Peppercorn Crusted Steak is a bold and flavorful dish where a juicy steak is encrusted with cracked black peppercorns, seared to form a beautiful crust, and often finished with a simple butter or brandy cream sauce. 🥩🔥✨
It’s rustic, spicy, and elegant — perfect for a special dinner!
🕒 Time: 25–30 minutes
🍽 Serves: 2
🌟 Ingredients:
For the Steak:
- 2 ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon steaks (about 1-inch thick)
- 2–3 tbsp black peppercorns (coarsely crushed)
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
Optional for Sauce (Classic Au Poivre Style):
- 1/4 cup brandy or cognac
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
🔪 Instructions:
- Prep the Steaks:
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt.
- Press the crushed black peppercorns firmly onto both sides of the steaks (use your hands to really press them in).
- Sear the Steaks:
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal) over high heat until very hot.
- Add steaks and sear for about 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust based on thickness and preference).
- Add butter during the last minute of cooking and spoon it over the steaks (basting for extra flavor).
- Rest the Steaks:
- Remove from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep them juicy.
- (Optional) Make a Simple Cream Sauce:
- In the same pan (after cooking steaks), carefully add brandy (it may flame up briefly — stand back!).
- Scrape up any brown bits with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Pour over the rested steaks before serving.
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Garlic mashed potatoes 🥔
- Roasted asparagus or green beans 🥦
- Crisp French fries 🍟
- Crusty bread to mop up any sauce 🥖
💡 Tips:
- Use freshly crushed peppercorns for the best texture and punch! 🌶️
- Let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking for even doneness.
- Resting the meat is essential for juicy results.
Peppercorn Crusted Steak = bold spice, juicy bite, pure steakhouse vibes at home! 🥩🌶️🔥
Would you like a blue cheese butter topping idea too for an extra indulgent finish? 🧀✨
