Tender Braised Russian Steak with Sour Cream Gravy

📜 Collection: General Archive | ✍️ Attribution: Unknown | 📂 Category: Entrees A classic comfort dish where round steak is pounded, floured, and browned, then slow-simmered with golden onions in a rich and tangy sour cream gravy until fall-apart tender.


Prep TimeCook TimeInactive / Chill TimeYield / Servings
20 mins1 hour 45 minsNone4–6 servings

🔪 Key Equipment

  • Heavy skillet
  • Meat mallet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups

Ingredients

MeasurementsIngredientsPrep / Notes
2 lbsRound SteakPounded and cut into 3-inch squares
As neededFlourFor dredging and thickening
2 cupsSliced OnionSliced
To tasteSaltNone
To tastePepperNone
4 tbspButter or FatFor frying
1 cupWaterNone
1 cupSour CreamNone

Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Brown the Aromatics

  1. Pound the 2 lbs round steak well, dredge with flour, and cut into pieces about 3 inches square.
  2. Simmer the 2 cups sliced onion in 4 tbsp butter or fat until golden but not brown.
  3. Remove onions from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

  1. In the same fat left in the skillet, brown the round steak pieces until a rich crust forms.
  2. When well browned, sprinkle with flour, salt, and pepper. Turn and repeat on the other side until seasoned and golden.

Step 3: Braise in Sour Cream Gravy

  1. Add the reserved onions, 1 cup water, and 1 cup sour cream to the skillet.
  2. Cook very slowly over low heat until the meat is fall-apart tender and the gravy is rich, about 1½ hours.

💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat.


Original Recipe Scan

Original Handwritten Card