Beef Stroganoff
Beef Stroganoff is a medium Russian recipe that serves 4. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by ThatDudeCanCook on YouTube.
Prep: 16 min | Cook: 57 min | Total: 1 hr 28 min
Cost: $21.30 total, $5.33 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Flank Steak (trimmed, sliced into thin strips against the grain)
- 1 tsp Rosemary Salt (homemade or store‑bought seasoned salt)
- ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- ½ cup All-Purpose Flour (for dredging)
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch (helps keep a light crunch)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tbsp Beef Fat or High‑Smoke‑Point Oil (beef tallow preferred; avocado oil works too)
- 8 oz Button Mushrooms (about 15 mushrooms, sliced)
- 1 large Yellow Onion (sliced into thin strips)
- 2 tsp Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped from stems)
- 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
- ½ cup Dry White Wine (use a dry Sauvignon Blanc or substitute with ¼ cup lemon juice + ¼ cup white wine vinegar)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 cup Beef Stock (homemade or low‑sodium store‑bought)
- 12 oz Egg Noodles (dry, any wide egg noodle)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes; additional 1 tbsp cold cubes for finishing)
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream (add gradually)
- 2 tbsp Sour Cream (for garnish)
Instructions
Slice the Beef
Trim any excess fat from the flank steak and slice it thinly across the grain into ½‑inch strips.
Time: PT5M
Season the Beef
Place the beef strips in a bowl, sprinkle with rosemary salt and freshly ground black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Dredge
In a shallow bowl combine all‑purpose flour, cornstarch, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk to blend.
Time: PT3M
Dredge the Beef
Add the seasoned beef strips to the flour mixture, toss to coat, then shake off excess by placing the beef in a strainer and gently tapping.
Time: PT3M
Heat Fat for Frying
Add 2 tbsp beef fat (or high‑smoke‑point oil) to the skillet and heat over medium‑high until shimmering.
Time: PT2M
Sear the Beef
Working in small batches, add the beef strips to the hot skillet. Cook 2 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to the sheet‑pan rack. Repeat until all beef is seared.
Time: PT8M
Slice Mushrooms
While the beef rests, slice the button mushrooms into ¼‑inch slices (about 15 mushrooms).
Time: PT1M
Cook Mushrooms
Add the sliced mushrooms to the same skillet, increase heat to medium‑high and sauté until deep brown, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Caramelize Onion
Add the sliced yellow onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 10‑12 minutes.
Time: PT12M
Add Garlic and Thyme
Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce until the liquid is almost gone, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Add Worcestershire Sauce
Stir in 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce.
Time: PT1M
Add Beef Stock and Reduce
Add 2 cups beef stock, bring to a gentle simmer, and reduce the sauce by about 50 % (≈5 minutes).
Time: PT5M
Cook Egg Noodles
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the egg noodles and cook according to package (≈5 minutes) until al dente. Drain, reserving a splash of cooking water.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 212°F
Finish Noodles
Return drained noodles to the pot, stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tbsp olive oil until glossy.
Time: PT2M
Add Dijon Mustard
Stir 1 tsp Dijon mustard into the reduced sauce.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Cream
Lower heat to low, then gradually whisk in ¼ cup heavy cream, adding a tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches a silky, deep‑brown color.
Time: PT2M
Finish with Cold Butter
Add 1 tbsp cold cubed unsalted butter, whisk until fully emulsified for a velvety finish.
Time: PT1M
Re‑heat the Beef
Return the seared beef strips to the skillet, toss gently and heat through for 2‑3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Plate and Garnish
Divide the buttered noodles among plates, spoon the creamy beef‑mushroom sauce over them, and top each serving with a dollop of sour cream.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 560
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Can be made gluten‑free with gluten‑free flour and noodles, Can be made dairy‑free with coconut cream and dairy‑free butter
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Flank Steak: Top sirloin, Flat iron steak
- Instead of Rosemary Salt: Regular salt + ½ tsp dried rosemary
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder
- Instead of Beef Fat or High‑Smoke‑Point Oil: Avocado oil, Canola oil
- Instead of Button Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms, Portobello, sliced
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: Dried thyme (½ tsp)
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Dry White Wine: Lemon juice + white wine vinegar
- Instead of Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce (½ tbsp)
- Instead of Beef Stock: Chicken stock, Vegetable stock
- Instead of Egg Noodles: Pasta of choice (e.g., fettuccine)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Canola oil
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half, Coconut cream (dairy‑free)
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan
- Strainer or Fine Mesh Sieve
- Sheet Pan with Rack (optional)
- Large Pot for Noodles
- Colander
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Small Bowl for Dredge
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slicing the flank steak against the grain.
