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This juicy beef fillet in creamy pepper sauce offers a rich and comforting meal that feels special enough for a weekend dinner but simple enough for any night. The tender beef combined with a luscious sauce made from heavy cream and freshly cracked black pepper creates a harmony of flavors that never fails to impress.
I first cooked this recipe on a chilly evening and found it was just what we needed to lift our spirits. Now it’s a favorite when I want to share something decadent but approachable with friends.
Ingredients
- Beef fillet: two pieces around six to eight ounces each The star of the dish choose well-marbled cuts for tenderness
- Heavy cream: one cup adds richness and smooth texture opt for fresh cream with full fat for best results
- Black pepper: two teaspoons freshly cracked provides a peppery kick and depth adjust to your heat preference
- Garlic: two cloves minced infuses the sauce with fragrant savory notes
- Butter: two tablespoons divided for cooking and flavor use unsalted to control seasoning
- Salt: to taste enhances all the flavors and balances the richness
- Fresh parsley: chopped for garnish adds a bright fresh finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Searing the beef:
- Take the beef out thirty minutes before cooking so it reaches room temperature this helps even cooking Pat dry and season both sides with salt and some freshly cracked black pepper Heat a skillet over medium high and add one tablespoon of butter Once melted place the fillets in the pan and sear for three to four minutes on each side Aim for medium rare or adjust to your liking Remove from the skillet and let rest to lock in the juices
- Preparing the sauce:
- In the same skillet lower the heat to medium Add the minced garlic to the remaining butter and cook gently until fragrant but not browned about one minute Pour in the heavy cream and scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits Add the remaining black pepper and salt Taste and adjust seasoning Let the sauce simmer gently for about three to five minutes until it thickens slightly
- Finishing Touches:
- Return the beef fillets to the skillet Spoon the creamy pepper sauce over the top and let everything warm together for another minute Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness
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One of my favorite memories with this dish was surprising my partner with a special dinner after a long week We savored each bite alongside a simple salad and crusty bread making it feel like a celebration without fuss. The black pepper in the sauce always reminds me of that cozy night.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within two days Reheat gently on low heat to prevent the cream from separating If you want to freeze the beef it’s best to keep the sauce separate and thaw both slowly before reheating
Ingredient Substitutions
If heavy cream is not available you can substitute with half and half mixed with a little butter to mimic richness For a dairy free version use coconut cream but note this will alter the flavor Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic in a pinch but fresh always tastes better
Serving Suggestions
Pair this beef fillet with roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a balanced plate Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are excellent choices to soak up the pepper sauce A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette brings brightness to the meal
Cultural Context
Creamy sauces paired with seared meats have longstanding traditions in European cooking especially French cuisine The use of freshly cracked black pepper highlights the importance of seasoning in elevating simple ingredients Beef fillet is often reserved for special occasions owing to its tenderness and flavor intensity
Pro Tips
- Take the time to bring your beef to room temperature before cooking for even doneness
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing to achieve a nice crust on the fillet
- Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as cream can mellow the flavors
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the beef fillet is juicy?
Let the beef fillet rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, preserving tenderness and moisture.
- → Can I adjust the pepper flavor in the sauce?
Yes, freshly cracked black pepper can be increased or decreased according to your taste preferences for a milder or spicier sauce.
- → What is the best way to cook the fillet evenly?
Bring the fillet to room temperature before searing and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- → How long should the sauce be simmered?
Simmer the cream, garlic, and pepper mixture for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened and flavors meld together.
- → What garnish complements this dish?
Chopped fresh parsley brightens the plate and adds a subtle herbal contrast to the rich sauce.