Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (2024)

Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (1)

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Peppercorn Steak sauce will help you take your steak to the next level. Serve this creamy sauce over your steak for a meal to rival the best steak house!

This is one of those meals for a special occasion or even “date night” as I like to call it. It is a recreation of a dish that I had when I was in Italy several years ago.

Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (2)

Before we went to Italy everyone would say “Oh imagine all of the yummy pasta and pizza you are going to eat. But do you think you’ll get sick of it after two weeks?” Well the truth is, its not all pizza and pasta in Italy. Sure the pasta and pizza that we had were absolutely divine, but there were also many other palate pleasing options. In Siena for instance, beef reigned supreme and we had ourselves plenty of perfectly cooked steaks. Nothing was over done, very simple seasonings and a simple sauce. Just how I like it.

What ingredients do you need?

Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (3)

And that is where I got the idea for this easy peppercorn sauce. Unlike other peppercorn sauces out there, this one is made without brandy or any other alcohol. Instead, you just need a handful of ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

OLIVE OIL: Regular or extra virgin will work just fine.

SHALLOTS: A milder, more delicate tasting onion. You don’t want the onion to over-power this sauce.

WHOLE PEPPERCORNS: You can use whole black peppercorns or a peppercorn blend. Stay away from Szechuan peppercorns, they won’t work in this recipe.

BEEF BROTH: This is what I use instead of alcohol in this peppercorn sauce. It gives a depth of flavor to the sauce.

HEAVY CREAM: Don’t skimp on this! For the sauce to have the decadence you want, you’ll want to use heavy cream. Don’t use half and half or milk.

Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (4)

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

STEP #1: Crack the peppercorns. You can use a mortar and pestle to do this or if you don’t have one, simply place the peppercorns in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crack them.

Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (5)

STEP #2: Sauté shallots in olive oil just until softened. About 1 minute. Add in peppercorns. Cook an additional minute.

Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (6)

STEP #3: Whisk in beef broth being sure to scrape any brown bits from the bottom. Reduce heat and slowly whisk in heavy cream. Allow to simmer just until thickened, about 3 minutes.

Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (7)

DES’ TIPS: The brown bits are called “fond” and it carries a ton of flavor. As the sauce cools it will thicken, if it gets too thick add a little more beef broth.

Traditionally, Peppercorn Sauce is served over Filet Mignon but really, any kind of steak will be fab with this sauce! Just pick your favorite, you can’t go wrong. You could even serve this over chicken!

Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (8)

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes! As written this makes enough sauce to cover 2 steaks but this recipe can easily be doubled.

Looking for other steakhouse favorites? You’ve got to try these recipes!

Homemade Horseradish Sauce

Flat Iron Steak Recipe

Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

Note: This post was originally published in 2009. It was updated with new photos and nutrition information in 2020.

Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (9)

Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (10)

Peppercorn Sauce

Peppercorn Steak sauce will help you take your steak to the next level. Serve this creamy sauce over your steak for a meal to rival the best steak house!

5 from 11 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 5 mins

Total Time 10 mins

Course Main Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 2 Servings

Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped shallot
  • 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon beef broth
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition facts for estimation purposes only.

Nutrition

Calories: 110kcalCarbohydrates: 4.4gProtein: 1.6gFat: 9.9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 206mg

Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!

Keywords: dinner, filet, filet mignon, fillet, Food, italy, peppercorn sauce, peppercorns, Recipe, romantic dinner, steak, valentines day

Leave a Comment

  • Reply

    Daniel Riley

    March 7, 2024 at 1:20 am

    Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (11)
    This is not “American cuisine”, it originated in west Europe

    • Reply

      Deseree

      March 7, 2024 at 1:47 pm

      Thanks for the tip, Daniel!

  • Reply

    Lesley

    December 13, 2022 at 7:38 am

    Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (12)
    Delicious!!!! I did add a bit of Worcestershire for flavor. Will be making this again!!!

    • Reply

      Deseree

      December 13, 2022 at 10:00 pm

      Yay! I am so happy to hear that, Lesley!

