Beef Stroganoff, also spelled beef Stroganov, is a Russian dish of sautéed pieces of beef in a sauce of mustard and smetana (heavy sour cream). It is named after one of the members of the Stroganov family. It has been debated whether it is named after the diplomat Pavel Stroganov or the politician Alexander Stroganov. but several researchers point out that the recipe is a refined version of older Russian dishes.
thumb|left|Recipe from [[A Gift to Young Housewives (1887 edition)]]
's classic Russian cookbook A Gift to Young Housewives gives the first known recipe for Govjadina po-strogonovski, s gorchitseju, "Beef à la Stroganov, with mustard", in its 1871 edition. The version given in the 1938 Larousse Gastronomique includes beef strips, and onions, with either mustard or tomato paste optional.
After the fall of the Russian monarchy in 1917, the recipe was popularly served in the hotels and restaurants of China before the start of World War II. The first English cookbook to include a recipe for beef Stroganoff is Ambrose Heath's Good Food (1932).
In 1960s United States, several manufacturers introduced dehydrated beef stroganoff mixes, which were mixed with cooked beef and sour cream. It was also available freeze-dried for campers.
Around the world
thumb|Beef Stroganoff with pasta
Beef Stroganoff preparation varies significantly not only based on geography, but based on other factors as well, such as the cut of meat and seasonings selected. Meat for the dish can be cut in different ways and is sometimes diced, cubed, or cut into strips. Some variations include mushrooms and onions or other vegetables and varied seasonings such as sugar, salt, black pepper, and bottled marinades (especially Worcestershire sauce) and rubs.
Brazil
Stroganoff is a popular dish in Brazil, where it is known as or . is generally prepared with tomato paste or ketchup and mushrooms. Chicken is sometimes used instead of beef. is generally eaten with cooked white rice and shoestring fries (). Beef Stroganoff is, however, also a common dish in Finland. Diced brined pickles are also a normal ingredient in Finnish Stroganoff.
United Kingdom
Beef Stroganoff began appearing in British cookery books in the early 1930s and became widely popular by the 1970s, particularly in restaurants and at dinner parties. The dish later declined in popularity and became associated with mass-produced ready meals and buffet-style catering.
Modern British adaptations often include a creamy sauce made with white wine or brandy, sour cream or crème fraîche, and additions such as smoked paprika and English mustard. While beef fillet was traditionally used, contemporary recipes frequently use alternative proteins such as pork, chicken or sausages.
The dish is commonly served with rice, tagliatelle, or potatoes. In recent years, it has experienced limited revival in British food media, pub cuisine, and home cooking. Today, the dish is generally served over wide or twisted egg noodles in the United States.
See also
- List of beef dishes
- List of foods named after people
- List of Russian dishes