Steak au Poivre Filet of Beef

Steak au poivre, meaning "steak with pepper" in French, is a classic dish featuring a peppercorn-crusted steak seared and served with a creamy peppercorn sauce. With this recipe, a Filet Mignon is cooked to medium rare, coated with peppercorns and a delicious cognac pan sauce. It sounds fancy (and it tastes that way), but it's amazing how quick and simple this is to make.

Course main

Cuisine French

Keyword Filet Mignon, Steak Au Poivre

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Room temperature time for beef 30

Total Time 1

Servings

Calories 629kcal

Author Debby - www.AFeastfortheEyes.net

Equipment

12" Cast Iron Skillet
Flat Whisk perfect for smoother gravy

Ingredients

4 tenderloin steaks 6 to 8 ounces each and no more than 1 1/2 inches thick; bring to room temperature 30 minutes before
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons whole peppercorns
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/3 cup Cognac plus 1 teaspoon
1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour prior to cooking. Sprinkle all sides with salt.
Coarsely crush the peppercorns with a mortar and pestle, the bottom of a cast iron skillet, or using a mallet and pie pan. Spread the peppercorns evenly onto a plate.
Press the fillets, on both sides, into the pepper until it coats the surface. Set aside.
In an oven-proof heavy bottom skillet (or cast iron, as I prefer) over medium high heat, melt the butter and olive oil. As soon as the butter and oil begin to turn golden and smoke, gently place the steaks in the pan.
Add the steaks and sear on both sides until well browned, 2 minutes on each side.
Transfer the steaks to the oven. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes for medium-rare (125F).
Add the steaks and sear on both sides until well browned, 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the steaks to an oven-proof baking dish and place in the oven. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes for medium-rare.
Once done, remove the steaks to a plate, tent with foil and set aside. Pour off the excess fat but do not wipe or scrape the pan clean.
Off of the heat, add 1/3 cup Cognac to the pan and carefully ignite the alcohol with a long match or firestick.
Gently shake pan until the flames die.
Return the pan to medium heat and add the cream.
Bring the mixture to a boil and whisk until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.

Notes

My side dishes were roasted asparagus and roast potatoes.

Nutrition