Classic French Steak Au Poivre

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once upon a chef

Total Time

25 Minutes

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

15 Minutes

Rating

(25)

Ingredients

4 servings

Four 6- to 8-ounce filet mignons
1 heaping teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
⅓ cup finely chopped shallots, from 1 medium shallot
½ cup Cognac or other brandy
¾ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

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Preparation

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Step 1

Pat the steaks dry and, if they are thick, gently press them down so that they are about 1½ inches thick. Season the steaks all over with the salt.

Step 2

Seal the peppercorns inside a small plastic bag and place on a cutting board. Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a frying pan, pound the peppercorns until they are coarsely crushed. Press the crushed pepper evenly onto both sides of the steaks.

Step 3

In a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the steaks and cook about 4 minutes on each side, turning only once, for medium-rare (or about 5 minutes per side for medium). Transfer the steaks to a plate and tent with foil.

Step 4

Pour off the excess fat from the pan but do not wipe clean. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the butter and shallots. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon and scraping up the brown bits, until the shallots are golden brown and softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully add the Cognac (it may ignite) and boil, again stirring to scrape up the brown bits, until the liquid is reduced to a glaze and mostly absorbed by the shallots, a few minutes. Add the cream and mustard and gently boil until thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in any meat juices that accumulated on the plate. Transfer the steaks to plates and spoon the sauce over top.