This Beef Stroganoff is a creamy and quick recipe, which is made with quality sirloin steak and mixed mushrooms. It’s the perfect 30-minute meal, ready in about 20 minutes.
Beef Stroganoff Ingredients
RICE
- 1 mug (300g) of 10-minute wholegrain or basmati rice
- ½ a bunch of fresh thyme
- 200g baby spinach
PICKLE
- 2 small red onions
- 1 handful of gherkins
- 1 bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley
STROGANOFF
- 300g mixed mushrooms
- olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 x 200g quality sirloin steaks, fat removed
- 1 heaped teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 lemon
- 1 swig of brandy
- 4 heaped tablespoons fat-free natural yoghurt
- 1 swig of semi-skimmed milk
How To Make Beef Stroganoff
- Cook the rice: Put 1 mug of rice, 2 mugs of boiling water, the thyme leaves, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper into a medium lidded pan. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Make the pickle: Peel the onions, then finely slice them with the gherkins in a food processor. Tip into a bowl. Finely slice the parsley stalks and roughly chop the leaves, then toss into the bowl with a swig of gherkin vinegar and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the mushrooms: Tear or slice the mushrooms into a large, hot frying pan with 2 tablespoons of oil. Squash in the unpeeled garlic through a garlic crusher and add two-thirds of the parsley pickle, stirring regularly.
- Sear the steak: Slice the steaks about 1cm thick and toss with salt, pepper, the paprika, and the finely grated lemon zest. Once the mushrooms are cooked, tip them onto a plate. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the hot pan and add the steak in a single layer, turning when golden.
- Make the stroganoff sauce: Add the spinach to the rice pan and replace the lid to wilt. Add the brandy to the steak pan. Carefully light it with a match to flambé (optional), and let the flames subside. Return the mushrooms to the pan with the yoghurt and milk and bring to a boil.
- Assemble and serve: Fluff up the rice and transfer the wilted spinach to a serving platter, scattering the rice over the top. Spoon the beef stroganoff over the rice. Squeeze and drain the remaining pickle, then scatter it over the top of the dish.

Recipe Tips
- How to get the most tender beef? The key is to slice the steak thinly against the grain and cook it quickly in a very hot pan. This sears the outside without overcooking the inside.
- Can I use a different cut of beef? Absolutely. Rump steak is a great alternative. For a more luxurious version, you could use beef fillet, but reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Can I make this without brandy? Yes. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth or stock instead of the brandy.
- How to make the sauce richer? This is a quick, light version using natural yoghurt. For a more traditional, richer sauce, you can substitute the yoghurt with an equal amount of full-fat sour cream.
What To Serve With Beef Stroganoff
This recipe is a complete meal served over rice, but classic beef stroganoff is also delicious with:
- Buttered egg noodles
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- A slice of crusty bread to mop up the sauce
How To Store Beef Stroganoff
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The yoghurt-based sauce may separate slightly upon reheating but will still be delicious. Freezing is not recommended.
Beef Stroganoff Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 45g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Is this a traditional stroganoff recipe?
This is a quick and light version. Traditional Russian stroganoff typically uses sour cream for the sauce, whereas this recipe uses a lighter fat-free natural yoghurt.
Do I have to flambé the brandy?
No, this step is optional for a bit of kitchen theatre! If you don’t light it, the alcohol will still cook off as the sauce bubbles and reduces.
Why is my sauce so thin?
This is a quick, pan-sauce style stroganoff, not a slow-cooked stew. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornflour with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce for the last minute of cooking.
Try More Recipes:
- Sizzling Beef with Spring Onions & Black Bean Sauce Recipe
- Beef Carpaccio Recipe
- Roast Forerib of Beef with Beetroot and Horseradish Recipe
Beef Stroganoff Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: European FusionDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes20
minutes650
kcalA quick and creamy version of the classic beef stroganoff, with tender steak and mushrooms in a light yoghurt sauce, served with a zesty onion and gherkin pickle.
Ingredients
Rice: 1 mug rice, ½ bunch thyme, 200g baby spinach
Pickle: 2 red onions, 1 handful gherkins, 1 bunch parsley
Stroganoff: 300g mushrooms, 2 x 200g sirloin steaks, 1 tsp paprika, 1 lemon, 1 swig brandy, 4 tbsp natural yoghurt, 1 swig milk
Directions
- Cook the rice with thyme in boiling water.
- Make the pickle by finely slicing onions, gherkins, and parsley and mixing with a splash of gherkin vinegar.
- In a hot pan, sauté the mushrooms with garlic and two-thirds of the pickle; remove from pan.
- Season and slice the steak, then sear it in the hot pan until golden.
- Add spinach to the rice to wilt.
- Add brandy to the steak pan, then return the mushrooms along with the yoghurt and milk. Bring to a boil.
- Serve the stroganoff over the rice and spinach, topped with the remaining pickle.
Notes
- Using a food processor for the pickle ingredients is a great time-saver.
- A very hot pan is essential for getting a good sear on the steak and mushrooms.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- This is a “principal recipe” that can be easily adapted with different herbs or by using sour cream for a richer sauce.