Peppercorn Crusted Filet Mignon (Steak au Poivre)
Restaurant-style Steak au Poivre (or Peppercorn Crusted Steak) is a simple preparation of filet mignon: crusted in coarsely cracked pepper, pan-seared and finished to perfection in a hot oven.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 1-inch thick filet mignons
- Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon peppercorns coarsely cracked (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the parsley butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- About 45 minutes before you're ready to serve, prepare the parsley butter (Beurre Maître D'Hotel). Thoroughly combine the softened butter, salt, parsley and lemon juice in a small bowl. Transfer the mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap and form it into a 3-inch long round log. Wrap tightly and refrigerate until firm.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Place the peppercorns and salt in a small zip-top freezer bag. Lay on a flat surface and using a rolling pin, crush the peppercorns to a coarse, relatively uniform consistency.
- Brush one side of the steaks with olive oil and season them evenly with half of the pepper mixture. Rub the pepper into the meat using the back of a spoon, turn the steaks and repeat the process.
- Add a thin coating of olive oil to bottom of a heavy oven proof skillet (we recommend cast iron) and place over high heat.
- Add the steaks and sear just long enough for them to release easily from the pan, 1 to 1-1/2 minutes per side. Remove the pan from the heat immediately and place in the oven to finish cooking, about 4 minutes for medium rare.
- Remove the steaks from the oven, top each with a pat of parsley butter and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- About the steaks: As mentioned above, we always use filet mignon for this recipe, but any tender, boneless steak suitable for grilling or broiling will work. You may have to adjust the finishing time in the oven, depending on the thickness.
- About the peppercorns: We used a combination of black, green, and pink peppercorns because we like the somewhat milder flavor than the green and pink varieties impart. You can certainly use all black peppercorns if desired and up the quantity a bit if you like a very spicy pepper flavor.
Nutrition
Calories: 473 | Total Fat: 37g | Cholesterol: 119mg | Sodium: 811mg | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Protein: 31g