One-Pot Wonders

Rainbow Peppercorn Steak au Poivre

July 11, 2024
5
1 Ratings
Photo by Elvin Abril
  • Prep time 15 minutes
  • Cook time 12 minutes
  • Serves 2
Author Notes

Steak au poivre, meaning "pepper steak" in French, is a classic dish celebrated for its simplicity and bold flavors. Originating in the bistro culture of France, this dish is traditionally made with filet mignon, a tender and lean cut of beef. However, my version opts for New York strip steak, a flavorful and well-marbled cut that delivers, in my opinion, a richer, more robust flavor. The true star of this dish is the rainbow peppercorn crust. Unlike traditional steak au poivre, which relies solely on black peppercorns, this recipe incorporates a vibrant blend of pink, green, white, and black peppercorns. The result is a steak that's fiery, floral, and earthy, perfectly complemented by a rich and flavorful sauce. —César Pérez

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • FOR THE STEAK
  • 2 New York strip steaks
  • 4 tablespoons rainbow peppercorns, coarsely crushed
  • 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • FOR THE SAUCE
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 shallot, finely minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ cups cognac
  • ½ cups beef broth
  • ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon grainy Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon crème fraîche or sour cream
  • Salt and freshly ground rainbow peppercorns to taste
Directions
  1. Prepare the steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Generously coat both sides with the crushed rainbow peppercorns and flaky salt, pressing gently to adhere.
  2. Sear the steaks: Heat the avocado oil in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks and sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting for your preferred doneness. Transfer the steaks to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
  3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  4. Deglaze the pan: Remove the pan from the heat and carefully pour in the cognac. Return the pan to the heat.
  5. Simmer the sauce: Let the cognac reduce by half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Finish the sauce: Remove the thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in the Dijon mustard and crème fraîche. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve: Slice the steaks against the grain and add them back into the pan with the sauce or plate the steaks and generously spoon the sauce over. Serve immediately.

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César Pérez

Recipe by: César Pérez

Recipe Developer & Food52 Test Kitchen Content Creator

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