Beef Stroganoff Recipes

Beef stroganoff is a classic dish that has stood the test of time. This dish is known for its rich, creamy stroganoff sauce, tender strips of beef, juicy mushrooms and buttered egg noodles. Originating from Russia in the 19th century, it has travelled the globe, gaining popularity in various cultures, each adding its unique twist to this hearty meal. The traditional recipe, featuring seared pieces of beef served in a sauce with smetana (sour cream) and mustard, has evolved over the years, but at its core, it remains a simple and delicious favourite.

In our quest to elevate this already pretty perfect classic dish, we turn our focus to the star ingredient that makes all the difference – the beef! Scotch Beef is renowned for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavour. It also holds the prestigious UK Geographical Indication (UKGI) status, which is a hallmark of authenticity and origin.

So, whether you are a seasoned chef or a home cook, we invite you to recreate some of these absolutely delicious recipes, using our premium quality beef designed to bring a touch of gourmet into your kitchen!

1. The Quality of Scotch Beef

Scotch Beef is revered for its exceptional quality all over the world. The lush, pristine landscape of Scotland provides the perfect environment for raising cattle, resulting in beef that is both tender and rich in flavour. The UKGI designation is a mark of authenticity and quality, assuring consumers that the beef they are purchasing is genuinely sourced from Scotland. This status is not given lightly; it requires adherence to strict standards regarding animal welfare, feed and production methods.

Ethical Farming and Sustainability Practices:

Scotland's approach to cattle farming is deeply rooted in a tradition of ethical and sustainable practices. The welfare of the cattle is a top priority, with a strong emphasis on natural grazing. This not only ensures a high quality of life for the animals but also contributes to the exceptional quality of the beef.

Scottish farmers are committed to sustainable farming practices, understanding the importance of maintaining the natural balance of the environment. This includes responsible land management, conservation of natural habitats, and a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of farming activities. The result is a product that is not only superior in taste but also responsibly produced, aligning with the growing consumer demand for ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products.

Why is Scotch Beef Ideal for Beef Stroganoff?

A classic beef stroganoff recipe demands meat that is tender, flavourful and capable of fusing well with the rich, creamy sauce typical of this dish. Scotch Beef, with its inherent tenderness and depth of flavour, is an ideal choice for this recipe. The natural marbling found in this premium-quality meat enhances the texture and taste, ensuring that each bite is succulent and full of flavour.

2. The Best Cut of Beef for Stroganoff

When it comes to preparing a homemade beef stroganoff, the cut of beef you choose is pivotal in the success of the dish! For the ideal balance of tenderness and taste, certain cuts of beef are more favoured over others. For a quick mid-week supper, we recommend tender cuts of beef that cook quickly such as sirloin steak, boneless rib eye or beef fillet. If, on the other hand, you are preparing a slow-cooker beef stroganoff, you may choose tougher cuts such as chuck steak, brisket or stewing steak, which can slowly simmer away for hours.

3. A Classic Beef Stroganoff Recipe

There are several variants of this classic recipe, but here is one of our all-time favourites:

Ingredients:

• 500g Scotch Beef fillet or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 250g mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp plain flour
• 150ml beef broth or stock
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 150ml sour cream
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked egg noodles or rice, for serving

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide:

1. Prepare the Beef: Begin by slicing the beef fillet or sirloin into thin strips, cutting against the grain for tenderness.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
3. Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to high and add the beef strips to the skillet. Sear the beef quickly on both sides until browned, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and the sliced mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are soft and golden.
5. Make the Sauce: To make the beef stroganoff sauce, sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and stir to combine. Gradually add the beef stock, stirring continuously. Bring to a simmer and allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the beef to the skillet. Reduce the heat and add sour cream. Warm through gently, ensuring not to boil the sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve: Serve the Beef Stroganoff over cooked egg noodles, rice or dollops of mashed potato garnished with fresh parsley.

