Steak au Poivre: A French Classic with a Peppery Twist

Posted by Isabel on Jan 23rd 2023

Steak au Poivre: A French Classic with a Peppery Twist

Steak au Poivre is a quintessential French dish that's surprisingly quick to prepare. 

The rich, creamy Cognac sauce paired with the tender beef makes it perfect for date nights or special occasions. Follow this simple recipe and use our tips to master this classic at home.

Serves: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Tongs
  • Plate
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef tenderloin, center cut
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup Cognac (or brandy as a substitute)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Prepare the Steak

  • Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides.

Tip: Use coarsely cracked peppercorns for an authentic texture and a bold peppery flavor.

2. Sear the Steaks

  • Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil. Once the mixture starts to turn golden and shimmer, place the steaks in the pan.
  • Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Use tongs to flip the steaks gently. For more precise cooking, use a meat thermometer; aim for 135°F (57°C) for medium.
  • Remove the steaks from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to rest.

Tip: Resting the steak for 5-10 minutes helps retain its juices.

3. Make the Sauce

  • Reduce the heat to medium. To the same pan, carefully add the Cognac. Use a whisk or wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the Cognac simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
  • Add the cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Whisk continuously until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tip: For a deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of beef stock to the sauce.

4. Finish and Serve

  • Return the steaks to the pan. Spoon the sauce over them and let them warm through for 1-2 minutes.
  • Plate the steaks and drizzle the sauce on top. Serve immediately.

Tip: Garnish with fresh parsley or serve alongside roasted potatoes and sautéed green beans for a complete meal.

Additional Tips for Perfect Steak au Poivre

  • Choosing the Steak: Beef tenderloin is traditional, but ribeye or New York strip are excellent alternatives.
  • Cognac Substitute: If Cognac isn't available, brandy or even whiskey can be used. For a non-alcoholic option, try beef broth with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
  • Peppercorn Variations: Experiment with green or pink peppercorns for a milder flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: The sauce can be prepared separately and reheated just before serving.

With its rich flavors and luxurious sauce, Steak au Poivre is sure to impress. Whether it's a romantic dinner for two or a fancy twist on steak night, this dish is a showstopper every time.