If you're looking for a delicious and filling meal, look no further than Steak Au Poivre! This classic French dish features a tender cut of steak coated in a rich, creamy sauce made with peppercorns, butter, and cream. At 400 calories per cup (227 g) serving, it is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.

Not only is Steak Au Poivre delicious, it is also packed with essential nutrients. A serving contains high amounts of protein, iron, and vitamin B12, which are all important for maintaining good health. Additionally, the black peppercorns used in the dish are packed with antioxidants, which can help keep your body healthy and free from disease.

In this article, we'll explore how to make Steak Au Poivre at home, its nutritional value and health benefits, how it should taste, and what side dishes pair well with it.

What is Steak Au Poivre?

Steak Au Poivre, which translates to “pepper steak” in English, is a classic French dish that features a tender and flavorful cut of steak smothered in a thick and creamy sauce made with black peppercorns, butter, and cream. The dish is typically made with a high-quality cut of beef, such as filet mignon or New York strip, which is seasoned with salt and generously coated in freshly cracked black peppercorns. The steak is then seared in a hot pan until a golden brown crust forms, and finished in the oven to your desired level of doneness. The cream sauce is made by deglazing the pan with brandy or cognac, then adding beef broth, heavy cream, and more of those delicious cracked peppercorns. The sauce is simmered until thick and velvety, then spooned over the steak before serving.

Ingredients of Steak Au Poivre

To make Steak Au Poivre at home, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 (8-ounce) filet mignon steaks
• 1/4 cup black peppercorns, coarsely ground
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup brandy or cognac
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

You can also add additional spices, such as garlic or thyme, to the dish for added flavor.

How to Cook Steak Au Poivre?

Cooking Steak Au Poivre is simple, but it does require some precision to get it just right. Here's how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Season both sides of the steaks with salt and a generous coating of freshly cracked black peppercorns.
3. In a large cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the steaks and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 6-8 minutes, or until the steaks reach your desired level of doneness.
5. Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the steaks to a plate to rest.
6. Using the same skillet, pour in the brandy or cognac and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then add the beef broth and more of the cracked peppercorns. Simmer until the sauce is reduced by half, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce is thick and creamy.
8. Spoon the sauce over the steaks and serve immediately.

And there you have it! Perfectly cooked Steak Au Poivre that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Nutritional Value of Steak Au Poivre

One cup (227 g) serving of Steak Au Poivre contains the following nutrients:

• calories: 400
• Protein: 31g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 420mg

As you can see, Steak Au Poivre is a high-protein, low-carb meal that is perfect for anyone who is watching their calories or trying to maintain a healthy diet.

Health Benefits of Steak Au Poivre

In addition to being delicious, Steak Au Poivre also has a number of health benefits. Here are just a few:

• High in protein: Protein is essential for building and repairing muscles, and also helps you feel full and satisfied after a meal.
• Rich in iron: Iron is important for transporting oxygen in the blood, and can help prevent anemia.
• Packed with vitamins and minerals: Steak is a good source of many essential nutrients, including vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.
• Antioxidants: Black peppercorns are packed with antioxidants, which can help keep your body healthy and free from disease.

Of course, it's important to enjoy Steak Au Poivre in moderation, as it is high in fat and calories.

Calories in Steak Au Poivre

As we mentioned earlier, one cup (227 g) serving of Steak Au Poivre contains approximately 400 calories. This may seem like a lot, but it's important to remember that steak is a high-protein food that can help you feel full and satisfied after a meal. If you're trying to watch your calories, you can try serving your Steak Au Poivre with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables instead of potatoes or bread.

Serving Size of Steak Au Poivre

A typical serving size of Steak Au Poivre is around 8-10 ounces, or approximately one cup (227 g). Of course, you can adjust the portion size to meet your dietary needs and preferences. If you're serving Steak Au Poivre as part of a larger meal, you may want to cut the portion size down to a few ounces to avoid overindulging.

Taste and Texture of Steak Au Poivre

Steak Au Poivre has a rich and complex flavor that is both savory and slightly sweet. The black peppercorns give the dish a spicy kick, while the cream sauce adds a smooth and velvety texture. When cooked properly, the steak should be tender and juicy, with a crisp and flavorful crust on the outside. The sauce should be thick and creamy, with a subtle hint of brandy or cognac.

Side Dishes for Steak Au Poivre

Steak Au Poivre pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including:

• Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli
• Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
• Macaroni and cheese or other creamy pasta dishes
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing
• Crusty bread or dinner rolls
• Red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec

Of course, you can also experiment with other side dish options based on your personal taste and preferences.

Variations of Steak Au Poivre

There are many ways to customize the flavor and texture of Steak Au Poivre to suit your taste. Here are just a few ideas:

• Try using a different cut of steak, such as sirloin or ribeye, for a different flavor and texture.
• Add garlic, thyme, or other spices to the dish for added flavor.
• Use white peppercorns instead of black for a milder flavor.
• Substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a healthier alternative.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your own unique version of this classic French dish!