Yield: 4 Servings

Jean-Pierre

So, what exactly is Steak Au Poivre? Well, it’s a classic French dish that translates to “pepper steak”, and it’s all about the flavors. The key to nailing this recipe is using the best quality steak you can get your hands on. Today we are making it with a tender and juicy strip steak. If you want something fancier, kick it up a notch and make a Filet au Poivre or a Peppercorn Fillet Mignon. And if you aren’t a huge steak fan you can even make Chicken Au Poivre. How ever you make it you are going to love it. It is simply amazing!

• 1TBS olive oil
• 2TBS cracked black pepper
• 2filet mignon 8 oz each, or strip steaks
• ¼cup cognac
• 1cup rich veal or beef stock
• ¼cup heavy whipping cream
• 1TBS green peppercorns without the brine
• 2TBS (at least) sweet butter

Preheat Oven to 500ºF.

Cook the steaks:

Cover the steak generously with cracked black pepper.

In an oven proof sauté pan, heat 1 TBS olive oil. When hot add the steaks and cook on the stove top until golden-brown on one side at least 3- to 4-minutes. DO NOT TOUCH THEM. Flip steaks over and put in a PREHEATED Oven. For medium rare you should reach an internal temperature of about 125ºF to 130ºF.

Remove steaks from frying pan and let them rest while you make the pan sauce. Leave a folded towel over the pan handle. IT’S VERY HOT!

Pan sauce:

Carefully deglaze the pan with several TBS of cognac. Be careful if you are going to flambé the fumes may create a huge flame. Add stock, cream and the peppercorns bring to boil and let it reduce and thicken for a few minutes. After the sauce has reached the right consistency turn the heat off and add as much butter as you wish!

Spoon sauce over steak and serve immediately.