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Steak au poivre, or peppered steak, is a French bistro classic. It features steak coated with a layer of cracked peppercorns, then served under a peppercorn cream sauce. We’re doing just that in this recipe, making our pan sauce with smooth crème fraîche. And we’re completing the steaks with fingerling potatoes­—boiled, then browned on the stove until perfectly crisp (a preparation known in French as "pommes rissolées")­—and a light sauté of Parmesan-enriched kale.

Ethan Mick

with Crispy Fingerling Potatoes & Sautéed Kale

Steaks au Poivre

Top Sirloin Steaks

Garlic

Kale

Fingerling Potatoes

Crème Fraîche

Butter

Beef Demi-Glace

Coarsely Ground Black Pepper

Grated Parmesan Cheese

Ingredients

Wash and dry the fresh produce. Heat a medium pot of salted water to boiling on high. Once boiling, add the **potatoes** and cook 14 to 16 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, using a paring knife, carefully peel the cooked potatoes; discard the skins. Transfer to a bowl.

Cook & peel the potatoes:

While the potatoes cook, [peel and mince the garlic.](#) [Remove and discard the kale stems; finely chop the leaves.](#)

Prepare the ingredients:

While the potatoes continue to cook, [pat the steaks dry with paper towels; season on both sides with salt and **half the black pepper** (reserving the rest).](#) In a large pan, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the seasoned steaks and cook 2 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until browned and cooked to your desired degree of doneness. Transfer to a plate, leaving any browned bits (or fond) in the pan. Set the cooked steaks aside to rest for at least 5 minutes.

Cook the steaks:

Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil to the pan of reserved fond; heat on medium-high until hot. Add the **garlic**; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant. Add the **kale** and **¼ cup of water**; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally and scraping up any fond from the bottom of the pan, 3 to 5 minutes, or until the kale has wilted and the liquid has cooked off. Remove from heat and stir in the **cheese**; [season with salt and pepper to taste.](#) Transfer to a bowl and set aside in a warm place. Rinse and wipe out the pan.

Cook the kale:

In the pan used to cook the kale, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the **peeled potatoes** and cook, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes, or until crispy and browned on all sides. Transfer to a bowl and set aside in a warm place. Wipe out the pan.

Brown the potatoes:

Return the **rested steaks** to the pan. Add the **demi-glace**, **crème fraîche**, **remaining black pepper** and **¼ cup of water**; cook on medium-high, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce is slightly reduced. Add the **butter**; cook, spooning the sauce over the steaks, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the finished steaks to a cutting board; thinly slice against the grain. Divide the **cooked kale**, **browned potatoes** and sliced steaks between 2 plates. Top with the pan sauce. Enjoy!