Easy Filet Mignon with Peppercorn Sauce Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to impress at home without hours in the kitchen, this Filet Mignon with Peppercorn Sauce Recipe is your new go-to. Juicy, tender filet mignon steaks paired with a rich, creamy peppercorn sauce bring restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with remarkably simple steps. Whether it’s a special occasion or just because you deserve a gourmet treat, this recipe shows you how effortlessly you can enjoy steakhouse elegance at home in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly tender steak: The filet mignon’s buttery texture cooks quickly and stays melt-in-your-mouth tender every time.
• Rich, flavorful sauce: The creamy peppercorn sauce adds a luxurious, peppery kick that complements the mild beef beautifully.
• Minimal ingredients, maximum impact: Using simple pantry staples creates a dish that feels indulgent but is easy to make.
• Quick preparation: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy evenings.
• Impress your guests: Homemade steakhouse quality without complicated techniques or expensive equipment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need for this Filet Mignon with Peppercorn Sauce Recipe are a handful of essentials that bring out the best flavors without fuss. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build depth, creaminess, and mouthwatering texture.

• Filet Mignon steaks: Choose top-quality, 1.5 to 2-inch thick cuts for a tender and juicy outcome.
• Green peppercorns in brine: These add a fresh, mildly spicy burst and work beautifully in the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its rich and silky texture.
• Shallots: Finely chopped to bring a subtle sweetness and enhance the sauce’s aroma.
• Beef broth or stock: Adds savory depth to the peppercorn sauce.
• Butter: For searing the steaks and rounding out the sauce with richness.
• Olive oil: Helps achieve a perfect sear without burning the steaks.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning both steak and sauce.
• Optional brandy or cognac: To flambé and deepen the sauce’s flavor if you want to elevate the dish.

Variations for Filet Mignon with Peppercorn Sauce Recipe

Feel free to customize this recipe based on what you have in your pantry or your personal dietary preferences. This dish is surprisingly flexible and easy to tweak without losing its gourmet appeal.

• Use different peppercorns: Swap green peppercorns for black or pink for a slightly different spice profile.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy, non-dairy sauce.
• Herb infusion: Add fresh rosemary or thyme during searing for an herbal aroma and taste.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the sauce if you like heat.
• Make it extra decadent: Stir in a small amount of blue cheese or Dijon mustard for a bold topping variation.

How to Make Filet Mignon with Peppercorn Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Steaks

Pat your filet mignon dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Searing the Filet Mignon

Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat and add olive oil with a tablespoon of butter. When the butter foams, place the steaks in the pan and sear for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Avoid moving the steaks too much to get a beautiful crust.

Step 3: Resting the Steaks

Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest on a warm plate covered loosely with foil. Resting locks in the juices, making your steaks tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Making the Peppercorn Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, add the chopped shallots and sauté until softened. Pour in the brandy or cognac if using, letting it reduce and ignite briefly to burn off the alcohol. Then, add the green peppercorns, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir and simmer until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.

Step 5: Serving

Return the rested filet mignon to the skillet with the sauce for a quick warm through, then plate your steaks and spoon the creamy peppercorn sauce generously over the top. Enjoy your restaurant-worthy meal!

Pro Tips for Making Filet Mignon with Peppercorn Sauce Recipe

• Room temperature steaks: Bring the filet mignon to room temp before cooking to ensure even doneness.
• Use a hot pan: A screaming-hot skillet ensures a perfect sear without overcooking the inside.
• Don’t skip resting: Resting is crucial for juicy, tender meat without losing precious juices.
• Texture in sauce: Lightly crush peppercorns for bursts of flavor rather than grinding them finely.
• Watch the sauce thickness: Simmer slowly and watch carefully—it should coat the back of a spoon for ideal creaminess.

How to Serve Filet Mignon with Peppercorn Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches like a sprig of fresh thyme or a small pat of herb butter can enhance the visual appeal and add layered flavors that elevate the dish further.

Side Dishes

Classic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad complement the richness of the filet mignon and peppercorn sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve on warmed plates with a drizzle of extra sauce artistically swirled around the steak, or carve thin slices and fan them out to showcase the perfect pink center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover filet mignon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked filet mignon, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat steak in a low oven or covered skillet to avoid drying it out, and warm the sauce separately before combining for best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, while filet mignon is prized for its tenderness, ribeye or sirloin can also work well with this peppercorn sauce if you prefer more marbling or flavor.

What if I don’t have brandy or cognac?

No worries! You can skip the alcohol or substitute with a splash of white wine or additional beef broth to add flavor while keeping it alcohol-free.

Is green peppercorn necessary?

Green peppercorns bring a distinct mild heat and freshness, but you can use cracked black peppercorns or a mix depending on your taste preferences.

How do I know when the steak is done?

A meat thermometer is your best friend: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. Remember, the steak continues to cook slightly while resting.

Can I make the peppercorn sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The sauce can be made a day ahead and gently reheated, just add a splash of cream or broth if it thickens too much.

Final Thoughts

This Filet Mignon with Peppercorn Sauce Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a gourmet steak dinner into your kitchen without stress. Whether for a weeknight treat or a celebration, the juicy filet paired with its creamy, peppery sauce will quickly become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and savor every decadent bite!

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