Steak au Poivre
This is a classic French dish for black pepper lovers. For variations of this recipe please see the hints sections for some suggested additions. Steak au Poivre can be prepared with nearly any type of peppercorn we sell, even non-piper nigrum peppercorns like Long Pepper, Pink Peppercorns, or Grains of Paradise. The key to this dish is using coarsely cracked pepper, not a fine powder. This recipe can be made with many cuts of beef, but tenderloin is the popular choice. New York Strip, Rib Eye, Sirloin, and Hanger Steak are also popular options. Venison is particularly delicious in this preparation and preferred over beef by many gourmets.
Submitted by: Geoff Marshall from Chicago, IL
Yield: 4 - 5 oz servings of beef with sauce for each.
At 16 years old I had the pleasure to taste in Northern Germany “Pariser Pfeffer Steak” (Steak Au-Poivre ala Parisienne).
First prepare finely diced pickles (I prefer one of the German brands such as Hengstenberg or Kuhne worst case take butter pickles), finely diced white mushrooms, and finely diced red peppers.
Coarse Salt the Steak and push whole black peppercorns into one side of the meat.
Sear the steaks on high heat peppercorn side first, then turn over and cook to desired doneness. Put aside and cover with foil.
Flambee with 2-parts cognac and 1-part Grand Marnier. Take some butter and sauté the diced mix, fill with 1/2 cup beef fond (beef stock plus dark roux), and 1/2 cup of sweet cream.
Salt and Pepper to taste.
Server the filet in the center of the plate and cover with the “vegetable” mix and then spoon the cream sauce over it. And server with classic French fries.