Ingredients
Scale
Steaks
- 2 Filet mignon steaks, 1.5 to 2 inches thick
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons green peppercorns in brine
- 1/4 cup brandy or cognac (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparing the Steaks: Pat the filet mignon steaks 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 for even cooking.
- Searing the Filet Mignon: Heat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. When the butter foams, place the steaks in the pan and sear without moving for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, developing a beautiful crust.
- Resting the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest on a warm plate loosely covered with foil. Resting locks in the juices to keep the steaks tender and flavorful.
- Making the Peppercorn Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the finely chopped shallots. Sauté until softened. If using, pour in the brandy or cognac, allowing it to reduce and briefly ignite to burn off alcohol. Add the green peppercorns, beef broth, and heavy cream. Stir and simmer gently until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serving: Return the rested filet mignons to the skillet with the sauce to warm through briefly. Plate the steaks and generously spoon the creamy peppercorn sauce over them. Garnish as desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Bring steaks to room temperature before cooking for even doneness.
- Use a very hot pan for a perfect sear without overcooking.
- Do not skip resting the steaks to retain juices.
- Lightly crush the peppercorns for bursts of flavor instead of finely grinding.
- Simmer the sauce slowly until it thickly coats the back of a spoon for ideal creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 steak with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: filet mignon, peppercorn sauce, steak recipe, creamy sauce, quick steak dinner, gourmet steak, restaurant-quality steak