Chicago Steakhouse Peppercorn Crusted Filet With Crab Au Poivre Food

FILET OF BEEF AU POIVRE

Steps:

• Place the filets on a board and pat them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the filets with salt and then press the black pepper evenly on both sides. Allow to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
• Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of the butter and the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat until the butter almost smokes. Place the steaks in the pan and lower the heat to medium. Saute the steaks for 4 minutes on 1 side and then for 3 minutes on the other side, for medium rare. Remove the steaks to a serving platter and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
• Meanwhile, pour all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the saute pan. Add the shallots and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add the beef broth and cook over high heat for 4 to 6 minutes, until reduced by half, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the Cognac and cook for 2 more minutes. Off the heat, swirl in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Serve the steaks hot with the sauce poured on top.

PEPPERCORN-CRUSTED STEAK WITH PIMIENTO CREAMED SPINACH

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
• Add the spinach to the skillet in handfuls, stirring after each addition. Cook until all the spinach is wilted, about 12 minutes. Push the spinach to one side of the skillet. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream to the other side and smash it until mostly melted, about 2 minutes. Add the pimientos and stir into the spinach. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt, a few grinds of pepper and the nutmeg. Keep warm.
• Put the peppercorns and sugar in a resealable plastic bag and crush using a rolling pin or skillet. Sprinkle the steaks with the remaining teaspoon salt, then coat both sides with the peppercorn mixture, pressing to adhere.
• Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat. Swirl the olive oil in the skillet. Add the steaks and cook until well browned and cooked to your desired temperature, about 6 minutes per side for medium-rare.
• Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes. Thinly slice the steaks against the grain and serve with the creamed spinach.