Beef stroganoff is a delicious and hearty comfort food that pairs great with mashed potatoes.
But sometimes, the sauce can be a little thin for our liking, making it less creamy and flavorful than we like. Feeding a crowd – how much beef stroganoff do you need per person?
Thankfully, there are a few simple tricks you can use to thicken beef stroganoff using ingredients you already have in the pantry.
In this article, I’ll show you how to thicken beef stroganoff without having to buy any special ingredients.
And with just a few tweaks here and there, your beef stroganoff will be a perfect consistency every time!
How to Thicken Beef Stroganoff
To thicken a dish like a stroganoff, chefs typically use a thickening agent like arrowroot powder, cornstarch, or flour. The thickening agent is typically mixed with water and stirred until dissolved before being used to thicken.
First, stir until it reaches the desired thickness and if it still to thin, you can simmer for a few more minutes and reduce the volume of the liquid by reducing the liquid in the dish.
Can you freeze beef stroganoff with sour cream or dairy?
How To Thicken Beef Stroganoff With Cornstarch
The easiest way to thicken beef stroganoff is to use cornstarch, it is one of the most common thickening agents.
All you have to do is mix together two teaspoons of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water in a small bowl until everything is evenly blended.
Then add the cornstarch mixture into your beef stroganoff and stir it up until it’s completely combined. The cornstarch will quickly thicken your sauce and give it more body without overpowering the flavor.
See how to thicken refried beans with cornstarch?
If you find that your sauce still isn’t thick enough after adding the cornstarch mixture, just repeat the process by mixing together another teaspoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water and adding it into your pot again!
You should keep stirring until you reach the desired thickness for your gravy or sauce for an amazing beef stroganoff that everyone will love!
How To Thicken Beef Stroganoff With All-Purpose Flour
Another way is to use all-purpose flour. This pantry staple is the easiest way to instantly thicken sauces, stews, and soups.
Simply mix equal parts of cold water and all-purpose flour in a bowl until smooth. Then, stir this into your beef stroganoff while it’s cooking until you get a thick, creamy sauce that coats the noodles or potatoes perfectly.
The amount of flour depends on how thick you want the sauce. Start with 1 tablespoon of flour dissolved in 1 tablespoon of cold water and gradually add more as needed.
Remember to whisk the mixture before adding it so there are no lumps! The end result will be a richly flavored beef stroganoff that’s sure to please any crowd.
Other Thickening Agents for Beef Stroganoff
Arrowroot Powder
To thicken beef stroganoff with arrowroot, use a ratio of 1 part arrowroot powder to one part cold water. For example, combine 1 tablespoon of arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir until dissolved.
Take the mixed slurry and bit by bit add it to the beef stroganoff, stirring all the time.
When you add it to the beef stroganoff and stir until it is combined.
Simmer the stroganoff for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings as to your taste.
Arrowroot thickening can sometimes cause dairy products to separate, but constant gentle stirring will minimize the risk.
You can also use a substitute for sour cream in beef stroganoff.
Ground Flax Seeds
Ground flax seeds can be substituted as a thickening agent instead of cornstarch. You still make a roux, but this flaxseed roux burns easily, so do add it directly to the pot – rather mix it in as you add it.
Further ground flax seeds are a stronger thickening agent than flour or corn starch.
When using this agent use two bits of flax seed to a single part oil or even butter
Also a vegan roux concentrate can be used.
Conclusion
Making a delicious and hearty beef stroganoff can be a great way to bring some new flavors to your dinner table. With a few simple ingredients, you can easily make a deliciously creamy and thick sauce that will make every bite of the stroganoff irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for friends and family, it’s sure to be welcomed!