Peppercorn Steak with Brandy Cream & Garlic Mash

Peppercorn Steak with Brandy Cream & Garlic Mash

ByVerj Recipes

Some meals are quiet and simple. And then there are meals like this — rich, dramatic, and just a little bit indulgent in the best way.

Peppercorn steak with creamy brandy sauce is the kind of dinner that feels like it belongs in a cozy candlelit bistro. The crust of crushed black peppercorns forms this bold, fragrant layer around a perfectly seared tenderloin. Then comes the sauce — silky, slightly sweet from the brandy, deeply savory from the beef broth, and luxuriously creamy. Spoon that over a bed of buttery garlic mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a plate that makes you pause before taking the first bite.

It’s perfect for date night, celebrations, or honestly… any evening when you want dinner to feel like an event. The smells alone — sizzling butter, toasty pepper, simmering brandy — will make your kitchen feel like a restaurant.

Let’s make something special.

Peppercorn Steak with Brandy Cream & Garlic Mash

Ingredients

For the Steak

  • 2 beef tenderloin steaks (8 ounces each)

  • Salt, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns, crushed

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons butter

For the Brandy Cream Sauce

  • 1/4 cup brandy

  • 1/2 cup beef broth

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 small shallot, finely minced

  • 1 tablespoon butter

  • Salt, to taste

For the Garlic Mashed Potatoes

  • 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

  • 4 cloves garlic

  • 4 tablespoons butter

  • 1/2 cup warm milk or heavy cream

  • Salt and white pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • Cracked black pepper

Instructions

1. Start with the Potatoes

Place the cubed potatoes and whole garlic cloves in a large pot. Cover with salted water and bring to a boil.

Cook for 15–18 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and soft all the way through.

Drain them well, then return them to the pot. Add butter and warm milk or cream. Mash until smooth and creamy. The garlic will mash right in, making everything fragrant and mellow.

Season with salt and white pepper. Cover and keep warm while you cook the steak.

2. Season the Steaks

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels — this helps create that beautiful crust.

Season generously with salt. Press the crushed black peppercorns firmly onto both sides of each steak. Don’t be shy — this is where the signature flavor comes from.

3. Sear to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the steaks in the pan. You should hear a strong, confident sizzle.

Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting for your preferred doneness.

During the last minute, add butter. As it melts, tilt the pan and spoon the bubbling butter over the steaks. This adds richness and keeps them juicy.

Transfer the steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5–10 minutes. This step keeps every slice tender and flavorful.

4. Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out — all that flavor stays), reduce the heat to medium.

Add 1 tablespoon butter and the minced shallot. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant.

5. Deglaze with Brandy

Carefully pour in the brandy. It will bubble quickly.

Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan — that’s pure flavor. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes so the alcohol cooks off and the liquid reduces slightly.

6. Finish the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the beef broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard.

Let the sauce simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, until thickened and velvety. It should coat the back of a spoon. Taste and add salt if needed.

The aroma at this point? Rich, warm, and just a little luxurious.

7. Plate and Serve

Spoon a generous mound of garlic mashed potatoes onto each plate.

Slice the rested steak and arrange it over the potatoes or slightly to the side.

Spoon the creamy peppercorn brandy sauce over the steak. Let it drip into the potatoes — they’ll soak it up beautifully.

Finish with chopped parsley and an extra crack of black pepper.

Serve immediately.

Presentation Tips

  • Slice the steak against the grain and fan it slightly for that restaurant-style look.

  • Let some sauce pool around the potatoes — it makes the plate look elegant and inviting.

  • A small sprig of parsley or a light dusting of cracked pepper on top adds a beautiful finishing touch.

  • Pair with a glass of red wine and soft lighting for the full experience.

Nutritional Information:

  • ⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

  • 🔥 Kcal: Approximately 780 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 2 servings

Conclusion

Peppercorn Steak with Creamy Brandy Sauce & Garlic Mashed Potatoes is pure comfort with a touch of sophistication. It’s bold from the peppercorn crust, silky from the sauce, and cozy thanks to those buttery mashed potatoes.

This is the kind of meal that feels memorable — the kind people talk about afterward. And the best part? You made it right at home.

So go ahead. Light a candle, pour a glass of wine, and make dinner feel like an occasion.

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