Steak au Poivre

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns , or more to taste
• 2 (1 1/4-inch-thick) tenderloin steaks , 6 ounce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot
• 2 tablespoons cognac
• 2 tablespoons red wine
• 0.25 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. 1

   Crack peppercorns in a mortar or pestle or with a rolling pin. Press cracked peppercorns into steaks.

2. 2

   Heat butter in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add steaks; cook, turning with tongs, until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium and cook steaks, turning often, until they begin to firm up and are hot and slightly pink in the center, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer steaks to a plate and cover to keep warm.

3. 3

   Stir shallot into the skillet. Pour in cognac and red wine; simmer, stirring constantly, until reduced, about 2 minutes. Pour in beef broth and simmer, scraping browned bits off the bottom of the skillet, until sauce is smooth, about 2 minutes. Stir in cream; cook until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes.

4. 4

   Pour cream sauce over steaks.