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Steak Au Poivre Recipe

This classic Steak au Poivre delivers an elegant dining experience with its peppercorn-encrusted New York strip steak, seared to perfection and finished in a luscious cognac cream sauce. A timeless dish that elevates any dinner occasion with minimal effort.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Keyword: Steak Au Poivre Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter cold
  • 2 12- ounce New York strip steaks trimmed and rested at room temperature for 1 hour
  • 1/3 cup cognac or brandy
  • 1 tablespoon green peppercorns optional
  • 3 tablespoons black peppercorns coarsely crushed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil such as avocado, canola, or vegetable
  • 1 medium shallot finely minced

Instructions

  • Preheat a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Thoroughly dry the steaks with paper towels, season with kosher salt, then press both sides firmly into the crushed black peppercorns to create an even crust. Pour the neutral oil into the heated pan; when it shimmers, lay the steaks in and sear undisturbed for about 4 minutes per side. If excess fat lines the steak edges, hold the steaks upright with tongs to sear the sides until deeply browned. Cook to your desired doneness—aim for an initial internal temperature of 120–125°F for a medium-rare finish of 130–135°F. Transfer steaks to a cutting board, tent with foil, and allow them to rest. Carefully discard excess fat from the pan, then add the minced shallot with a pinch of salt and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Remove the pan from the burner to pour in the cognac, then return to medium-high heat, cooking until the liquid nearly evaporates, about 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, around 2–3 minutes. Incorporate the optional green peppercorns, season with additional salt as needed, then remove from heat and whisk in the cold butter until smooth. Spoon a portion of the sauce onto each plate, arrange the steaks over the sauce, and generously drizzle the remaining sauce over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

For steaks thicker than 1½ inches, finish cooking in a 350°F oven until the desired internal temperature is achieved. Always use an instant-read thermometer to confirm doneness. Steak au poivre is best savored freshly prepared rather than stored as leftovers.