  • Reply

    Susan

    June 29, 2022 at 10:15 am

    Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (13)
    This is the most delicious peppercorn sauce recipe I have ever tasted. Thank you so much for posting it. It was so simple to make with so few ingredients and yet had such a luxurious flavour. Some recipes call for garlic Worcestershire sauce and butter, but there is honestly no need, when your recipe made the sauce so tasty.

    • Reply

      Deseree

      June 29, 2022 at 9:42 pm

      Such a nice compliment, Susan! I am so happy you enjoyed it!!

  • Reply

    Den M.

    December 3, 2021 at 4:06 am

    Des, can you or one of your readers recommend the beef broth you use. thank you…

    • Reply

      Deseree

      December 3, 2021 at 10:33 am

      Hi Den! I usually use better than bouillon beef broth :)

  • Reply

    Denise

    November 7, 2021 at 2:51 am

    Hello Des and all lovers of this recipe,
    I have a chicken broth/stock I like but not beef broth. Can anyone recommend one they have used successfully in this recipe. Thank you.

    • Reply

      Deseree

      November 7, 2021 at 8:36 am

      Hi Denise! I use always have the Better Than Bouillon in my fridge (Both the chicken and the beef). It’s by far my favorite :)

  • Reply

    Lauren

    September 18, 2021 at 5:38 pm

    Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (14)
    Maybe a silly question, but do you strain out the peppercorns at the end or leave them in?

    • Reply

      Deseree

      September 18, 2021 at 6:27 pm

      Not a silly question at all! I leave them in, I enjoy the texture but you could strain them if you like. It may not be quite as peppery if you do that though.

  • Reply

    Sandy

    December 22, 2020 at 11:01 am

    Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (15)
    Can you use canola oil? I don’t have olive oil.

    • Reply

      Deseree

      December 22, 2020 at 3:12 pm

      That will work! It is neutral enough :)

  • Reply

    Richard Wright

    October 30, 2020 at 10:34 am

    Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (16)
    Can I make this ahead of time? How best to hold?

    • Reply

      Deseree

      October 30, 2020 at 11:37 am

      Hi Richard! I have never made it ahead of time, my only concern is that it does tend to get thicker the longer that it sits. But I think it might still work! You may need to add a little more beef broth. depending on the thickness. Because of the cream, it would be best stored in the refrigerated and reheated.

  • Reply

    James A

    November 17, 2019 at 12:32 pm

    Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (17)
    Thank you so very much for this recipe! I have been looking for a gluten free recipe. I didn’t want to just remove cognac from another recipe as I was afraid it would knock the ratios of the other ingredients off balance.

    Two weeks ago I used this recipe and my wife was able to have a wonderful peppercorn sauce for the first time in years after being diagnosed with gluten intolerance.

    I’m making it again tonight! This is restaurant quality sauce right here.

    • Reply

      Deseree

      November 17, 2019 at 8:16 pm

      James- That is SO wonderful to hear!! I am glad my recipe allowed your wife to enjoy a peppercorn sauce again :)

  • Reply

    Adam

    May 12, 2019 at 7:27 pm

    Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (18)
    Sauce was excellent!

    • Reply

      Deseree

      May 12, 2019 at 9:16 pm

      So great to hear! Glad you enjoyed it!

  • Reply

    Anais Minks

    March 7, 2019 at 5:53 pm

    Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (19)
    I saw a lot of other recipes that used brandy or cognac but I decided on this one because I didn’t have that on hand and it seemed much simpler. Now that I’ve made it, I’m going to remake it over and over again and not change a thing. It was so delicious, just absolutely scrumptious. I already make amazing, tender and juicy steaks but this sauce made my steak the best one I’ve ever had. I did add some mushrooms to the sauce for my husband but I left them off of my steak. He also thought it was amazing. Thanks for this simple but delicious recipe.

  • Reply

    Dan

    August 25, 2018 at 9:32 pm

    Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (20)
    Excellent recipe that is better with beef bone broth!

