Name: For the Best Possible Steak, Cook It Like the French Do
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 (1 1/2 to 2-pound) flank steak; 2 tablespoons peppercorns, black or any combination of colors; Kosher salt, to taste; 2 tablespoons vegetable or grapeseed oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 large shallot, minced, or 3 tablespoons minced onion; 2 tablespoons Cognac, other brandy, or sherry (if you’re alcohol-free, use apple cider vinegar); 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth or stock; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried leaves; Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, optional

1 Use a sharp knife to score the steak in a cross-hatch pattern about 1/4-inch deep on one side.

2 Add the peppercorns to a zip-top bag. Remove the air, seal, then crush using a meat mallet or a flat-bottomed skillet until roughly cracked (finely crushed peppercorns will burn). You can also use a mortar and pestle. Pat the steak dry with a clean paper towel, then season generously all over with salt. Cover the cross-hatched side with the crushed peppercorns, pressing them gently into the meat.

3 Set a 12-inch stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and preheat until nice and hot. Add the oil, swirling to coat the pan, then the steak with its uncrusted side down, laying it away from you (to help prevent burning yourself with sizzling oil). Sear, pressing a little to get an even sear but not moving the steak around the pan, for 4 to 8 minutes (depending on the thickness of your steak). Flip so the peppercorn-crusted side is down and cook until the internal temperature reaches 130 to 135°F for medium-rare, 4 to 8 more minutes. Transfer to a cutting board to rest while you make the sauce.

4 Carefully wipe out the excess oil and stray peppercorns from the skillet and discard. Set the pan over medium-low heat and add the butter and shallot. Cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and add the Cognac, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan and cooking until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add the stock, cream, and thyme and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. The sauce is done when it coats the back of a spoon. Taste, adding salt as needed. Remove the thyme sprig, if using. Slice the steak against the grain and serve topped with the sauce. Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!