In the world of sandwiches, the steak sandwich au poivre stands out for its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients. Imagine your appetite being met with a behemoth sandwich filled with grilled steak, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms. What truly ties this beauty together is the au poivre sauce, a delectable French variation that you’ve got to experience. From the hearty, flavorful drippings created after searing the steak, this sauce transforms into something exceptional.
When preparing this delicious dish, the peppercorn pan sauce is essential, striking a perfect contrast with the light arugula salad and tangy pickled onions. The drippings from the steak are combined with beef broth, a touch of cognac or brandy, and cream, and then simmered until it becomes a rich, savory sauce. This creamy mixture is then generously ladled over the sliced steak, elevating the sandwich to new heights. With every bite of this French dish variation, you’re sure to be impressed by how effortlessly it pulls out all the stops. This is just the kind of recipe you want to turn to when you need something quickly that looks like you’ve spent hours preparing.
What is au poivre sauce?
The classic French au poivre sauce is a rich and peppery delight, traditionally made with heavy cream, beef broth, and coarsely ground black pepper. The name “au poivre” translates to “with pepper” in French, highlighting the strong pepper flavor that defines this sauce. There are several variations of this sauce, each adding unique ingredients to suit different tastes. Some recipes include shallots, garlic, or even Dijon mustard.
My personal take includes shallots, garlic, and a splash of bourbon for added depth. Most notably, since I prefer grilling my steak instead of pan-searing, I save some of the juices that are released when the steak rests, incorporating them into the sauce instead of relying solely on beef broth. This method not only enhances the richness but also retains the authentic essence of the steak in the sauce.
What’s in the Sandwich?
Ingredients That Make It Special
A Steak Sandwich Au Poivre is a delightful treat that brings together many components to create a delicious experience. The bread used is often ciabatta because it has a thick crust and chewy texture, making it perfect for holding all the ingredients without becoming soggy. The star of this sandwich is the Steak. You can choose between a NY Strip, filet mignon, or even a ribeye, depending on your preference. Each option offers a unique flavor and tenderness to the sandwich.
For the greens, both arugula and lettuce are great choices. The fresh, peppery taste of arugula blends beautifully with the meat’s rich flavor. To elevate the taste, caramelized red onions and sautéed mushrooms are added. The deep flavor of the caramelized red onions is incredibly savory, while the earthy taste of the sautéed mushrooms is simply delicious. Together, they pair perfectly with the meat and greens.
The Sauce Makes It Stand Out
The Au Poivre sauce is what truly makes this sandwich a standout. It’s a creamy, peppery sauce often enhanced with bourbon, adding a sophisticated layer of flavor. This sauce is the star of the show, transforming a simple sandwich into a gourmet meal. When all these components come together, each bite of this sandwich is a mouthwatering delight. Whether you enjoy sandwiches regularly or are trying something new, this Steak Sandwich Au Poivre is sure to impress with its rich, balanced flavors and robust textures.
How to Make Au Poivre Sauce
Start by heating some olive oil (Olive Oil is rich in antioxidants and naturally produced phenols that promote vascular health and physical well-being.) in a pan over medium heat. Add shallot and clove garlic to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Now, pour in your choice of bourbon, cognac, or brandy to deglaze the pan, scraping any bits that are stuck. This base will bring out a rich flavor for your au poivre sauce.
Once the alcohol has reduced, stir in heavy cream and cracked black pepper. Incorporate the juices from your steak resting on a plate to maximize its flavor. Use beef broth to extend the sauce, and mix a cornstarch slurry if you need to thicken it. Let the sauce cook until it cools slightly, then use it to sear and enhance your steak. Enjoy this classic on a crusty roll for a delectable Steak Sandwich Au Poivre.
Steak Sandwich with Au Poivre Sauce
Cut your ciabatta bread lengthwise and in half. Toast it with a bit of olive oil in a pan. Once the bread is toasted, spoon some au poivre sauce on the bottom piece. Add arugula, thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, and sautéed mushrooms. Top with more au poivre sauce and the top piece of bread.
This sandwich will make you salivate with its loaded flavor. Each ingredient works together to create the perfect sandwich. Though it takes some work to pull this off, it’s not too complicated. You can easily make it at home and change up the ingredients to your liking. One bite and you’ll know the hard work has paid off as you enjoy this delicious, loaded steak sandwich with au poivre sauce!
Steak recipes you will also love:
Delicious Buffalo Chicken Bird Dogs: A Game Day Must-Try!
How to Cook Smoked Turkey Drumsticks
How to Cook a Spiral Cut Ham (with Glaze)
Mouthwatering Smoked Pork Belly Pinwheels & Maple Bourbon
Goya Red Cooking Wine GOYA Red Cooking Wine is artfully selected to provide wonderful flavor to your meals.
Total Cooking Time
1 hour 16 minutes Yield: 2
INGREDIENTS
🥩 Step 1: A Steak Sandwich Au Poivre is a gourmet delight that brings out the rich flavors of a perfectly cooked New York Strip adorned with peppery goodness. Imagine the juicy steak seasoned with cracked black pepper and kosher salt, then cooked to perfection.
