As Budapest’s lights shimmered in the distance, we savored catfish paprikash—tender fillets in a rich paprika broth, served with buttery dumplings. It was one of those dishes that makes you understand why Hungarian cuisine has such a devoted following around the world.

Paprikash is Hungary’s way of turning almost any protein into something special, and catfish works beautifully here. The mild, flaky fish absorbs the paprika flavors without being overwhelmed, while its slightly sweet taste complements the rich, tomato-based sauce perfectly. If you’ve only had catfish fried, this will completely change your perspective on this underrated fish.

The key to good paprikash is building layers of flavor. You start with onions cooked until they’re sweet and translucent, then add garlic for depth. The tomato paste might seem like a small amount, but it concentrates during cooking and adds richness to the sauce. Hungarian paprika ties everything together – use the sweet variety, not the hot one, unless you really love spice.

The cooking technique is gentle and forgiving. Once you’ve built your flavor base, the catfish fillets nestle into the sauce and cook quickly. Catfish is done when it flakes easily with a fork, usually just 6-8 minutes depending on thickness. Don’t overcook it or you’ll lose that tender texture.

I serve this over store-bought egg dumplings when I’m in a hurry, but homemade Hungarian dumplings take it to another level. The starchy dumplings soak up the sauce beautifully, making each bite satisfying and comforting. A dollop of sour cream on top is traditional and adds a cool contrast to the warm spices.

This dish proves that Hungarian cuisine isn’t just about goulash. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that feels special enough for company, ready in 30 minutes but tasting like you’ve been cooking all day.

Danube Delight – Catfish Paprikash

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A rich and flavorful Hungarian catfish dish, simmered in a paprika-infused broth and served over buttered dumplings for a hearty and comforting meal.

• Author: Don Nicholas
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2
• Category: Entrees

Ingredients

• 2 catfish fillets
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Dumplings (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Season catfish fillets with paprika.
2. In a pan, sauté chopped onion until translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
4. Add tomato paste and stir.
5. Place catfish fillets in the pan and cook until they flake easily.
6. Serve catfish and sauce over buttered dumplings.

If you try this Catfish Paprikash, let me know what you think!