Easy Creamy Peppercorn Sauce Recipe For Steak

The Special Flavors of Peppercorn Steak Sauce

This is a classic steak sauce recipe that is popular in steak restaurants everywhere, but you can make it just as good at home. You may also see it on menus or in cook books listed as Au Poivre or steak au poivre. 

The traditional recipe brings together whole peppercorns that have been gently crushed to unlock their flavor. After being toasted, they are combined with beef stock, cognac, and cream for a velvety steak sauce.

What Kind of Steak to Serve with Peppercorn Sauce

This rich sauce is really the perfect accompaniment for any steak. Filet mignon is the traditional steak found in steak au poivre. However, you can use your favorite steak! For example New Yorks and strip steaks are also great options.

Creamy Peppercorn Sauce Ingredients 

This steakhouse favorite takes just a handful of ingredients and they are easy to find.

Corse ground black peppercorns

Beef Broth

Heavy Cream

Cognac or Brandy

Worcestershire Sauce 

The Sauce Supplies You Need

Cast Iron Pan is ideal, but a saute pan will also work.

Measuring Cup

Wooden Spoon or spatula for stirring.

Something to crush the peppercorns- mortar and pestle, meat mallet, rolling pin, whatever you like to crush with.

How to Prepare the Peppercorns

The peppercorns in this sauce are traditionally coarsely ground or crushed in a mortar and pestle. For larger peppercorn pieces, take a few whole black peppercorns and place them in a zip top bag. Crush those peppercorns with a rolling pin a few times until you get the desired size.

The Classic Recipe

This pan sauce is traditionally made in a large skillet by starting with searing steak. After the steak has been seared and transferred to an oven to finish cooking, the pan sauce is made. Alcohol, either brandy, cognac, or wine are used to deglaze the pan and scrape up the brown bits from the steak. Then the rest of the ingredients are added and the sauce is reduced.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This is one of my favorite sauces and you are going to have it on your table in no time. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare the peppercorns by smashing them until they are coarsely ground. Set the peppercorns aside and measure all of the other ingredients.
2. Place a large cast iron pan over medium high heat. Preheat the pan for 3-4 minutes or until it is hot.
3. Cook your steak in the pan by searing it on all sides. Remove from the pan and finish in the oven if necessary. If you are not cooking your steak in the same pan, skip to the next step.
4. Add the peppercorns and toast for 30 seconds.
5. Pour in the cognac to deglaze the pan and scrape up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan, Cook for 3 minutes.
6. Now, add the beef stock and bring the sauce to a low bubble. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for 3-5 minutes.
7. Finish the sauce with your heavy cream. Simmer the sauce and continue to reduce until you have the desired thickness. 

Double check for seasoning and add salt or pepper if needed. Serve with your sliced steak. 

Shortcut Method

I love making this sauce, but I also love cooking outside and grilling my steak. If you have a great beef base, you can skip the sear in the pan and just make the cream sauce on the side. Starting with a pan over medium-high heat I will add the cognac. After that cooks for a moment, I will add the beef base, peppercorns, spices and finish it with so I still have a delicious steak sauce.

Optional Sauce Add-Ins

Fresh Thyme is commonly found is several versions of this sauce. You can also garnish with fresh minced parsley is you want.

Minced Shallots can be found in many versions of this recipe. The shallots add a mild onion flavor along with some additional texture.

Lastly, if you want your sauce to have an extra kick, add a teaspoon of dijon mustard to the sauce when you add the Worcestershire.

Recipe Modifications and Substitutions

Cognac or Brandy - if you want another liquor option besides cognac, you can use brandy.

How to Save and Reheat Peppercorn Sauce

You can save this sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It may separate, but you can reheat the sauce and stir it back to its creamy goodness.

The best way to reheat this cream-based sauce is over the stove in a small pot set to a low heat. You can do it in the microwave on a low setting if you prefer.

Make this the perfect steakhouse meal

Now that you have a perfectly cooked juicy steak and a delicious creamy sauce, here are the sides and drinks you need to make it the perfect date night meal:

• Mashed Potatoes 
• Wedge Salad
• Grilled Asparagus

To drink, I love a nice red wine. A red blend is the perfect option for flavor and body without being too heavy.