Few dishes capture the essence of Russian comfort food as warmly as Beef Stroganoff. Born in the grand kitchens of Imperial Russia, this dish combines tender strips of beef, onions, and a silky sour cream sauce infused with mustard and butter. Beef Stroganoff Supreme is a tribute to those roots—rich, hearty, and meant to be shared with family on a cold evening.
The story begins in 19th-century St. Petersburg, where the Stroganov family, wealthy merchants and patrons of the arts, inspired this recipe. It represents a harmonious balance of elegance and simplicity: luxurious beef and cream, cooked humbly in a single pan. Today, this comforting classic continues to warm tables from Moscow to the world over.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Stroganoff
- 600 g (1.3 lb) beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into thin strips
- 1 medium onion, finely sliced
- 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) vegetable oil
- 100 ml (1/3 cup) beef stock
- 150 ml (2/3 cup) sour cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp flour (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Pickled gherkins, sliced (traditional Russian touch)
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed rice, buttered noodles, or mashed potatoes
Substitutions:
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for lighter texture.
- For gluten-free: skip flour and thicken sauce by reducing slightly longer.
- For dairy-free: use cashew cream or coconut cream (non-traditional but effective).
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef (5 minutes): Slice beef thinly across the grain. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure good browning.
- Sear the Beef (5 minutes): Heat butter and oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef quickly in batches until browned but still pink inside. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Onions (6 minutes): In the same pan, add onions and cook until soft and golden, scraping up brown bits from the pan.
- Deglaze (1 minute): Pour in a splash of beef stock to loosen any caramelized residue.
- Create the Sauce (5 minutes): Add remaining stock, mustard, and sour cream. Stir gently over low heat until smooth and creamy. Do not boil.
- Combine (3 minutes): Return the beef to the pan, coating each piece with sauce. Warm through for 2–3 minutes.
Pro Tip: Never overcook after adding sour cream—gentle heat keeps the sauce velvety, not curdled.
- Serve (2 minutes): Spoon over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley and gherkins for authentic Russian flair.
Recipe Info Box
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Course | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 4–6 | Easy | Main | Russian |
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
| Iron | 20% DV |
Nutrition Disclaimer: Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.
Tips, Variations & Notes
- Cut Choice: Tenderloin gives the softest texture; sirloin offers rich flavor.
- Classic Flavor: Stick to mustard and sour cream—avoid tomato or paprika for true Russian style.
- Pan Heat: High heat for searing ensures juicy beef, not stewed meat.
- Serving Tradition: In Russia, it’s often served with buckwheat (kasha) or mashed potatoes.
- Make-Ahead: Sauce can be prepared ahead; add beef just before serving.
- Freezing Tip: Freeze sauce separately from beef for best texture.
- Add Mushrooms (Optional): While not in the earliest versions, mushrooms became common later.
- Balancing Flavor: Add a small squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Enriching Option: Stir in a touch of cream for extra silkiness.
- Presentation: Serve in rustic ceramic bowls for a cozy home-style touch.
Equipment Needed
- Heavy skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving dish or platter
FAQs
- Is Beef Stroganoff originally Russian? Yes, it originated in 19th-century Russia, named after the noble Stroganov family.
- What cut of beef is best? Tenderloin or sirloin works best for tenderness.
- Can I use chicken or pork instead? Yes, though beef remains the traditional choice.
- Why did my sauce curdle? Sour cream was overheated—keep the temperature low.
- Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream? Yes, but it will be tangier.
- Can I make it ahead? Yes, reheat gently on low heat to prevent curdling.
- How do I thicken the sauce? Use a teaspoon of flour or simmer a bit longer.
- What to serve with it? Rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
- Is it freezer-friendly? Yes, but thaw slowly and reheat gently.
- Can I add wine? Some Russian versions use a splash of dry white wine for depth.
Recipe Story & Cultural Context
Beef Stroganoff reflects the duality of Russian cuisine—aristocratic yet comforting, refined yet hearty. Originating in the opulent homes of St. Petersburg, it was created by French-trained Russian chefs in the service of the Stroganov family. The dish quickly became a symbol of hospitality, bridging upper-class refinement with home-cooked warmth.
In the Soviet era, Stroganoff evolved into a national comfort food, simplified for home kitchens but retaining its essence: tender beef and tangy sour cream sauce. Today, it remains a beloved dish worldwide, celebrated for its balance of texture, richness, and simplicity.
Pairing Suggestions
- Drinks: Pair with light red wines like Pinot Noir or dry white wines such as Chardonnay.
- Sides: Rice, buttered noodles, mashed potatoes, or buckwheat (kasha).
- Occasions: Ideal for family dinners, cozy weekends, or cold-weather gatherings.
- Dessert Pairing: Follow with honey cake (Medovik) or baked apples with cinnamon.
Conclusion
Beef Stroganoff Supreme offers a comforting taste of old-world Russia—creamy, hearty, and soul-satisfying. It’s the perfect blend of homestyle simplicity and timeless flavor, proof that true culinary luxury comes from warmth and tradition. Whether shared around the family table or enjoyed solo on a quiet night, it’s a dish that wraps you in comfort with every bite.
Try it yourself, share the experience, and tag your cozy creation with #BeefStroganoffSupreme to spread the taste of Russian heritage.
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