Complementary Sides:

• Sides: Complement your beef stroganoff with sides such as buttered green beans, glazed carrots, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Wine Pairings: A medium-bodied red wine such as a Pinot Noir or a Merlot pairs beautifully with the rich flavours of the beef. For white wine lovers, a Chardonnay with its creamy texture complements the dish well.

4. Creative Twists on the Classic Beef Stroganoff

In the culinary world, where innovation is as important as tradition, giving a creative twist to classic dishes is a way to personalise and reinvent the flavours we've come to love. Whether it’s infusing the dish with new ingredients, adapting it to various dietary requirements, or presenting it in a novel way, the possibilities are endless and the results may surprise you.

In this spirit, here are a handful of suggestions on how you can transform a classic beef stroganoff recipe into something uniquely contemporary while preserving its comfort food quality.

• Haggis Beef Stroganoff: For a uniquely Scottish twist, you could incorporate haggis into your beef stroganoff. Replace half the beef with finely crumbled haggis, combining the rich flavours of traditional Scottish cuisine with this classic Russian dish.
• Meatball Stroganoff: For a quick and easy supper, why not incorporate homemade or shop-bought meatballs or even chicken into this classic recipe?
• Slow Cooker Version Stroganoff: Slow cooking allows the flavours and tougher cuts of beef to meld beautifully, resulting in a tender, rich dish. This method is perfect for busy days, allowing the slow cooker to do all the hard work, infusing traditional flavours into a modern, easy-to-prepare meal.
• Whisky Cream Sauce: Enhance the stroganoff sauce with a splash of Scotch whisky. The whisky adds a smoky depth to the creamy sauce, pairing exceptionally well with the richness of Scotch Beef.
• Wild Mushrooms: In this recipe variation, you can use a variety of mushrooms from ordinary button mushrooms, shiitake, cremini mushrooms, or a mix of wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles or porcini, to add a distinctive, earthy flavour to your dish.

Dietary Variations:

• Gluten-Free Option: To make a gluten-free version of a classic beef stroganoff, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener for the sauce. Serve the stroganoff over gluten-free pasta or mashed potatoes instead of traditional egg noodles.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: For a dairy-free variation, substitute the sour cream with coconut cream or a plant-based dairy alternative. Ensure that the mustard and other ingredients used are dairy-free as well.
• Vegetarian Twist: While Scotch Beef is the star of this dish, a vegetarian version can be made using hearty ingredients such as portobello mushrooms, lentils, or even tempeh, cooked similarly and served with the same flavourful sauce.
• Low-Carb/Keto-Friendly: For those following a low-carb or keto diet, replace the flour with almond flour or another low-carb thickener. Serve the stroganoff over courgette noodles or cauliflower rice to keep it within dietary limits.

Additional Ideas:

• Barley and Root Vegetables: Incorporate traditional Scottish ingredients such as barley and root vegetables (turnips or carrots) into the stroganoff for added texture and flavour.
• Cheesy Cheddar Topping: Sprinkle the finished dish with grated Scottish cheddar for a cheesy, flavourful topping.

Each of these variations allows you to tailor the classic beef stroganoff recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs while still maintaining the essence of this beloved dish.

5. Cook With a Scotch Difference

The secret to every successful dish lies in the quality of ingredients used, and Scotch Beef beautifully exemplifies this principle. Choosing Scotch Beef for your dishes will not only enhance their flavour and texture but also set your cooking apart with its exceptional quality.

Moreover, by sourcing this premium quality meat you are also supporting a group of dedicated Scottish farmers who are committed to sustainable and ethical farming practices and the preservation of the countryside for generations to come.

Find Scotch Beef Near You

The good news is that with the help of our user-friendly map, you can now easily find premium-quality Scotch Beef in your vicinity! Simply enter your postcode, and the map will show you the nearest Scotch meat supplier in your area.

So what are you waiting for? Let's get cooking!