    • Reply

      Deseree

      August 26, 2018 at 6:01 pm

      Thank you Dan! I will have to try it with beef bone broth next time!

  • Reply

    Jean

    February 18, 2018 at 8:24 pm

    Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (21)
    Surprisingly delicious. Ingredients on hand for an outstanding dish requiring little planning. Definitely a company dinner as well if we don’t wear it out enjoying it frequently. Make enough to top potatoes or whatever else you are serving.

    • Reply

      Deseree

      February 19, 2018 at 10:43 am

      I’m so happy to hear that Jean! :)

  • Reply

    Dene'

    May 19, 2013 at 5:23 pm

    Just tried it out, delicious! Thank you for posting this!

  • Reply

    Kay

    April 16, 2013 at 10:50 am

    This sounds wonderful, and close to a recipe that we make, too. Ours also includes cognac in the sauce. I posted it on our blog at http://threeheadedchef.blogspot.com/2013/04/steaks-with-cognac-and-peppercorns.html if anyone’s interested.

  • Reply

    Alfredo Maldonado Leon

    February 4, 2013 at 1:43 am

    Delicius!!!!

  • Reply

    Deseree

    February 9, 2011 at 5:16 pm

    Hi Bryan, you add the cream in step three after you add the beef broth. Hope this helps!

  • Reply

    Bryan

    February 9, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    what about the 1/3 cup of cream? It is not referrenced.

  • Reply

    Andrea

    October 20, 2009 at 3:50 pm

    This looks delicious!!!

  • Reply

    Safoora

    October 20, 2009 at 12:46 am

    I just need clarification in regards to the beef broth..is it 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon? Thanks! :)

    • Reply

      Deseree

      October 20, 2009 at 7:53 am

      Oops! Yes it’s 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon. I originally used 1/2 cup but then the sauce got a little thick on me while I was platting the rest of dinner so I thinned it out a bit with an extra tablespoon of beef broth.

    Peppercorn Sauce (without Brandy) for Steak Recipe | Life's Ambrosia (2024)

    FAQs

    What can I replace brandy with in peppercorn sauce? ›

    Brandy Any brandy, cognac or marsala will be fine, but if you don't want to use alcohol, then you can leave it out or add an extra spoonful of Worcestershire sauce. Stock We used beef stock but any good strong stock will work. Shallots You can also use brown or white onions, chopped finely.

    What is a substitute for brandy in steak sauce? ›

    If you still want to make this Peppercorn Sauce for Steak but can't or don't want to use alcohol such as brandy or cognac, you can substitute the alcohol with 1/3 cup beef stock or water. This will be used to deglaze the pan and pick up any flavorful bits after you've seared your steak.

    What can I use instead of cognac in steak au poivre? ›

    I don't want to go out and buy Cognac just to make this dish, so I use Bourbon which is a fine substitute for the more traditional Cognac that is used in Steak Au Poivre. Brandy also works as well.

    Does peppercorn sauce contain brandy? ›

    The alcohol brings incredible depth of flavour to the sauce, it's the secret ingredient. Classic creamy peppercorn sauce is made cognac or brandy, but I've made this plenty of times with marsala too.

    What can I add instead of brandy? ›

    Chemistry wise, You could substitute any high proof basic alcohol. Whiskey, rum, cognac, gin, vodka. In some cases lower proof would also work. Wine, vermouth.

    What can I use instead of brandy? ›

    You can also replace the brandy with the same amount of bourbon or rum, although it will change the flavor of the recipe a bit. You can also replace the brandy with an equal amount of apple juice, but keep in mind that if your recipe is for a flaming dessert, it won't flame without the alcohol.

    What is a non-alcoholic substitute for brandy in sauce? ›

    Brandy – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of brandy or rum extract for 2 tablespoons of Brandy. When the liquid amount is critical to the recipe, use water or fruit juices corresponding to the flavor of brandy, for instance, white grape juice, apple cider or apple juice, diluted peach, pear or apricot syrups.

