Steak au Poivre Tacos

Welcome to our culinary journey where classic French cuisine meets Mexican street food in a delightful fusion that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Today, we’re diving into the world of Steak au Poivre Tacos. This dish combines the robust flavors of traditional Steak au Poivre with the vibrant, fresh elements of tacos. To complement this main course, we’ll also prepare two delicious side dishes and suggest perfect beverage pairings to complete your meal. But first, let’s take a brief look at the history of Steak au Poivre.

A Short History on Steak au Poivre

Steak au Poivre, which translates to “pepper steak,” is a classic French dish that dates back to the early 19th century. It traditionally features a high-quality cut of beef, such as filet mignon, coated with coarsely cracked black peppercorns and seared to create a rich, flavorful crust. The dish is usually finished with a creamy pan sauce made from cognac and heavy cream, bringing a luxurious touch to the peppery steak. This timeless recipe has been enjoyed in fine dining establishments around the world and now finds a new, exciting form in our Steak au Poivre Tacos.

Steak au Poivre Tacos

Recipe Ingredients

For the Steak au Poivre Tacos:

• 1 lb beef tenderloin or sirloin steak

• 2 tbsp black peppercorns, coarsely ground

• 1 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1/4 cup cognac or brandy

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Lime wedges (for serving)

For Side Dish 1: Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Salad:

• 4 ears of corn, grilled and kernels removed

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled

• 1 tsp chili powder

• Juice of 1 lime

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

For Side Dish 2: Avocado and Black Bean Salad:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced

• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• Juice of 2 limes

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Preparations

Preparing the Steak au Poivre Tacos:

1. Season the steaks generously with salt and then press the coarsely ground black peppercorns into both sides.

2. Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steaks and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare or adjust to your desired doneness.

3. Remove the steaks from the skillet and let them rest. Deglaze the skillet with cognac, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom.

4. Add the heavy cream and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Slice the steak thinly and place a few slices in each tortilla. Drizzle with the creamy peppercorn sauce and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Preparing the Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the grilled corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

2. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Preparing the Avocado and Black Bean Salad:

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, black beans, red onion, red bell pepper, lime juice, and chopped cilantro.

2. Gently toss to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, consider grilling the steak instead of pan-searing.

• If you prefer a milder pepper flavor, reduce the amount of black pepper in the steak coating.

• Corn tortillas can be warmed on a dry skillet or over an open flame for added texture and flavor.

• The creamy peppercorn sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.

Pairing Suggestions

Beer Selection: A crisp, hoppy IPA will cut through the richness of the steak and complement the spicy notes of the peppercorn sauce.

Wine Selection: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or a spicy Syrah would pair beautifully with the bold flavors of the Steak au Poivre Tacos.

Cocktail Selection: A classic Margarita with a hint of smoky mezcal would enhance the fusion of French and Mexican flavors.

Non-Alcoholic Drink Selection: A refreshing lime and mint agua fresca will provide a zesty, cooling counterpoint to the peppery steak.

Fire it up!

Our Steak au Poivre Tacos bring a unique twist to traditional French cuisine by infusing it with the vibrant, fresh elements of Mexican street food. Paired with Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Salad and Avocado and Black Bean Salad, this meal is a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Whether you choose a crisp IPA, a robust Cabernet, a smoky Margarita, or a refreshing agua fresca, you’ll find the perfect beverage to complement this dish.

Enjoy your culinary adventure

We hope you enjoy making and savoring these Steak au Poivre Tacos as much as we enjoyed creating the recipe for you. This fusion dish is a testament to the endless possibilities in the culinary world, where blending different cuisines can result in something truly spectacular. Bon appétit and buen provecho!

Chef Gary Irvin