Hairy Bikers Hungarian Goulash Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Hungarian Goulash Recipe is a rich and smoky stew, which uses braising steak and Hungarian paprika. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 2 hours and 50 minutes.

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Hairy Bikers Hungarian Goulash Recipe Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1 kg braising steak (like chuck), cut into 4 cm chunks
• 1 tbsp sunflower oil
• 3 medium onions, cut into wedges
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 tsp hot smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp sweet Hungarian paprika
• 1 tsp flaked sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Liquid & Seasoning:

• 1 beef stock cube
• 600 ml cold water
• 400 g canned chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato purée
• 2 bay leaves

Vegetables:

• 1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 orange pepper, chopped

Garnish (optional):

• Soured cream
• Chopped fresh parsley or chives

How To Make Hairy Bikers Hungarian Goulash Recipe

1. Preheat and season: Preheat oven to 170 °C (150 °C fan) / Gas 3½. Season beef chunks with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large, flameproof casserole over high heat. Brown beef in batches until deeply seared. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté aromatics: Add onions to the same pot and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in crushed garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add spices and liquids: Sprinkle in both paprikas. Crumble in the stock cube. Stir in water, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer.
5. Oven braise: Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the oven. Cook for 1½ hours.
6. Add peppers and finish cooking: Remove pot from oven, stir in all chopped peppers, cover, and return to oven. Cook for 1 more hour until beef is fork-tender.
7. Serve: Adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with soured cream and chopped herbs before serving.

Recipe Tips

• What cut of beef is best for goulash? Use braising steak such as chuck for tender, flavorful results.
• Can I make it on the stovetop only? Yes, simmer gently on low heat, stirring occasionally for 2½ hours.
• Is Hungarian paprika necessary? It’s key to authentic flavor. Use both sweet and smoked varieties if possible.
• Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, cool completely and freeze for up to 3 months.
• How to make it spicier? Add extra hot paprika or a pinch of cayenne.

What To Serve With Hungarian Goulash

This hearty stew pairs well with starchy or tangy sides:

• Buttered egg noodles
• Crusty bread
• Mashed potatoes
• Boiled rice
• Cucumber salad

How To Store Hungarian Goulash

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Freeze: Cool completely, portion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge and reheat until hot.

Hungarian Goulash Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 306 kcal
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Sodium: 500 mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use stewing beef instead of chuck?
Yes, stewing beef works well but may need slightly longer cooking time.

How thick should goulash sauce be?
It should be slightly thick and rich. Simmer uncovered at the end if too thin.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 7–8 hours after browning the beef and prepping the sauce.

Is goulash spicy or mild?
This version has a mild smoky heat, but you can adjust the chilli level.

Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, mushrooms, carrots, or potatoes can be added, but keep the traditional balance.

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Easy Tarte Tatin Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Braising Steak Recipe