Paprikas de Pește
Romanian Fish Paprikash
A flavorful Romanian fish stew, similar to a goulash but made with fish. It features tender fish pieces simmered in a rich, paprika-infused sauce with onions, tomatoes, and white wine, often served with polenta.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g White fish fillets(such as carp, pike-perch, or cod, cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or lard
- 2 medium Yellow onions(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1.5 tsp Sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp Tomato paste
- 200 g Canned chopped tomatoes
- 120 ml Dry white wine
- 200 ml Vegetable or fish stock(or water)
- 1 tsp Salt(to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground, to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the fish pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the oil or lard in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Lightly brown the fish pieces on both sides. Remove the fish and set aside.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to overcook the fish at this stage. - 2
Add the chopped onions to the same pan and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and sweet paprika, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the paprika.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Add the chopped tomatoes, white wine, and stock (or water). Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
💡 Tip: The wine adds a nice depth of flavor. - 5
Return the browned fish pieces to the pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily.
💡 Tip: Avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent the fish from breaking apart completely. - 6
If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken it.
💡 Tip: The sauce should be rich and slightly thickened. - 7
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot, traditionally with polenta or crusty bread.
💡 Tip: Some variations include adding olives or capers for extra flavor.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use a firm white fish that holds its shape well during cooking.
- ✓Adjust the amount of paprika to your preference.
- ✓Ensure the paprika is fresh for the best flavor and color.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of mixed olives to the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Some recipes call for a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness.