Steak au Poivre

This classic French bistro dish features a thick-cut steak coated in cracked black pepper, pan-seared (or reverse seared!), and finished with a rich cognac cream sauce. It’s bold, buttery, and wildly satisfying—perfect for date night or when you just feel like flexing your steak skills.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course

Cuisine French

Servings people

Calories 481 kcal

Equipment

mortar and pestle

Ingredients

2 thick filet mignon steaks
2 tablespoon black peppercorns coarsely cracked
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoon butter
2 shallots finely chopped
¼ c cognac or brandy
½ c heavy cream
¼ c beef stock optional

Instructions

Bring steaks to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels. Season generously with kosher salt on all sides.
Crust with pepper: Press the cracked black pepper evenly onto both sides of each steak, pressing firmly so it sticks.
Sear the steak: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the steaks and sear for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to desired doneness. Use tongs to sear the edges as well.
Rest the steak: Transfer steaks to a plate and loosely tent with foil.
Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add the butter and shallots to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened.
Deglaze the pan: Carefully add cognac. (It may flame up—step back and let the alcohol cook off.) Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Finish the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and beef stock (if using). Simmer for 3–5 minutes, until thickened slightly.
Serve: Plate the steaks and spoon the sauce generously over top. Serve immediately.

Notes

For reverse sear, cook steaks at 225°F until 10–15°F below target temp, then sear in a hot pan with butter and oil.
Use freshly cracked peppercorns—they’re essential for that signature crust.
If you don’t have cognac, use brandy or even bourbon.

Nutrition

Calories: 481kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 4gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 171mgPotassium: 332mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1280IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 99mgIron: 1mg

Keyword steak au poivre, steak au poivre recipe