How to Make Steak Au Poivre at Home (Without Making Sauce From Scratch)

There's something special about a perfectly seared steak covered in a rich, creamy peppercorn sauce. It's the kind of dinner you'd expect at a French bistro or your favorite steakhouse. But here's the good news: you don't need a restaurant reservation or hours in the kitchen to enjoy it.

With a good cut of steak and Le Sauce & Co. Creamy Peppercorn Gourmet Sauce, you can make an incredible steak au poivre at home without spending extra time making the sauce from scratch.

Let's make dinner delicious.

What Is Steak Au Poivre?

Steak au poivre (pronounced oh PWAHV-ruh) is a classic French dish that translates to "pepper steak." Traditionally, it features a tender cut of beef coated with crushed peppercorns, pan-seared until beautifully browned, and finished with a rich, creamy peppercorn sauce.

The traditional sauce often combines cream, shallots, butter, peppercorns, and brandy or cognac. It's bold, savory, slightly peppery, and the perfect complement to a juicy steak.

The only catch? Making a traditional peppercorn sauce from scratch means extra ingredients, additional cooking steps, and more dishes to wash.

That's where we come in.

Our Creamy Peppercorn Gourmet Sauce brings together real cream, butter, shallots, garlic, green peppercorns, and brandy in a ready-to-heat sauce. All the rich, classic flavor you love, without the extra work.

Easy Steak Au Poivre Recipe

This easy steak au poivre recipe makes a beautiful steakhouse-style dinner for two. Perfect for date night, a special occasion, or simply making an ordinary weeknight feel a little more delicious.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 20–25 minutes, including resting
Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 filet mignon, New York strip, or sirloin steaks (6–8 oz each, about 1–1¼ inches thick)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

• 1 tablespoon coarsely crushed black peppercorns

• Salt, to taste

• 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

• 1 package Le Sauce & Co. Creamy Peppercorn Gourmet Sauce

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the steaks

Pat your steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and gently press the crushed black peppercorns onto the surface of each steak.

Step 2: Get a beautiful sear

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add your oil and let it get hot.

Place the steaks in the pan and sear, leaving them undisturbed for the first few minutes to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Turn and continue cooking, approximately 4–6 minutes per side depending on thickness and heat. Add butter near the end if desired.

Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. The USDA recommends cooking whole cuts of beef to 145°F, followed by a 3-minute rest.

Step 3: Let the steaks rest

Transfer your steaks to a cutting board or plate and allow them to rest for at least 3 minutes. This helps keep them juicy and tender.

Step 4: Heat your creamy peppercorn sauce

Here's the easy part!

While your steaks rest, empty your Le Sauce & Co. Creamy Peppercorn Gourmet Sauce into a small saucepan and warm over low to medium heat for approximately 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Or simply pour the sauce into a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 30 seconds. Stir before serving.

No chopping shallots. No reducing cream. No making a complicated pan sauce.

Step 5: Pour and enjoy!

Place your steaks on serving plates and generously spoon the warm creamy peppercorn sauce over the top.

Add your favorite sides, gather around the table, and enjoy a delicious steakhouse-inspired dinner right at home.

What to Serve with Steak Au Poivre

One of the best things about steak au poivre is how easily it pairs with your favorite sides.

A few of our favorites include:

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of creamy peppercorn sauce.

• Crispy roasted potatoes: A delicious contrast to tender steak and velvety sauce.

• Roasted asparagus or green beans: A simple, fresh addition to your plate.

• Sautéed mushrooms: Bring even more savory flavor to your steakhouse dinner.

• Steak frites: Serve with crispy French fries for a classic French bistro experience.

And don't forget to drizzle a little extra peppercorn sauce over those potatoes or vegetables!

What's the Best Cut of Steak for Steak Au Poivre?

You don't need the most expensive steak at the butcher counter to make a delicious dinner.

Filet mignon is the traditional favorite because of its tenderness and delicate flavor.

New York strip offers a wonderful balance of tenderness, beefy flavor, and a beautiful seared crust.

Sirloin is a more budget-friendly option that tastes fantastic with a rich peppercorn sauce.

Ribeye is another delicious choice if you enjoy a steak with plenty of marbling and rich flavor.

Whichever cut you choose, a good sear and creamy peppercorn sauce can turn it into something special.

The Secret to Easy Steak Au Poivre? Let the Sauce Do the Work.

We love cooking, but we also know that making dinner doesn't need to be complicated.

Traditional steak au poivre often requires preparing a peppercorn cream sauce after cooking your steak. That means measuring ingredients, sautéing shallots, adding brandy, reducing liquids, and