🍄 Step 2: Adding depth to the flavor, we incorporate sliced baby bella mushrooms and thinly sliced red onion, both sautéed in a splash of olive oil. To bring it all together, a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce and bourbon enhances the rich, savory notes.
🍞 Step 3: For the bread, a loaf of ciabatta cut lengthwise and then in half gives the perfect foundation. It’s toasted until crisp, providing a delightful crunch with every bite. The addition of fresh arugula adds a peppery freshness that balances the hearty New York Strip.
🥗 Step 4: A spread made from minced garlic and shallot sautéed in olive oil blends seamlessly with the tender steak, and a touch of heavy cream adds a velvety smoothness to the mix.
🍷 Step 5: To complement the flavors, a reduction of red wine, beef broth, and the juices from the steak create a sumptuous sauce that’s laced with soy sauce (This is the most appropriately flavored sauce, at a reasonable price.) for an umami kick. Each bite of this sandwich brings together the rich beef, the earthy mushrooms, the tang of red onion, and the freshness of arugula, making it a symphony of flavors and textures.
Steak Sandwich Au Poivre
I recently crafted a delicious Steak Sandwich Au Poivre that had my friends raving. 🤤 Let’s dive into the instructions to make this mouthwatering sandwich, starting with prepping all your components.
Instructions
1️⃣ Start by slicing a red onion thinly and cook it in a pan (This was comparable for the value! It is a beautiful set that cooks great. Non stick and also non toxic – best of both worlds!) with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of kosher salt over medium heat. Keep an eye on them, as you don’t want to burn the onions. Midway through, add some red wine and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and cook until they are fully caramelized, about 30-40 minutes. 🍷🧅
2️⃣ Meanwhile, sauté mushrooms on medium heat with another tablespoon of olive oil. Add a touch of salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Just before they’re done, pour in a bit of soy sauce and cook until the mushrooms are soft, roughly 5-10 minutes. 🍄
3️⃣ For the steak, take a NY Strip steak and season it with 1 teaspoon of salt and cracked pepper. Reverse sear it by starting on a grill or smoker at 250°F until its internal temperature reaches 15 degrees below your preferred doneness. Then crank the heat up to 500°F or as high as your grill goes, and sear the steak for 1-2 minutes on each side. For a perfect medium-rare, 130°F is ideal. Once done, let the steak rest for 10 minutes. 🥩🔥
4️⃣ In the same pan, make your au poivre sauce by sautéing minced shallot and garlic with olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add a splash of bourbon to deglaze the pan, ensuring all bits are incorporated. Pour in heavy cream, a teaspoon of cracked black pepper, and some steak juice if available, or use a tablespoon of beef broth. Let the sauce reduce by about a third and then remove from heat. It will thicken as it cools. 🧄🍶
5️⃣ Take a ciabatta loaf, cut it lengthwise, and then in half to make smaller portions. Toast the bread in a pan with a bit of olive oil and apply a generous layer of au poivre sauce on the bottom slice. Layer with arugula, sliced steak, caramelized red onions, and sautéed mushrooms. Top it off with more sauce and the other piece of bread. Cut the assembled sandwich in half again, and share it with a friend or indulge in the whole thing yourself. 🥖🍃
Enjoy your delicious Steak Sandwich Au Poivre! 😋
FAQS
What is steak au poivre made of?
If you’re craving a spicy and flavorful steak sandwich, look no further than the delicious Steak Sandwich Au Poivre. This dish typically revolves around a perfectly seared steak coated with a crust of cracked black peppercorns. To create this crust, you’ll need to pay attention to evenly pressing the peppercorns into both the top and bottom sides of the meat before cooking.
The peppery layer not only adds bold flavor but also forms a delightful crust that enhances the overall experience. After the steak is seared, a rich pan sauce made from the browned bits left behind in the pan complements the meat perfectly. This recipe is inspired by classic recipes that emphasize creating a robust and peppery flavor profile. When everything comes together, the steak is not only tender but impeccably seasoned, providing a phenomenal foundation for a steak sandwich you’ll savor in every bite.
What is the meaning of au poivre?
The term “au poivre” in Steak Sandwich Au Poivre refers to steak prepared with a generous amount of coarsely ground black pepper. This dish is all about being served with a punch of peppery flavor that perfectly complements the tender steak. Using black pepper is essential because it provides that unique spiciness and warmth to the dish. The ground pepper creates a crust that’s both robust and aromatic, making the steak truly irresistible. When I first tried a steak au poivre, the rich taste and the perfectly balanced amount of pepper left a lasting impression, inspiring me to recreate this classic in my own kitchen.
What to Serve with Steak Au Poivre?
When enjoying a Steak Sandwich Au Poivre, you need the perfect sides to elevate your meal. Consider serving a delightful mound of crispy French fries and a fresh watercress salad to balance the flavors. For a warm and comforting option, roasted potatoes with hints of rosemary are a classic choice. Add some elegance with a purée made from celeriac or carrots, bringing a smooth texture to the plate.
During the spring season, a vibrant vegetable medley of green beans and other fresh veggies can add a burst of color and flavor. Enjoying a side of lightly seasoned spring vegetables will enhance the experience, making every bite memorable. Each of these sides complements the rich and peppery taste of the steak, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.