Are you searching for a delicious, easy-to-make sauce to take your next meal to the next level?
Whether you want something simple but elegant for topping off a steak dinner or something adventurous to spice up a chicken dish, read on for all the information necessary to make a special sauce of this type.
Homemade Peppercorn Sauce Recipe
To create this simple sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
- Two shallots, minced
- Two garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup cognac or brandy
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp. crushed black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Instructions:
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add minced shallots and garlic, sauteing until softened (about 2-3 minutes). - Pour cognac or brandy into the pan and stir to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Simmer the mixture until it reduces by half, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and crushed peppercorns to the pan and stir to incorporate.
- Simmer until thickened and reduced by about a third, about 10-15 minutes. Season the sauce with salt to taste.
- Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove peppercorns and shallot pieces.
- Serve the peppercorn sauce warm over your favorite cooked meats.
Tip: You can adjust the number of peppercorns used depending on how spicy you prefer your sauce. You could also substitute green or mixed peppercorns for a different flavor profile.
Enhancing the Heat Level of the Sauce
If you like your peppercorn sauce with a kick, there are easy ways to amp up the heat. One way is using hotter peppers like jalapenos or serranos in the recipe; adding black pepper may also do the trick, or adding crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne powder for an extra kick.
Be careful not to overdo it - more heat can always be added but never removed!
Recipe Ideas To Use Peppercorn Sauce
Peppercorn sauce is an irresistible addition to meat dishes, and you can use it in recipes in numerous ways.
A classic example is steak with peppercorn sauce - sear a juicy steak until desired and cover it in this tasty condiment.
Roast chicken or pork also works excellently when topped off with this sauce, as its creaminess pairs perfectly with tender meat, while peppers add depth of flavor.
Moreover, peppercorn sauce makes an excellent dipping sauce for veggies, French fries, and marinades before grilling or roasting your proteins.
There's no end to what you can create with this versatile ingredient!
Tips for Serving and Presenting Peppercorn Sauce
Peppercorn sauce is an incredibly versatile condiment that can be used on many dishes. It pairs well with grilled and roasted meats and can be used as a dipping sauce or added to salads for extra flavor.
When serving this sauce, consider what type of dish it will accompany; heavier proteins such as steak benefit from lighter sauces, while chicken or fish would benefit from creamier versions of the same sauce.
Presentation Ideas to Highlight the Dish
Peppercorn sauce can be garnished and presented in many ways to make it look even more delicious on a plate.
Some ideas include adding fresh herbs such as parsley or chives, crumbled bacon, or shaved Parmesan cheese, drizzled over the top or served separately in a small bowl.
But no matter how you do it, the sauce adds an elegant touch to any meal.
Conclusion
Making peppercorn sauce doesn't need to be as complex as you think.
With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create an incredible sauce to enhance any dish.
Make sure the peppercorns are freshly ground for optimal flavor, and feel free to adjust ingredients according to your preferences.
This sauce goes great on steak, chicken, pork, or vegetables - endless possibilities!
Once you have perfected this recipe, try experimenting with herbs or other spices for unique variations!