredients
Before you begin cooking Ungar’s frozen gefilte fish, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
Ingredients:
- Ungar’s frozen gefilte fish
- Water
- White onion, finely chopped
- Carrots, peeled and sliced
- Matzo meal
- Eggs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Make sure to thaw the frozen gefilte fish in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This will ensure that the fish is fully defrosted and ready to be prepared.
Having all the ingredients ready and prepared in advance will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.
Thawing the frozen gefilte fish
Before cooking the frozen gefilte fish, it is important to thaw it properly to ensure even cooking and to maintain the integrity of the fish.
There are two recommended methods for thawing the frozen gefilte fish:
1. Refrigerator thawing
Place the frozen gefilte fish in its original packaging or a sealed plastic bag and transfer it to the refrigerator. Allow the fish to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours or until completely defrosted. This slow and gentle thawing method helps preserve the texture and taste of the fish.
2. Cold water thawing
- Take the frozen gefilte fish out of its packaging and place it in a leak-proof plastic bag.
- Fill a large bowl or sink with cold water. Submerge the sealed bag with the fish in the water.
- Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that it remains cold throughout the thawing process.
- Thaw the fish for approximately 1-2 hours, or until it is completely defrosted.
It is important to note that thawing the frozen gefilte fish in the microwave is not recommended as it can result in uneven thawing and may negatively affect the texture of the fish.
Once the gefilte fish is thawed, it is ready to be cooked according to your preferred recipe. Enjoy!
Preparing the cooking liquid
Before you start cooking the Ungar’s frozen gefilte fish, it’s important to prepare a flavorful cooking liquid. This liquid will infuse the fish with delicious flavors and enhance its taste.
Ingredients:
- 10 cups of water
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 parsnip, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black peppercorns
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
Instructions:
To prepare the cooking liquid, follow these steps:
- In a large pot, add the water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, parsnip, salt, black peppercorns, bay leaf, and sugar to the boiling water.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Once the mixture is ready, strain it using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the vegetables and spices. Keep the liquid and discard the solids.
- The cooking liquid is now ready to be used for cooking the Uncar’s frozen gefilte fish.
By preparing a flavorful cooking liquid, you will ensure that your Uncar’s frozen gefilte fish turns out moist and packed with delicious flavors. This step is essential to achieve an authentic and traditional taste. Now that your cooking liquid is ready, you can move on to cooking the fish according to the package instructions.
Shaping the fish mixture
After defrosting the Ungar’s frozen gefilte fish according to package instructions, it’s time to shape the fish mixture into individual portions. Here’s how:
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As you shape the fish mixture, you can place the formed portions onto a parchment-lined baking sheet or directly into a pot with your desired cooking liquid, such as fish stock or water. The fish patties will hold their shape during cooking.
Continue with the cooking instructions for the specific recipe you are following, whether it’s boiling the gefilte fish or baking it in the oven.
Boiling the Gefilte Fish
To cook Ungar’s frozen gefilte fish, you will need a pot large enough to accommodate the fish and enough water to cover it. Here is a step-by-step guide to boiling the gefilte fish:
- Fill the pot with enough water to completely cover the gefilte fish.
- Place the pot on the stove and bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, carefully place the frozen gefilte fish in the pot.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot with a lid.
- Let the fish simmer for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Check the doneness of the fish by using a fork to flake a piece. If the fish flakes easily, it is done.
- Once the fish is done, carefully remove it from the pot using a slotted spoon.
- Allow the fish to cool before serving, as it can be quite hot.
There you have it – a simple and delicious way to cook Ungar’s frozen gefilte fish. Enjoy!
Q&A
What is gefilte fish?
Gefilte fish is a traditional Jewish dish made from ground fish, usually whitefish, carp, and pike. It is typically served as an appetizer.
How do I cook ungar’s frozen gefilte fish?
To cook ungar’s frozen gefilte fish, simply thaw the fish in the refrigerator overnight, then boil it in a pot of water with some vegetables and seasoning for about 1 hour. Once cooked, let it cool before serving.
Can I microwave ungar’s frozen gefilte fish?
No, it is not recommended to microwave ungar’s frozen gefilte fish as it may result in uneven heating and alter the texture of the fish. Boiling it is the preferred cooking method.
What vegetables and seasoning should I use when cooking ungar’s frozen gefilte fish?
You can use a variety of vegetables such as onions, carrots, and celery, along with some salt, pepper, and bay leaves for seasoning. These ingredients will add flavor to the fish while it cooks.
Can I cook ungar’s frozen gefilte fish without thawing it first?
While it is possible to cook ungar’s frozen gefilte fish without thawing it first, it is not recommended as it may result in uneven cooking. Thawing the fish beforehand ensures that it cooks evenly and retains its texture.