Beef Tenderloin Fillets with Green Peppercorn Sauce

Beef Tenderloin Fillets with Green Peppercorn Sauce Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction

Beef Tenderloin Fillets with Green Peppercorn Sauce is a luxurious dish that combines the rich flavors of beef tenderloin with a creamy, spicy sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner at home. The combination of buttery tenderloin and the kick of green peppercorns in a smooth sauce is sure to impress any guest.

History

The use of peppercorns in cooking dates back thousands of years, with black, white, and green peppercorns all offering different flavors and uses in the kitchen. The green peppercorn sauce, in particular, is a French classic, often associated with steak au poivre. This recipe takes inspiration from traditional French cuisine, combining the elegance of beef tenderloin with the bold flavor of green peppercorns.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of butter
2 beef tenderloin fillets
2 cups of dry white wine
1 cup of chicken broth
20 green peppercorns
2 cups of whipping cream
1 tsp of dijon mustard

How to prepare

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Cook the fillets for about 6 minutes on each side. Remove the fillets from the skillet and keep them warm.
To the same skillet, add wine, broth, and peppercorns. Reduce the mixture by half, which should take about 20 minutes.
Stir in cream and mustard, and continue reducing the mixture by half for another 20 minutes.
Place the fillets on a plate and drizzle them with the sauce. Garnish with additional peppercorns.

Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the whipping cream. You can also use brandy instead of white wine for a deeper flavor. For those who prefer a less spicy sauce, reduce the amount of green peppercorns.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best results, let the beef tenderloin fillets come to room temperature before cooking. This ensures even cooking. When reducing the sauce, do so over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a little more broth or wine.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the beef tenderloin fillets with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the sauce. A glass of dry white wine pairs beautifully with the flavors of the dish.

Cooking Techniques

The key techniques in this recipe are searing the beef to develop flavor and reducing the sauce to concentrate its taste. Both require attention to heat management to achieve the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If green peppercorns are not available, capers can be used as a substitute, providing a different but complementary flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, use additional broth in place of the wine.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated when ready to serve. However, the beef tenderloin fillets are best cooked just before serving to ensure they are tender and juicy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fillets on warm plates with the sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme or parsley for a touch of color.

Pairing Recommendations

A medium-bodied red wine, such as a Merlot or a Pinot Noir, pairs well with the richness of the beef and the creaminess of the sauce. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling grape juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Beef Tenderloin Fillets with Green Peppercorn Sauce contains approximately 450 calories. The majority of these calories come from the fats in the cream and butter.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the main sources being the wine and a small amount of mustard. The total carbohydrate content per serving is approximately 5 grams.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come primarily from the butter and whipping cream, contributing to the dish's rich flavor and creamy texture. Each serving contains about 35 grams of fat, with a significant portion being saturated fat from the cream and butter.

Proteins

Beef tenderloin is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Each serving of this dish provides approximately 25 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and muscle-building option for your meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish provides a range of vitamins and minerals, including iron from the beef, calcium from the cream, and various B vitamins. The green peppercorns also add a small amount of vitamin C.

Alergens

The main allergens in this recipe are dairy (butter and cream) and mustard. Those with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients should avoid this dish or find suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, this dish is rich in fats and proteins, with a moderate calorie count. It provides a good source of iron and B vitamins, making it a nutritious option for a special meal.

Summary

Beef Tenderloin Fillets with Green Peppercorn Sauce is a decadent dish that combines tender beef with a rich, spicy sauce. Perfect for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its balance of flavors and elegant presentation. With tips for making ahead and variations to suit different tastes, it's a versatile addition to any cook's repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for lunch. Margaret was an incredible cook, and I always looked forward to her delicious meals. On that particular day, she served us Beef Tenderloin Fillets with Green Peppercorn Sauce, and it was a revelation.

The tenderloin was perfectly cooked, juicy and flavorful, and the peppercorn sauce added a delightful kick to the dish. I couldn't get enough of it, and I begged Margaret to share the recipe with me. She laughed and said she would only give it to me if I promised to make it for her the next time she came over for dinner.

I eagerly agreed, and Margaret walked me through the process of making the dish. She explained how to properly sear the beef fillets, how to make the green peppercorn sauce from scratch, and how to pair it all together for a truly unforgettable meal. I took notes and paid close attention, determined to recreate the dish perfectly.

Over the years, I have made Beef Tenderloin Fillets with Green Peppercorn Sauce countless times, each time adding my own little twist to the recipe. I have served it to family and friends, who always rave about how delicious it is. It has become one of my signature dishes, and I am always happy to share the recipe with anyone who asks.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality beef tenderloin fillets. They should be thick cut and well-marbled, ensuring a juicy and tender result. I always make sure to season the fillets generously with salt and pepper before searing them in a hot skillet. This creates a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly medium-rare.

The green peppercorn sauce is what really elevates this dish. It is made with shallots, garlic, green peppercorns, brandy, beef stock, and cream. The combination of flavors is simply heavenly, with the peppercorns adding a spicy and aromatic kick to the rich and creamy sauce. I always make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding a little more salt or pepper if necessary.

When serving Beef Tenderloin Fillets with Green Peppercorn Sauce, I like to plate it elegantly with a side of roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. The dish is so flavorful and satisfying that it doesn't need much else to accompany it. A glass of red wine is the perfect pairing, enhancing the flavors of the beef and sauce.

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel grateful for Margaret and her generosity in sharing this recipe with me. It has brought so much joy to my family and friends over the years, and I will always cherish the memories of cooking and sharing this dish with loved ones. I encourage you to give it a try yourself and see just how delicious and special Beef Tenderloin Fillets with Green Peppercorn Sauce truly is. Bon appétit!