Steak with Creamy Mushroom Peppercorn Sauce Recipe

Steak with creamy mushroom peppercorn sauce is a delicious and decadent meal that elevates a simple steak dinner into something special. Perfect for an indulgent weekend treat or a special occasion, this dish combines the rich flavors of seared steak with a velvety sauce made from mushrooms, cream, and crushed peppercorns. The earthiness of mushrooms paired with the subtle heat of peppercorns makes the sauce incredibly flavorful, while the creamy base adds a luxurious texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Steak with Creamy Mushroom Peppercorn Sauce

Step 1: Preparing the Steaks

1. Season the Steaks: Start by patting the steaks dry with paper towels. This ensures that the steak gets a nice, brown crust when seared. Generously season both sides of the steaks with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Bring to Room Temperature: For the best results, let the steaks come to room temperature before cooking. This allows for more even cooking and helps achieve a perfect crust. Let them sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes.

Step 2: Cooking the Steaks

1. Preheat the Pan: Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that the steaks sizzle when placed in the pan.
2. Sear the Steaks: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or vegetable oil) to the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the steaks. Sear the steaks on each side for 3-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steaks and your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 130°F (54°C).
3. Baste the Steaks: After flipping the steaks, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the steaks by spooning the melted butter over the steaks continuously. This adds extra flavor and keeps the steaks moist.
4. Rest the Steaks: Once the steaks reach your desired doneness, remove them from the pan and transfer them to a cutting board. Let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier steak.

Step 3: Preparing the Mushroom Peppercorn Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic and Onion: In the same pan where you cooked the steaks, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
2. Add the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté the mushrooms for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and have released most of their moisture. You want the mushrooms to develop a deep, rich color and flavor.
3. Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the beef broth (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add incredible flavor to the sauce. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
4. Add the Peppercorns and Cream: Stir in the crushed peppercorns, then slowly pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously. The cream will thicken as it heats and melds with the flavors from the mushrooms, peppercorns, and broth.
5. Enhance the Flavor: Stir in the Dijon mustard (if using) and Worcestershire sauce. These ingredients enhance the depth of flavor in the sauce, giving it a slightly tangy and savory kick.
6. Add Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and incorporates smoothly into the cream. The cheese adds a rich, savory element to the sauce.
7. Season and Simmer: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and additional pepper if necessary. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Serve the Steak with Mushroom Peppercorn Sauce

1. Plate the Steak: Once the sauce is ready and the steak has rested, slice the steak against the grain into thick slices. This ensures that the steak remains tender and juicy.
2. Pour the Sauce: Spoon the creamy mushroom peppercorn sauce generously over the steak slices. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping, depending on your preference.
3. Garnish: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add extra crushed peppercorns for a bit more heat and texture.
4. Serve Hot: Serve the steak with mushroom peppercorn sauce immediately while it’s hot. Pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Perfect Steak with Creamy Mushroom Peppercorn Sauce

1. Choosing the Right Steak:

• Ribeye: This cut is marbled with fat, which makes it incredibly tender and flavorful. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a rich and juicy steak.
• Sirloin: Sirloin is leaner than ribeye but still offers great flavor and tenderness. It’s a good option if you prefer a slightly less fatty cut.
• Filet Mignon: Known for its tenderness, filet mignon is the most delicate cut of steak. It has a mild flavor and pairs well with rich sauces like this creamy mushroom peppercorn sauce.

2. Resting the Steak:

Always let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the steak, preventing the meat from drying out when you cut into it.

3. Adjusting the Peppercorn Heat:

If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of crushed peppercorns. For more heat, you can add extra peppercorns or use a combination of black, green, and pink peppercorns for a more complex flavor profile.

4. Customizing the Mushrooms:

You can use any variety of mushrooms in this recipe, including button mushrooms, cremini, shiitake, or portobello. A mix of different mushrooms adds complexity to the sauce. For a more intense flavor, consider using dried mushrooms rehydrated in hot water, and use the soaking liquid as part of the broth.

Variations of Steak with Creamy Mushroom Peppercorn Sauce

1. Steak with Red Wine Mushroom Sauce:

For a bolder flavor, deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup of red wine instead of broth. The red wine adds depth and a slight sweetness to the sauce.

2. Herbed Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or tarragon to the sauce for an aromatic twist. The herbs complement the mushrooms and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

3. Spicy Peppercorn Sauce:

If you enjoy a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce along with the peppercorns.

4. Mushroom and Spinach Sauce:

For added texture and nutrition, stir in a handful of fresh spinach leaves toward the end of cooking the sauce. The spinach will wilt into the sauce, adding a burst of color and nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Steak with Creamy Mushroom Peppercorn Sauce

1. Mashed Potatoes:

Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect companion to the rich mushroom sauce. The potatoes absorb the sauce, making each bite incredibly flavorful.

2. Roasted Vegetables:

Serve the steak with roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots. The caramelized vegetables add a sweet contrast to the savory steak and sauce.

3. Garlic Bread:

A side of warm garlic bread is ideal for soaking up the creamy mushroom sauce. The crispy bread adds texture and enhances the overall dining experience.

4. Steamed Rice:

For a lighter option, serve the steak with a side of steamed rice. The rice will absorb the sauce and provide a neutral base that allows the flavors of the steak and sauce to shine.

Conclusion

Steak with creamy mushroom peppercorn sauce is an indulgent, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this recipe delivers tender, juicy steak paired with a velvety, peppery sauce. The combination of earthy mushrooms, rich cream, and crushed peppercorns creates a sauce that perfectly complements the steak’s natural flavors.

With simple yet high-quality ingredients and a few key techniques, you can master this classic dish in your own kitchen.

Yield: 2

Steak with Creamy Mushroom Peppercorn Sauce Recipe

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Steak with creamy mushroom peppercorn sauce is a delicious and decadent meal that elevates a simple steak dinner into something special. Perfect for an indulgent weekend treat or a special occasion, this dish combines the rich flavors of seared steak with a velvety sauce made from mushrooms, cream, and crushed peppercorns. The earthiness of mushrooms paired with the subtle heat of peppercorns makes the sauce incredibly flavorful, while the creamy base adds a luxurious texture.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 ribeye steaks (or any steak cut of your choice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• For the Creamy Mushroom Peppercorn Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or your choice)
• 1 tablespoon crushed black peppercorns (adjust for spiciness)
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup brandy or cognac (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Steaks:

• Season both sides of the steaks with salt and black pepper.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the steaks to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until they reach your desired doneness. (Use a meat thermometer for precision—130°F/54°C for medium-rare).
• Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a plate and cover with foil to rest while you prepare the sauce.

2. Make the Mushroom Peppercorn Sauce:

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are browned and tender.
• Stir in the crushed black peppercorns, adjusting the amount based on your spice preference.
• Deglaze the pan by adding the brandy or cognac (if using). Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the alcohol to evaporate, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
• Pour in the beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2 minutes.
• Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly. Taste and season with salt as needed.

3. Serve:

• Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
• Pour the creamy mushroom peppercorn sauce over the steaks.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Steak Doneness: Adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness. For medium, cook to 140°F (60°C); for well-done, cook to 160°F (71°C).
• Mushroom Varieties: Feel free to mix different mushrooms for added flavor. Portobello or shiitake mushrooms work wonderfully in this recipe.
• Alcohol-Free Option: If you prefer not to use brandy or cognac, you can skip it or substitute with extra beef broth.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be sure to cook the steaks fresh for the best flavor and texture.