Peppercorn steak or “ Steak au Poivre ” as the French like to call it, is rumored to have originated sometime in the 19th century in Normandy, a region in Northern France.
Food style by: Florentina | Photo Credit: MihaMatei.com
It is simply steak rolled in crushed mixed colors peppercorns, then pan seared to perfection in a cast iron skillet on the stove. I used fillets but different cuts like sirloin or ribeye work just as well.
Perfect with just a dab of herbed butter on top, but you can opt to make a quick pan sauce at this point to drizzle over the top. Brandy, cognac or a red wine sauce are popular choices, tough purists might argue a perfect steak needs them not.
Pairs well with these Italian roasted potatoes, fingerlings, this leek potato gratin, ricotta mashed potatoes and pommes frites of course (French fries).
P.S. Be a rebel and drizzle some of this best chimichurri sauce on top.
Peppercorn Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 X 8 oz grass fed beef fillets, sirloin or ribeye
- 2 tbsp mixed colors peppercorns
- pinch coarse sea salt (to taste)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/3 c red wine, cognac or brandy
- 3/4 c vegetable stock
- 4 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Dry your steak well on paper towels and allow them to rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Crack the peppercorns onto a plate and sprinkle with a good pinch of sea salt.
- Roll the fillets in the peppercorn salt mix, including the sides.
- Add the butter to a cast iron skillet over medium flame. Use tongues and add the fillets. Sear until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes each side for medium rare.Transfer to a plate and loosely cover with aluminum foil to keep warm while the juices redistribute.
Make the Sauce (Optional)
- Add the red wine, cognac or brandy to the pan with the steak drippings. If using cognac you can carefully ignite it at this time, for about 30 seconds or so then add the stock. Reduce by half then stir in the cream. Continue cooking and reduce for a few more minutes until thickened to your liking. Taste and adjust seasonings with more sea salt and spoon over the steaks.
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