📝 About This Recipe
Transport your kitchen to 19th-century Russia with this quintessential comfort dish, featuring tender ribbons of seared beef nestled in a velvety, cognac-kissed sour cream sauce. Unlike modern shortcuts, this recipe builds deep umami layers using golden-browned mushrooms and caramelized shallots for a truly sophisticated flavor profile. Served over a bed of pillowy, buttered egg noodles, it is the ultimate embrace in a bowl—rich, savory, and undeniably luxurious.
🥗 Ingredients
The Meat & Aromatics
- 1.5 pounds Beef Tenderloin or Sirloin Steak (sliced into 1/2-inch thick strips against the grain)
- to taste Kosher Salt & Black Pepper (for seasoning the beef)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided into two portions)
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high smoke point preferred)
The Savory Mushroom Base
- 1 pound Cremini or Baby Bella Mushrooms (sliced 1/4 inch thick)
- 2 large Shallots (finely minced)
- 3 pieces Garlic Cloves (pressed or minced)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme (leaves only, chopped)
The Velvety Sauce
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (to thicken the roux)
- 1/4 cup Cognac or Brandy (optional, for deglazing)
- 2 cups Beef Stock (high quality, low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (adds a necessary tang)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce (for depth of flavor)
- 3/4 cup Full-Fat Sour Cream (at room temperature to prevent curdling)
Noodles & Garnish
- 12 ounces Wide Egg Noodles (dried)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (finely chopped for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with a teaspoon of butter to prevent sticking, and set aside.
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2
While the water boils, pat the beef strips dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. This ensures a proper sear rather than steaming the meat.
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3
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter is foaming, add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).
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4
Sear the beef quickly for about 1-2 minutes per side until browned but still slightly pink in the middle. Remove the beef and its juices to a plate; cover with foil to keep warm.
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5
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and spread them out. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until they release their liquid and turn a deep golden brown.
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6
Add the minced shallots to the mushrooms and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
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7
Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a light roux.
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8
Pour in the cognac (if using) to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the brown bits (fond) from the bottom. Let the liquid reduce by half.
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9
Slowly whisk in the beef stock, followed by the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken for about 5 minutes.
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10
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the room-temperature sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not let the sauce boil once the sour cream is added, or it may break.
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11
Return the beef and any accumulated juices from the plate back into the skillet. Stir gently to coat and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
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12
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Fold in half of the chopped parsley.
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13
Divide the buttered egg noodles among bowls and spoon a generous portion of the beef and creamy mushroom sauce over the top. Garnish with the remaining parsley and serve immediately.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always bring your sour cream to room temperature before adding it to the sauce to prevent it from curdling. Don't crowd the pan when searing the beef; if you add too much at once, the temperature drops and the meat will boil in its own juices instead of browning. Use a high-quality beef stock or bone broth for the best depth of flavor; it makes a noticeable difference in the final sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a splash more beef stock or a tablespoon of water until your desired consistency is reached. For the best texture, slice the beef across the grain to ensure every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
A crisp, green salad with a sharp lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the cream sauce. Pair with a glass of earthy Pinot Noir or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the mushrooms and beef. Roasted green beans or steamed asparagus make excellent side vegetables for a balanced plate. Serve with a side of crusty sourdough bread to mop up every last drop of the savory gravy. For a traditional touch, serve with a small side of lingonberry jam or pickled cucumbers.