Peppercorn-Crusted Sirloin Steak: How to Prepare at Home for Six People
Elevate your dinner with this delicious recipe for peppercorn-crusted sirloin steak. Follow these steps to create a mouth-watering meal for six people.
Ingredients:
- 3 large sirloin steaks (each about 12-16 ounces, 1.5 inches thick)
- 3 tablespoons whole black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 6 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brandy or cognac (optional)
Equipment:
- Cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
- Rolling pin or mortar and pestle (to crush peppercorns)
Preparation:
Prepare the Steaks:
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with sea salt.
- Press the crushed peppercorns onto both sides of the steaks to form a crust. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Heat the Skillet:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and heat until it shimmers.
Sear the Steaks:
- Sear the steaks in batches to avoid overcrowding. Place the steaks in the skillet and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, until a brown crust forms.
- Remove the steaks from the skillet and transfer them to a baking sheet. Set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet.
- Add the crushed garlic and fresh herbs, if using. Sauté for about 1 minute.
- If using brandy or cognac, add it now and carefully ignite with a long lighter for a flambé effect. Let the alcohol burn off.
- Add the beef broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for about 5 minutes.
Finish in the Oven:
- Transfer the seared steaks to the oven. Roast for about 5-7 minutes for medium-rare, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C). Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the steaks from the oven and let them rest on a cutting board, tented with aluminum foil, for about 10 minutes.
Serve:
- Slice the steaks against the grain.
- Drizzle the peppercorn sauce over the sliced steaks and serve.
Tips:
- Crushing Peppercorns: Use a rolling pin or a mortar and pestle to crush the peppercorns. They should be coarse, not finely ground.
- Resting: Letting the steak rest is crucial for retaining juices and flavor.
Enjoy your peppercorn-crusted sirloin steak with your favorite side dishes and a glass of red wine