Matzah Brei with Caramelized Onion and Smoked Salmon
A savory Passover breakfast dish featuring matzah soaked and fried with caramelized onions, topped with silky smoked salmon and fresh dill. This middle eastern-inspired passover (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs matzah sheets, large eggs, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 sheets, broken into 2-inch pieces matzah sheets
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 medium, thinly sliced yellow onion
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 oz, sliced smoked salmon
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- for serving lemon wedges
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 4 broken matzah sheets in a shallow bowl and cover with 1/4 cup whole milk. Let soak for 5 minutes until softened but not mushy.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté gently for 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and caramelized.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk 4 large eggs with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Add the soaked matzah pieces to the egg mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Step 5: Increase skillet heat to medium, add the matzah-egg mixture to the pan with the caramelized onions, spreading evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until edges firm and bottom is golden.
- Step 6: Carefully flip the matzah brei in sections and cook an additional 3 minutes until fully set and golden on both sides.
- Step 7: Transfer to plates and top each serving with 1.5 oz smoked salmon slices and sprinkle 1/2 tbsp fresh chopped dill.
- Step 8: Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Matzah Brei with Caramelized Onion and Smoked Salmon take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Matzah Brei with Caramelized Onion and Smoked Salmon?
Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.
Can I substitute ingredients in Matzah Brei with Caramelized Onion and Smoked Salmon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Matzah Brei with Caramelized Onion and Smoked Salmon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Matzah Brei with Caramelized Onion and Smoked Salmon gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The matzah brei with caramelized onions and smoked salmon was a perfect Passover dinner centerpiece—my whole family devoured it!
- ★★★★★
This recipe transformed simple matzah into something luxurious. The salmon and onions elevated it beautifully for my seder table.
- ★★★★☆
Great flavor, though I added extra dill to balance the salmon's saltiness.
