Frequently Asked Questions
What is Steak au Poivre?
Steak au Poivre is a classic French dish consisting of a steak, typically a filet or strip, coated with loosely cracked peppercorns and served with a rich, creamy sauce.
What specific cut of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe utilizes two 12-16 ounce bone-in NY strip steaks for a flavorful and substantial meal.
Why should I allow ingredients to reach room temperature?
Allowing ingredients to reach room temperature ensures even cooking throughout the steak and prevents the sauce from breaking or curdling.
How do I prepare the black peppercorns for the steak?
The black peppercorns should be coarsely crushed to provide a textured, spicy crust on the steaks.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for roasting the steaks.
What type of butter is recommended for searing?
Clarified and unsalted butter is recommended because it has a higher smoke point, which is better for searing meat at high temperatures.
How long should I sear the NY strip steaks?
Sear the steaks for approximately 3 minutes on each side in a heavy-bottomed pan to develop a brown crust.
What is the recommended roasting time for medium-rare?
Roast the steaks for 20 minutes in the oven to achieve a medium-rare to medium doneness.
Why is it important not to overcook the steak?
This recipe is specifically designed to be enjoyed medium-rare; overcooking can lead to a tougher texture and less flavorful experience.
What should I do with the steak drippings in the pan?
Utilize the steak drippings to cook the minced shallots, which adds deep flavor to the foundation of your sauce.
How long should I cook the shallots?
Cook the minced shallots over medium heat until they become translucent before adding other liquid ingredients.
What type of beef stock is suggested?
The recipe suggests using high-quality beef stock or broth, specifically mentioning Better Than Bouillon for superior flavor.
How much brandy or cognac is needed for the sauce?
You will need 1/4 cup of quality brandy or cognac to deglaze the pan and flavor the sauce.
What is the role of green peppercorns in this dish?
Green peppercorns in brine provide a unique, milder heat and briny complexity to the creamy sauce.
How long does the sauce need to reduce?
The sauce should be whisked over high heat for approximately 5 to 8 minutes until it achieves a thickened consistency.
How can I tell if the sauce is the right thickness?
The sauce is ready when it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Why must the steaks rest after cooking?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring the steak remains moist and juicy when served.
What are some suggested side dishes for Steak au Poivre?
This dish pairs well with twice-baked potatoes, duchess potatoes, puffed potatoes, and various green vegetables.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 900 calories, making it a decadent, once-a-year indulgence.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 60 grams of fat per serving in this gourmet recipe.
How many grams of protein does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides a high protein content of 70 grams per serving.
Are there many carbohydrates in this dish?
No, this dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, containing only 7.5 grams per serving.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is perfectly portioned to serve 2 people.
Do I need to crush the green peppercorns?
Yes, the green peppercorns should be drained and slightly crushed before being added to the sauce.
What size pan is best for this recipe?
A 12-inch heavy-bottomed saute pan is recommended to ensure there is enough room to brown the steaks effectively.
Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt?
Kosher salt is preferred for its texture and ability to adhere to the meat, but table salt can be used in smaller quantities if necessary.
Should the heavy cream be cold when added?
The heavy cream should be at room temperature to help it integrate more smoothly into the hot sauce.
What kind of occasion is this recipe suitable for?
This is an ideal dish for special occasions, date nights, or a luxury dining experience at home.
Is the brandy alcohol cooked off?
Most of the alcohol content evaporates during the high-heat reduction process, leaving behind its concentrated flavor.
How should the steak be served?
The steaks should be placed on individual plates and generously ladled with the warm creamy peppercorn sauce immediately after resting.