Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

filet of beef au poivre

Recipe by
Vickie Parks
Renton, WA

Steak au Poivre is a classic dish of French-style Pepper Steak. It produces an elegant dish that's suitable for company or any special occasion. I like it with a side of garlic-sautéed mushrooms and roasted baby red potatoes, but nearly any vegetable side dish would be great with this dish.

yield 6 serving(s)
prep time 25 Min
cook time 15 Min
method Saute

Ingredients For filet of beef au poivre

  • 6
    filet mignon, cut about 1 1/4 inches thick
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp
    kosher salt
  • 2 Tbsp
    coarsely ground black pepper
  • 3 1/2 Tbsp
    unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp
    olive oil
  • 3/4 c
    chopped shallots (about 3 or 4 shallots)
  • 1 c
    canned beef broth
  • 1/2 c
    good quality cognac or brandy

How To Make filet of beef au poivre

  • 1
    Place the filets on a board and pat them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the filets with salt and then press the black pepper evenly on both sides. Allow to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  • 2
    Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter and the oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until the butter almost smokes. Place the steaks in the pan and lower the heat to medium. Sauté the steaks for 4 minutes on 1 side and then for 3 minutes on the other side, for medium rare (or 1 to 2 minutes longer each side for medium or as desired). Remove the steaks to a serving platter and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  • 3
    Meanwhile, pour all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the sauté pan. Add the shallots and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add the beef broth and cook over high heat for 4 to 6 minutes, until reduced by half, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the Cognac and cook for 2 more minutes. Off the heat, swirl in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • 4
    Serve immediately with the hot pan sauce spooned on top.
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