The Kosher Kitchen: Fish and Meat? Fish and Dairy?

Aside from the prohibition of mixing meat and dairy, halachah (Jewish law) proscribes mixing fish with meat as well, as this is considered a danger to one's physical health (aside from the spiritual ill-effects of going against the Torah).

Here we present a clear, practical guide to keeping your kitchen and meals in line with these halachic principles, with notes on differences between Sephardi and Ashkenazi customs.

Eating Fish with Meat or Poultry

Halachah prohibits eating fish together with either meat or poultry because of the concern about health risks (often described as danger of developing tzara’at, a severe skin affliction).

Therefore, at a meal during which both fish and meat are to be eaten, precautions must be made:

• Fish and meat are never cooked together in the same pot or pan. They are never placed together on a plate.

• After eating fish, rinse your mouth with water (or drink something), and rinse your hands.

• Additionally, eat a small piece of bread or another food to clean the palate.

• Only then eat meat or poultry.

This applies equally to all communities, both Ashkenazi and Sephardi.

Baking Fish and Meat in the Same Oven

It is generally prohibited to bake fish and meat together in the same oven chamber when both are uncovered.

• Ideally, avoid baking fish and meat dishes at the same time.

• If either one of them (or both) is covered (with foil or a lid), it is permitted to bake them together.

• If you forgot and they were already baked uncovered in the same oven, there is room to be lenient and eat them.

This applies across all traditions.

Grilling Fish and Meat Together

It is permitted to grill fish and meat at the same time on a single grill rack if:

• They do not touch each other.

• The flavors or juices do not transfer between them.

This is allowed because the smell and steam dissipate in the open air, unlike the situation in an oven which is enclosed and the steam transfers taste between items and from the oven walls to the items.

Eating Fish with Dairy

This area has significant differences between Sephardi and Ashkenazi practice.

• Sephardi custom: Avoid eating fish with dairy products due to the same concerns about danger as apply to fish with meat.

  • For example, it is customary not to eat fish with milk or soft cheeses.

  • However, there are communities that have a custom to be lenient with butter specifically and may continue that practice.

  • If one forgot and baked (for example) a pizza with cheese and tuna toppings, some are lenient and allow it to be eaten.

• Ashkenazi custom: No restrictions on eating dairy with fish.

  • Lithuanian-Ashkenazim do not consider the danger of eating fish with meat to apply to fish with dairy.

  • Ashkenazi Chassidim generally follow the Sephardi practice and do not eat dairy with fish. Many do make an exception for fish with butter, however.