---
author: Alexia Duchêne
source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=jkyv6RXYH64&si=7sIT8RMNDIkCW9Ik
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkyv6RXYH64
hero: https://bsteph.imgix.net/food/steak-au-poivre-with-frites.jpg
tags: [french, steak, entree]
---

# Steak au Poivre with Frites

## Potato Prep

1. Peel and cut potatoes into fry-shaped batons.
2. Soak cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
3. Drain and pat potatoes completely dry.

## Blanch Frites

4. Heat oil in a large pot to 325°F.
5. Fry potatoes in batches for 3–4 minutes until just cooked through but not yet golden.
6. Remove frites and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
7. Let frites cool to room temperature.

## Sauce Prep

8. Roughly crack peppercorns using a mortar and pestle or the bottom of a heavy pan.
9. Mince shallots.
10. Measure out cognac, beef stock, and heavy cream and set aside.

## Steak Prep

11. Pat steaks dry with paper towels.
12. Press cracked peppercorns firmly onto both sides of each steak.
13. Season steaks with salt.

## Cook Steak

14. Heat a heavy skillet over high heat until very hot.
15. Add butter and oil to the pan.
16. Sear steaks for 3–4 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached.
17. Remove steaks from pan and rest on a wire rack or plate tented with foil.

## Cook Sauce

18. Reduce heat to medium and add minced shallots to the same pan.
19. Cook shallots for 1–2 minutes until softened.
20. Carefully pour in cognac to deglaze, scraping up browned bits.
21. Allow cognac to reduce by half.
22. Pour in beef stock and reduce by half again.
23. Stir in heavy cream and any remaining cracked peppercorns.
24. Simmer until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
25. Season sauce with salt and remove from heat.

## Second Frites Fry

26. Increase oil temperature to 375°F.
27. Fry blanched frites in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
28. Drain on a wire rack and season immediately with salt.

## Plate

29. Place steak on the plate and spoon peppercorn sauce over the top.
30. Serve frites alongside the steak.