Peppercorn Sauce

Name: Peppercorn Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp black peppercorns, crushed; ¼ cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp butter; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup beef stock; 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Published: December 19, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 12 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this sauce in no time.
Versatile Usage: Perfect for drizzling over steak, chicken, or even roasted veggies, it complements various dishes seamlessly.
Gourmet Flavor: The combination of rich cream and spicy peppercorns creates a luxurious taste experience.
Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients, this recipe is easy to recreate at home without fuss.
Impressive Presentation: Elevate your meal with an elegant sauce that looks as good as it tastes.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Peppercorn Sauce, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Small pan
Whisk or wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Small pan: A small pan is ideal for simmering sauces evenly without excess surface area losing heat.
Whisk or wooden spoon: These tools help mix ingredients thoroughly and prevent clumping while heating the sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure you achieve the perfect flavor balance in your sauce.

Ingredients

Rich and smooth, featuring crushed peppercorns, beef broth, and cream for an elegant steak topping.

For the Peppercorn Sauce

1 tbsp black peppercorns, crushed
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
½ tsp salt
1 cup beef stock
1 tsp Dijon mustard

How to Make Peppercorn Sauce

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Set a small pan over medium heat and toss in the butter. Allow it to melt completely before proceeding.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Once the butter is melted:
1. Stir in the beef stock.
2. Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, crushed peppercorns, and salt.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

While stirring often:
1. Let the sauce simmer for around 5-10 minutes.
2. The sauce is ready when it clings to a spoon without dripping.

Step 4: Serve

Pour the sauce directly over your dish or transfer it into a small serving bowl for sharing. Enjoy this exquisite Peppercorn Sauce with your favorite meals!

How to Serve Peppercorn Sauce

Peppercorn sauce is a versatile condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes. Its rich, creamy texture and bold flavors make it an excellent addition to meats, vegetables, and more.

With Steak

A classic pairing, pour the sauce over perfectly cooked steak for a gourmet touch.

On Chicken

Drizzle over grilled or roasted chicken for an unexpected flavor boost that complements the meat.

Accompanying Vegetables

Use as a dipping sauce for steamed or roasted vegetables, adding a creamy richness to your greens.

With Pasta

Toss with fettuccine or gnocchi for a unique twist on traditional pasta sauces that brings warmth and depth.

In a Sandwich

Spread on a hearty sandwich with beef or turkey for added moisture and flavor in every bite.

How to Perfect Peppercorn Sauce

Creating the perfect peppercorn sauce takes practice, but these tips will help you achieve the best results.

Use fresh peppercorns: Freshly crushed peppercorns provide a bolder flavor compared to pre-ground options, ensuring your sauce has that signature kick.
Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the sauce too aggressively; a gentle simmer allows flavors to meld beautifully without compromising texture.
Adjust thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef stock or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste frequently: Sampling your sauce as it cooks helps you adjust seasoning levels for the perfect balance of flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Peppercorn Sauce

Serving peppercorn sauce with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes flavored with garlic provide a comforting base that pairs well with peppercorn sauce.
Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and roasted until tender, asparagus adds a fresh crunch that balances the richness of the sauce.
Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli offers both color and health benefits while serving as an excellent vehicle for soaking up peppercorn sauce.
Creamy Coleslaw: The coolness and crunch of coleslaw create an interesting contrast when served alongside warm dishes topped with peppercorn sauce.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter complements the savory notes of the sauce perfectly, making it an ideal summer side.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf absorbs sauces beautifully, making it a perfect side dish to serve alongside any meat drizzled with peppercorn sauce.
Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa mixed with veggies provides texture and nutrition while allowing the bold flavors of the sauce to shine through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Peppercorn Sauce can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to achieving the perfect flavor and consistency.

Bold seasoning: Not adding enough salt can result in a bland sauce. Always taste as you cook and adjust seasoning as needed.
Improper heat: Cooking on high heat can cause the cream to separate. Keep the heat medium to ensure a smooth texture.
Skipping the simmer: Rushing through the simmering phase can lead to an underdeveloped flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer for at least 5-10 minutes.
Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality beef stock can negatively impact the flavor. Opt for high-quality homemade or store-bought stock.
Not crushing peppercorns well: Inadequately crushed peppercorns may not release their full flavor. Use a mortar and pestle or spice grinder for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the sauce to cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Peppercorn Sauce

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Consider portioning into smaller containers for easier thawing.

Reheating Peppercorn Sauce

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the sauce in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently, until hot. This helps prevent overheating.
Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Peppercorn Sauce.

How do I make Peppercorn Sauce thicker?

You can thicken your Peppercorn Sauce by allowing it to simmer longer or adding a cornstarch slurry if needed.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes! Chicken broth can be used as a substitute if you prefer a lighter flavor while still enjoying the richness of this sauce.

What dishes pair well with Peppercorn Sauce?

Peppercorn Sauce is excellent with steak, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables, enhancing their flavors beautifully.

Is Peppercorn Sauce suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a convenient option for meal prepping your weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

Peppercorn Sauce is not only rich and flavorful but also versatile. It pairs wonderfully with various proteins and can easily be customized with different herbs or spices. Give this recipe a try and elevate your meals with its creamy goodness!

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