Simple Steak au Poivre

INGREDIENTS

4 beef tenderloin steaks, 6 ounces each, cut 1 inch thick

Salt

1 tablespoon coarsely crushed black pepper

1 teaspoon coarsely crushed Sichuan pepper

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 large shallots, finely diced

1 ½ cups rich beef or chicken broth

1 tablespoon Cognac or bourbon

¼ cup crème fraîche

1 bunch watercress, for garnish

PREPARATION

Put steaks in a shallow dish and season well on both sides with salt. Sprinkle black pepper and Sichuan pepper evenly over steaks. Press pepper into both sides with hands and leave for 10 minutes.

Put a large cast iron skillet over high heat. When surface is nearly smoking, swirl 1 tablespoon butter in the pan and add steaks. Adjust heat as necessary to keep steaks sizzling briskly.

Cook for 2 minutes on first side; seared side should be nicely browned. Flip and cook for 2 minutes more. Transfer steaks to a warm platter.

Make the sauce: Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan. Add shallots and sauté for a minute or so, stirring, until they begin to brown. Add broth and bring to a brisk simmer. Add Cognac and continue to simmer until reduced by half, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in crème fraîche and cook until sauce is lightly thickened.

Return steaks to pan to warm, spooning sauce over them and turning once. Arrange steaks on platter or individual plates and top with more sauce. Garnish with bouquets of watercress and serve immediately.