Steak au Poivre

⚡ KevEats Recipe

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High Protein Steak Dinner Date Night

Peppercorn Steak with Brandy Cream Sauce

Classic steakhouse energy with a rich sauce and serious black pepper bite.

This is one of those meals that feels restaurant-level without being complicated. A good hard sear, cracked peppercorn crust, and a silky pan sauce make this hit way above its effort level.

725 Calories

44g Protein

58g Fat

3g Carbs

Servings 2 servings

Prep Time 10 min

Cook Time 15 min

Total Time 25 min

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Ingredients

• 2 6-ounce steaks
• 1 tbsp neutral oil, such as avocado or canola
• to taste kosher salt
• 2 tbsp coarse ground black peppercorns
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/3 cup cognac or brandy
• 1/3 cup light cream or heavy cream
• 1 tbsp English mustard
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme

Kev Tip

Press the pepper into the steak instead of just sprinkling it on. That gives you a better crust and keeps more of that peppercorn flavor locked onto the meat.

Make It Fit Your Macros Leaner: use filet or a leaner sirloin cut instead of a fattier steak.
Lighter sauce: use light cream and go a little easier on the butter.
Lower calorie pairing: serve with roasted green beans, asparagus, or a crisp salad.

Storage / Meal Prep Best fresh, but leftover steak keeps well for 2–3 days. Reheat gently and make the sauce fresh if possible for the best texture.

Instructions

1. 1Pat the steaks dry, rub lightly with oil, season with kosher salt, and press the coarse peppercorns firmly onto both sides.
2. 2Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and the butter, then sear the steaks, flipping and basting, until they reach about 130°F for medium-rare.
3. 3Transfer the steaks to a plate and rest loosely under foil.
4. 4Carefully pour off excess fat from the pan. Add the cognac or brandy and let it simmer until reduced slightly and the alcohol cooks off. If you know how to do it safely, you can ignite it briefly for extra flavor.
5. 5Stir in the cream, English mustard, and dried thyme. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. 6Slice the steak and serve with the sauce spooned over the top or alongside it.

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Give this recipe a try, tag @KevTheDietitian and bring a taste of classic French cooking to your kitchen!