Steak with Peppercorn Sauce

Steak au Poivre (Steak with Peppercorn Sauce)

A classic French steak recipe with a peppery twist, perfect for an elegant dinner.

Ingredients

2 large steaks (rib-eye, tenderloin, strip loin, etc.)

Ground Himalayan sea salt, to taste

1 1/2 tbsp whole peppercorns, crushed (use mixed peppercorns for flavor)

2 tbsp olive oil

3 tbsp butter, room temperature

2 large garlic cloves, slightly crushed

2 tbsp Cognac (or Brandy)

8 oz button mushrooms, sliced

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 1/4 cups Basic Brown Sauce (half recipe), warmed

1 tbsp 35% heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare Sauce: Make half of the Basic Brown Sauce recipe and keep warm.

2. Bring Steaks to Room Temperature: Let steaks rest on the counter for 30 minutes, then pat them dry and season generously with sea salt. Cover all sides with crushed peppercorns, pressing down to adhere.

3. Sear the Steaks: Preheat the oven to 450ºF (230ºC). Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and place steaks in the pan. Cook undisturbed for 2–2 ½ minutes, then flip and cook the other side for another 2 ½ minutes for medium-rare.

4. Baste and Transfer to Oven: Add butter and garlic cloves to the pan. Baste the meat with the melted butter for extra flavor.

Place the pan in the oven and bake until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.

5. Flambé with Cognac: Remove the pan from heat, pour Cognac into the pan, and ignite (optional) to burn off the alcohol.

6. Rest Steaks: Transfer steaks to a plate, loosely cover with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.

7. Sauté Mushrooms: In the same pan over medium-high heat, cook mushrooms with the garlic cloves until golden, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, transfer mushrooms to a bowl, and discard garlic cloves.

8. Finish Sauce: Lower heat to medium-low, add the warmed brown sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 2 minutes, adjust seasoning if needed.

9. Serve: Add any steak juices to the sauce, stir, and spoon over the steaks. Top with sautéed mushrooms, and serve with mashed potatoes and broccolini.

This Steak au Poivre is rich, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables. Bon Appétit!