- Removing excess flour before frying to avoid oil splatter.
- Not overcrowding the pan when searing the beef.
- Reducing the wine and stock to concentrate flavor without over‑thickening.
- Adding cream gradually and finishing with cold butter for a smooth sauce.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a light dusting of rosemary salt for a fragrant, herb‑infused flavor.
- A quick 1‑second per mushroom slicing challenge is fun, but a steady pace yields uniform pieces.
- Reserve a little pasta water; it helps bind the sauce to the noodles.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick.
Add a splash of beef stock or reserved pasta water and whisk until desired consistency.
Sauce is watery.
Increase reduction time or whisk in an extra teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in cold water.
Beef is tough.
Ensure the flank steak is sliced thinly against the grain and do not over‑cook during the final reheating step.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; reheat gently on the stove.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The sauce can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead; keep warm on low heat and add the cream just before serving.
- Cooked noodles can be tossed with a little butter and stored refrigerated; re‑heat briefly before plating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Beef Stroganoff in Russian cuisine?
Beef Stroganoff originated in 19th‑century Russia as a dish served to the aristocratic Stroganov family, combining sautéed beef with a creamy sauce. It became popular across the Russian Empire and later spread worldwide, symbolizing comfort and elegance in Russian culinary tradition.
What are the traditional regional variations of Beef Stroganoff in Russian cuisine?
In Moscow and St. Petersburg the classic version uses tender beef strips, mushrooms, and sour cream, while Siberian variants may add pickles or use pork. Some regions incorporate mustard or tomato paste for a tangier flavor, reflecting local ingredient availability.
What is the authentic traditional way Beef Stroganoff is served in Russia?
Authentic Beef Stroganoff is traditionally served over wide egg noodles or mashed potatoes, allowing the rich sauce to coat the starch. It is often garnished with fresh parsley and accompanied by a simple green salad or pickled vegetables.
What occasions or celebrations is Beef Stroganoff traditionally associated with in Russian culture?
Beef Stroganoff is a popular dish for family gatherings, holiday feasts such as New Year’s Eve, and celebratory dinners because it is both hearty and relatively quick to prepare. Its luxurious sauce makes it suitable for special occasions without being overly formal.
How does Beef Stroganoff fit into the broader Russian cuisine tradition?
Beef Stroganoff exemplifies Russian cuisine’s love of dairy‑based sauces, sautéed meats, and mushrooms, showcasing the balance of richness and simplicity. It reflects the Russian tradition of turning modest ingredients into a comforting, indulgent main course.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Beef Stroganoff versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe calls for flank steak, mushrooms, onions, sour cream, beef broth, and a touch of mustard. Acceptable substitutes include using sirloin instead of flank steak, Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce, or gluten‑free flour for thickening, while preserving the dish’s flavor profile.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Beef Stroganoff from the ThatDudeCanCook video?
Common mistakes include overcooking the beef, which makes it tough, and adding the sour cream at too high a temperature, causing it to curdle. Also, failing to deglaze the pan properly can result in a flat‑tasting sauce.
Why does this Beef Stroganoff recipe use cornstarch instead of additional flour for thickening?
Cornstarch creates a glossy, silky sauce without the cloudy appearance that extra flour can give, and it thickens more quickly at lower temperatures, preserving the delicate flavor of the sour cream used in the ThatDudeCanCook version.
How do I know when the Beef Stroganoff is done cooking and the sauce has reached the right texture?
The beef is done when it is just browned and still pink in the center, and the sauce should coat the back of a spoon with a smooth, velvety sheen. A slight wobble indicates the cornstarch has set, giving the sauce body without being gummy.
What does the YouTube channel ThatDudeCanCook specialize in, and how does its cooking philosophy reflect in the Beef Stroganoff recipe?
ThatDudeCanCook specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step home cooking videos that blend classic techniques with modern twists. The channel’s philosophy of using accessible ingredients and clear explanations is evident in the Beef Stroganoff recipe, which simplifies a traditional Russian dish while maintaining authentic flavor.
Last updated: August 24, 2026