    What is a non-alcoholic substitute for cognac? ›

    “You could replace Cognac by cooking with pears, apricots or peach juice, or even with Sherry, just to give a fruity flavor to your dish or sauce,” he says.

    Is there a non-alcoholic brandy? ›

    The Non-Alcoholic Brandy Spirit is a flavorful alcohol free brandy liquor featuring the taste of Brandy, Fig, Dark Chocolate, Almond, Cherry and Vanilla. This mocktail is ready to enjoy out of the bottle or used in your favorite non-alcoholic mocktail or alcohol free co*cktail.

    What is a good substitute for brandy or cognac? ›

    Unsweetened white grape juice is a fantastic option for this. Its gentle sweetness and hint of tanginess make it a near-perfect match to cognac's flavor. Better yet, since fruit juice is fairly light, you can typically make a 1:1 substitute without a problem.

    What is the difference between steak diane and au poivre? ›

    What's the difference Between Steak Diane and Steak au Poivre? “Au poivre” is French for pepper and indicates a pan sauce for steak that uses shallots, liquor (Cognac or dry sherry), cream, and copious amounts of coarsely cracked pepper in the sauce. Steak Diane often contains mushrooms and lots less pepper.

    What is peppercorn sauce made of? ›

    Ingredients. Primary ingredients are typically peppercorns and heavy cream. Additional ingredients may include butter, wine, brandy, such as cognac, shallots, garlic and additional seasonings, such as bay leaf, star anise, tarragon and salt. Some versions may incorporate liquor, such as whiskey.

    How to make peppercorn sauce Jamie Oliver? ›

    Ingredients
    1. Canned Goods. • 100 ml Concentrated organic beef stock.
    2. Baking & Spices. • 1 tsp Peppercorns, white.
    3. Oils & Vinegars. • 1 Olive oil.
    4. Dairy. • 2 tsp Butter, unsalted. • 30 ml Double cream.
    5. Beer, Wine & Liquor. • 40 ml Brandy. • 125 ml White wine, dry.
    6. Other. • 175 g Fillet steak ideally 3-4cm thick.

    What is the difference between pepper sauce and peppercorn sauce? ›

    A: The main difference between pepper sauce and peppercorn sauce lies in their key ingredients. Pepper sauce is crafted from chili peppers whereas peppercorn sauce is made from peppercorns specifically black, green, or other varieties.

    What is ghost pepper sauce? ›

    It is a type of chili pepper sauce that gets its name from the ghost chili pepper, which is one of the hottest peppers in the world, measuring in at over 1 million Scoville heat units (SHU). For comparison, jalapeño peppers measure around 2,500-5,000 SHU, while habanero peppers measure around 100,000-350,000 SHU.

    What is a non alcoholic substitute for brandy in sauce? ›

    Brandy – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of brandy or rum extract for 2 tablespoons of Brandy. When the liquid amount is critical to the recipe, use water or fruit juices corresponding to the flavor of brandy, for instance, white grape juice, apple cider or apple juice, diluted peach, pear or apricot syrups.

    Can I use whiskey instead of brandy in peppercorn sauce? ›

    Brandy is the classic flavour for peppercorn sauce but you can easily substitute another spirit. Readers have used both whiskey and vermouth with success.

    What does brandy do in cooking? ›

    A common use of brandy is to flambé desserts like bananas foster, cherries jubilee, and bombe Alaska (a meringue dessert). On the savory end of things, brandy goes well with all sorts of meats and seafood. It's often used to deglaze the pan and form a sauce or combined with other liquids to braise a cut of meat.

    What is brandy sauce made of? ›

    Only six ingredients are needed to whip up this brandy sauce recipe, and your guests will thank you for adding a little extra kick to an equally boozy pud. It's deeply rich, made with vanilla pods, caster sugar, cream, whole milk and (yes, you guessed it) a few tablespoons of brandy.

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