5 from 1 vote

I love steak au poivre because of the way the spicy pepper crunches and contrasts with the creamy flavorful cognac sauce. It's the perfect solution for a quick special dinner, and goes great with almost any sides. Mashed potatoes, asparagus, mac 'n cheese - you pick.

📋 Recipe

Steak au Poivre

I love steak au poivre because of the way the spicy pepper crunches and contrasts with the creamy flavorful cognac sauce.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: French

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings:

Calories: 295kcal

Author: Ben Rayl

Equipment

Pestle and Mortar
Large Skillet

Ingredients

4 1" beef tenderloin - or your favorite steak
3 tablespoon black peppercorns - whole
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup cognac
1 cup heavy cream
salt - coarse, like kosher

Instructions

Remove the steaks from the fridge about an hour before using and sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
Roughly crush the peppercorns using a pestle and mortar.
Spread the broken peppercorns on a plate, and gently press both sides of each steak into them, coating them well.
Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet (I love cast iron) over medium heat for a few minutes, until it begins to smoke.
Add the steaks, and cook for about 4 - 5 minutes per side for medium rare, a bit longer if you like your steak less red.
Remove the steaks to a plate and cover loosely with foil while you make the sauce.
Spoon any excess fat out of the pan, but leave the bits of pepper and charred beef, and while the pan is still hot, pour in the cognac.
Tip the pan over your flame (or use a match) to ignite the cognac (be careful - it will produce a size-able ball of fire) and then let the fire die out.
Put the pan back on the flame, add the cream and cook, stirring vigorously to incorporate all the drippings in the pan, for about 5 minutes - or until thickened.
Spoon the sauce over the steak and serve.

Notes

NUTRITION

Low Carb • Sugar Conscious • Keto Friendly • Gluten Free • Wheat Free • Egg Free • Peanut Free • Tree Nut Free • Soy Free • Fish Free • Shellfish Free • Pork Free • Crustacean Free • Celery Free • Mustard Free • Sesame Free • Lupine Free • Mollusk Free • Sulphite Free