Before you cook
Background Recipe story & origin
Beef Stroganoff was named after the Russian Stroganov family, wealthy merchants and nobles in the 19th century. Count Pavel Stroganov's chef allegedly created it. The dish features sliced beef (traditionally tenderloin) in a sour cream and mushroom sauce. It became popular in America after World War II, when returning soldiers and diplomats brought back Eastern European recipes. American versions serve it over egg noodles (Russians use fried potatoes); some add tomato paste, which purists reject. The dish should be quick-cooked - the beef seared fast to stay tender, the sauce finished with sour cream added off heat to prevent curdling.
Before you start Equipment you'll need
- large skillet — Provides large flat surface for searing beef and making creamy sauce properly
Safety Safety & allergen notes
- Don't boil after adding sour cream or it will curdle.
- Sear beef quickly to keep it tender.
Non-negotiables Rules for success
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Sear beef in batches.
Crowded pan steams instead of sears
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Add sour cream off heat.
Boiling sour cream causes it to curdle and separate into unpleasant texture
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Use sirloin or tenderloin.
Tender cuts work best for quick cooking
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Cook mushrooms until golden.
Properly browned mushrooms add depth
Prep Get set first
About 15 min of prep
- Slice sirloin into thin strips
- Slice mushrooms
- Dice onion
- Cook egg noodles
This recipe takes about 45 minutes total.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Sear the beef
Season beef with salt and pepper. Sear in batches in hot oil until browned but still pink inside, 1-2 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.
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Cook the mushrooms and onion
Add butter. Cook onion until soft. Add mushrooms and cook until golden, 8 minutes. Add garlic, cook 1 minute.
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Make the sauce and combine
Add stock and Worcestershire. Simmer until reduced by half. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream. Return beef and any juices. Heat gently without boiling.
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Add the fresh herbs
Serve over egg noodles. Garnish with parsley.
Chef's notes
SHOPPING: Sirloin or tenderloin sliced thin against the grain. Cremini mushrooms have more flavor than white button.