Velvety Beef Stroganoff is a delightful fusion of two cherished recipes – one from my beloved husband and the other from my dear mother. Together, they create a tantalizing symphony of flavors, enveloped in a luscious sauce that beautifully complements either a bed of noodles or a serving of cooked rice. The secret to achieving the velvety texture of the beef lies in the meticulous preparation of the meat itself, elevating this dish to new heights of culinary excellence.
At its core, this recipe embodies simplicity, elegance, and above all, flavor. It beckons you to embark on a culinary journey, inviting you to savor every morsel and revel in its savory goodness. Whether you choose to indulge in the special meat preparation or opt for a more traditional approach, the result is equally divine – a symphony of taste that tantalizes the palate and leaves you craving for more.
Preparation Time:
With just 20 minutes of prep time and a total cooking time of 30 minutes, this recipe fits seamlessly into your busy schedule, offering a quick and satisfying meal solution for even the most hectic of days.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds of beef (various cuts such as steaks, roast, or tenderloin)
2 teaspoons of baking soda
1/4 cup of water
3 tablespoons of olive oil
3 tablespoons of butter
1 onion, finely sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup of sliced mushrooms
2-3 tablespoons of flour
1 cup of hot water
2 teaspoons of beef bouillon powder (or 2 beef bouillon cubes)
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup of white wine
1/4 teaspoon of paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons of white pepper
1 cup of sour cream
Cooked noodles or rice, for serving
Instructions:
- Begin by slicing the beef very thinly across the grain and placing it in a ceramic or glass bowl.
- Mix together the baking soda and 1/4 cup of water, then pour it over the beef, stirring well to ensure thorough coating. Allow the meat to sit for 15 minutes.
- While the meat is marinating, melt the butter into the olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook gently for about 10 minutes until they turn golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, adding a splash of white wine if necessary to prevent sticking.
- Remove the marinated beef from the bowl and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water in a colander. Allow the excess liquid to drain.
- Add the well-drained beef to the skillet with the cooked onions and mushrooms, sautéing for another 10 minutes until the beef is cooked through. Note that adding the beef may cause the sauce to foam initially, but this is normal and will dissipate.
- Sprinkle the flour over the beef and vegetable mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
- Dissolve the beef bouillon powder (or cubes) in 1 cup of hot water, then add it to the skillet along with the Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, white wine, paprika, and white pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, tasting periodically until any raw flour taste has disappeared.
- Just before serving, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream, taking care not to curdle it. Remove the bay leaf from the mixture.
- Serve the velvety beef stroganoff hot over cooked noodles or rice, and savor the exquisite blend of flavors with each and every bite.
Variations:
For those seeking a low-carb option, this stroganoff pairs beautifully with sautéed mushrooms in place of noodles or rice.
Feel free to experiment with different cuts of meat, such as venison, to create unique variations of this classic dish.
To achieve the same velvety texture with other beef recipes, consider employing the baking soda treatment as outlined in this recipe, elevating your culinary creations to new heights of tenderness and flavor.
With an aggregated rating of 4.5 stars from 29 reviews, this velvety beef stroganoff has garnered acclaim from home cooks and food enthusiasts alike, earning its place as a cherished family favorite. Whether enjoyed as a comforting weeknight meal or served as a centerpiece for special occasions, this recipe promises to delight and impress with its rich, satisfying flavors and tender, succulent beef. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe repertoire.
