Mean Chefs Steak Au Poivre Recipes

Steps:

• Remove the steaks from the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour prior to cooking. Sprinkle all sides with salt.
• Coarsely crush the peppercorns with a mortar and pestle, the bottom of a cast iron skillet, or using a mallet and pie pan. Spread the peppercorns evenly onto a plate. Press the fillets, on both sides, into the pepper until it coats the surface. Set aside.
• In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil. As soon as the butter and oil begin to turn golden and smoke, gently place the steaks in the pan. For medium-rare, cook for 4 minutes on each side. Once done, remove the steaks to a plate, tent with foil and set aside. Pour off the excess fat but do not wipe or scrape the pan clean.
• Off of the heat, add 1/3 cup Cognac to the pan and carefully ignite the alcohol with a long match or firestick. Gently shake pan until the flames die. Return the pan to medium heat and add the cream. Bring the mixture to a boil and whisk until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Add the teaspoon of Cognac and season, to taste, with salt. Add the steaks back to the pan, spoon the sauce over, and serve.

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 500°F.
• Sprinkle the steaks with salt on both sides, and then press the ground peppercorns into the steaks on both sides.
• Set a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add just enough olive oil to make a light film.
• When the oil is very hot, add the steaks, cooking until nicely browned on one side, about 3 minute.
• (If the pan is small, work in batches.) Flip the meat over and put the skillet in the oven.
• For medium-rare steaks, roast for 3 minutes for 6-ounce steaks; 4 minutes for 8-ounce steaks.
• Check for doneness with the tip of a knife or by pressing with your fingertips, keeping in mind that the steaks will cook a bit more as they sit.
• Transfer the steaks to a warm plate and tent with foil.
• With a spoon, remove any fat from the skillet.
• Put the skillet back on the burner and heat to medium high.
• Add the wine and cook until it's reduced to 1/4 cup, about 7 minutes, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. REMOVE PAN FROM THE HEAT.
• Whisk in the butter a slice at a time, whisking until completely melted.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings, drizzle the sauce over the steaks, and serve immediately with more sauce on the side.
• Variations: add shallots to the pan sauce, finish with chopped parsley.
• substitute 4 tbl cognac and 1/2 cup dark stock in place of the wine.
• substitute 1/4 cup cream and 1/4 cup cognac for the wine- reduce slightly to thicken.