This recipe reimagines the classic French steak au poivre as a hearty, flavorful salad. Combining seared steak, crispy potatoes, and a rich, creamy peppercorn sauce over a bed of greens, it’s a decadent yet surprisingly refreshing main course. The dish retains the bistro elegance of the original while offering textural variety and a lighter overall feel.
Why This Recipe Works
Steak au poivre traditionally centers around a perfectly cooked steak smothered in a creamy, peppery sauce. This version elevates the concept by pairing it with crispy potatoes and fresh greens, creating a balanced meal rather than just a protein-heavy plate. The addition of miso paste to the sauce adds depth and umami, complementing the richness of the cream and peppercorns.
Key Ingredients & Swaps
The foundation of this dish relies on quality ingredients. A 1-pound NY strip or ribeye steak is ideal, ensuring tenderness and flavor. Small gold potatoes provide a satisfying crisp-to-fluff ratio when pan-fried. Hearty greens like baby kale, arugula, or frisée hold up well against the bold sauce.
Beyond these essentials, substitutions are welcome:
- Greens: Radicchio, kale leaves, or escarole can replace the recommended greens.
- Peppercorns: A blend of black and green peppercorns adds complexity.
- Cream: Cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk offers plant-based alternatives.
- Potatoes: Frozen French fries can substitute for the homemade crisped potatoes in a pinch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe requires a bit of multi-tasking, but the results are well worth the effort.
- Prepare Potatoes: Boil small gold potatoes until tender, then gently flatten them to encourage crispy edges when seared.
- Sear the Steak: Season a 1-pound steak generously with salt and sear in a hot skillet until medium-rare, about 3-4 minutes per side. Let rest under foil to retain juices.
- Crisp Potatoes: Add the boiled potatoes to the same skillet and pan-fry until golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Make Peppercorn Sauce: Deglaze the skillet with Cognac (or sherry, bourbon) and scrape up browned bits. Whisk in miso paste, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup until thickened. Season to taste.
- Assemble Salad: Toss hearty greens with shallot, radishes, and sherry vinegar. Add crispy potatoes and drizzle with sauce. Top with sliced steak and garnish with chives.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 2 servings): 1101 calories, 76.6g fat, 51.9g carbs, 42.3g protein. This is a rich dish, so portion control is recommended.
The Verdict
This steak au poivre salad is a standout dish that brings French bistro flair to your home kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors—crispy potatoes, tender steak, peppery sauce, and fresh greens—creates a memorable culinary experience. It’s a perfect choice for a special occasion or when you simply want to elevate your salad game.
