What is Beef Stroganoff? 10 Side Dishes to Pair with It (2024)

Beef Stroganoff—a beloved dish known for its flavorful beef strips smothered in a creamy sauce, and egg noodles—is a real treat for any occasion. This rich and hearty dish, with its tender sliced pepper beef, the creamy mushroom sauce, and the rich nature of each bite, holds a special place in Ukrainian kitchens that has won hearts worldwide.

For those craving something extra to complement this juicy dish, Veselka’s guide has the best pairing ideas.

Let’s discover what is Beef Stroganoff and how to enhance such an iconic dish with some delightful side dishes.

What is Beef Stroganoff?

Beef Stroganoff is a comfort dish made with slow-simmered sliced pepper steak served in a mushroom cream sauce. This hearty combination creates a taste that feels like home with a load of flavor of allspice, onion, garlic, and other cozy flavors.

Serving over egg noodles is how Ukrainians remember it, but it can also pair wonderfully with other types of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Beef Stroganoff’s ingredients are more varied than the standard ones, such as beef, onions, and creamy mushroom soup. So, let's shed light on what is in Beef Stroganoff with Veselka:

Beef Stroganoff’s ingredients:

• Water
• Strip Steak
• Mushrooms: Including button, Portobello, and shiitake for that earthy flavor.
• Onion
• Ketchup: Adding a tangy tomato flavor.
• Ingredients: Tomato concentrate from red ripe tomatoes, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, salt, spice, onion powder, and natural flavoring.
• Corn Starch: Thickener for the sauce.
• Chicken Base: Highlight the sauce’s savory notes.
• Ingredients: Chicken (including chicken fat, meat, and skins), sugar, salt, monosodium glutamate, onion powder, modified food starch, potato flour, chicken flavor, spices, turmeric, and natural flavor.
• Canola Oil: For sautéing the ingredients.
• Ingredients: Canola oil, TBHQ, and citric acid to preserve freshness.
• Seasonings: Salt, garlic powder, ground black pepper, oregano, coriander, basil, Vegeta (seasoning mix), allspice, and bay leaf.

What to Serve with Beef Stroganoff?

There's no getting around the fact that a perfect side dish can effortlessly elevate the juicy taste of Beef Stroganoff.

Here are some of Veselka’s tried and tested recommendations:

• Ukrainian Borscht Soup

Borscht is a year-round favorite for its deep flavors made from beets, beans, and pork. Its slightly sweet and tangy profile makes it an ideal flavor-packed choice to set the stage for the hearty main course.

• Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is made by simmering a whole chicken to get a rich, complex, and tasty broth. It reminds you of the essence of home through its hearty vegetables and umami depth, pairing beautifully with Beef Stroganoff.

• Matzoh Ball Soup

The soft matzoh balls—originally dumplings made out of matzo meal—soak up the savory chicken broth in which they are cooked. Such a light yet hearty soup pairs wonderfully with the denser, flavorful Beef Stroganoff. This Veselka’s bowl is sure to give you comfort in every spoonful.

For more soup options, visit the Ukrainian Soups.

• Challah Bread

Soft and slightly sweet, challah bread has been an all-time favorite to pair with Beef Stroganoff. Our bakeries have lovingly made it for decades to give you that springy texture to get a bit of everything with plenty of mushroom cream sauce in each bite.

• Sauerkraut

Not as complicated as it sounds, sauerkraut is known as “sour cabbage”, with cabbage that is picked to perfection, highlighted with a fresh flavor of vinegar and a sense of sweetness. It complements any hearty cream sauce or a hot bowl of soup beautifully.

• Potato pancakes

Latkes, or potato pancakes, are slightly grated, fried potatoes that are irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. If you're craving that crunch while enjoying a hearty bite of Beef Stroganoff, Latkes will undoubtedly come first to mind.

What Desserts to Serve with Beef Stroganoff?

• Medovyk

A traditional Ukrainian honey-infused layer cake is light and indulgent, with a touch of crunchy walnuts on top. In Veselka's version, the allure of traditional Medovyk lies in how we prepare its batter. You’ll get a cake batter sweetened with honey and a tangy sour cream filling that can make the most craving-satisfying meal available when paired with Beef Stroganoff.

• Apple Crumb Cake

Treat yourself to the truly special Apple Crumb Cake, the best sweet apple crumb you have ever tasted. With a buttery crumb topping and spiced apple filling, it is perfectly made to be partnered with the iconic Beef Stroganoff.

• Cheesecake

The combination of cream cheese, crunchy graham crackers, and that final touch of vanilla will have your mouth watering for an unforgettable dessert. When paired with the savory taste of Beef Stroganoff, brace yourself for a delicious burst of nostalgia.

• Santa Carolina Sauvignon Blanc

To achieve a satisfying end to your meal, the best option is the Santa Carolina Sauvignon Blanc—an acidic white wine that cuts through the richness. Its blend of bright acidity, citrus notes, and background hints of herbs and florals can balance the savory depth of Beef Stroganoff effortlessly.

How to Store or Heat Beef Stroganoff?

Storing or reheating Beef Stroganoff is as simple as it sounds.

For storing, refrigerate if you plan to enjoy it soon (it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days) or freeze them for extended storage (it’ll keep for up to 3 months).

When you’re ready to enjoy it, pour the contents into a pot and reheat gently on the stove. To retain its creamy texture, warm it up over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it's thoroughly heated.

If microwaving is your favorite, place the Beef Stroganoff in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on medium power.

FAQs about Beef Stroganoff

Regarding Beef Stroganoff, here are answers to some frequently asked questions to give you the most delicious taste.

What cut of meat is best for Beef Stroganoff?

The top choices for stroganoff are strip steak (a cut of beef from a cow's short loin), sirloin steak tips, and beef tenderloin. A beef round steak (or topside) is missing from our list as it is too dry and challenging for the cooking method required in Stroganoff.

Should Beef Stroganoff be thick?

Yes, great Beef Stroganoff should be thick, especially the sauce, which needs to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon when stirred, ensuring a creamy consistency that clings to the beef and noodles.

Does Beef Stroganoff contain paprika?

Some recipes often add a hint of paprika to realize the depth and color, though it's optional.

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