Peppercorn sauce

Peppercorn Sauce

A steak served with peppercorn sauce

Peppercorn sauce is a creamy and flavorful sauce commonly used in French cuisine and often served with steak, poultry, or pasta. The sauce is known for its rich taste and the distinctive heat provided by peppercorns.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients of peppercorn sauce include:

• Peppercorns: Typically, a mix of black, white, green, and pink peppercorns is used to provide a complex flavor profile.
• Cream: Heavy cream is used to give the sauce its rich and smooth texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps to emulsify the sauce.
• Shallots: Finely chopped shallots are often sautéed to add a mild onion flavor.
• Brandy or Cognac: Used to deglaze the pan and add depth of flavor.
• Beef stock or broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Preparation

The preparation of peppercorn sauce typically involves the following steps:

1. Sautéing Shallots: Finely chopped shallots are sautéed in butter until they become translucent. 2. Deglazing: The pan is deglazed with brandy or cognac, which is then reduced to concentrate the flavors. 3. Adding Peppercorns: Crushed peppercorns are added to the pan to release their oils and enhance the sauce's flavor. 4. Incorporating Cream: Heavy cream is added and simmered until the sauce thickens to the desired consistency. 5. Seasoning: The sauce is seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.

Variations

There are several variations of peppercorn sauce, including:

• Green Peppercorn Sauce: Uses green peppercorns preserved in brine for a milder flavor.
• Five Peppercorn Sauce: Incorporates a blend of five different types of peppercorns for a more complex taste.
• Dijon Peppercorn Sauce: Adds Dijon mustard for an extra tangy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Peppercorn sauce is traditionally served with:

• Steak: Particularly filet mignon or ribeye.
• Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken breasts.
• Pasta: As a creamy sauce for pasta dishes.

Related Pages

• Steak au poivre
• French cuisine
• Sauce