Pan-Seared Steak with Creamy Pepper Sauce

Ingredients (Serves 2)

For the steak

• 2 beef steaks (ribeye or sirloin, about 2–2.5 cm thick)

• Salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed

• 1 sprig fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

For the creamy pepper sauce

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 small shallot, finely minced

• 1 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns

• ½ cup beef stock

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

• Salt, to taste

For garnish

• Fresh chives or parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the steak

• Remove the steaks from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking.

• Pat dry with paper towels.

• Season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper.

2. Sear the steak

• Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat.

• Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.

• Place the steaks in the pan and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms.

• Add butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan.

• Baste the steaks with the melted butter for another 1–2 minutes.

• Cook to desired doneness (medium-rare: internal temperature ~54°C / 130°F).

• Remove steaks from the pan and let them rest on a plate, loosely covered with foil.

3. Make the creamy pepper sauce

• In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.

• Add butter and minced shallot, sauté until soft and fragrant (about 1 minute).

• Stir in crushed peppercorns.

• Deglaze the pan with beef stock, scraping up the browned bits.

• Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.

• Add heavy cream and Dijon mustard (if using).

• Simmer gently until the sauce thickens.

• Season with salt to taste.

4. Serve

• Slice the rested steak if desired.

• Spoon the creamy pepper sauce generously over the steak.

• Garnish with chopped chives or parsley.

• Serve immediately with fries, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

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Flavor Profile

• Juicy, well-seared steak with a rich, buttery crust

• Smooth, savory cream sauce with a bold black pepper kick

• Restaurant-style dish, perfect for a special dinner