The Perfect Sirloin Steak With Peppercorn Sauce

There are few things in life more satisfying than a perfectly cooked sirloin steak, and with Cleaver's Steak Pack, you have everything you need to make it happen.

Our expert butchers prepare every sirloin steak fresh to order, so all that is left is to follow these simple steps and treat yourself to a restaurant quality meal from the comfort of your own home.

This recipe serves 2 and uses 2 of the 4 sirloin steaks included in Cleaver's Steak Pack.

Method

Step 1: Prepare Your Steaks

Remove your sirloin steaks from the fridge around 30 minutes before cooking and allow them to come to room temperature. This is an important step that should never be skipped: bringing the meat to room temperature before cooking ensures a more even cook throughout and a far better finished result. Pat the steaks dry with kitchen paper, then season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: Make The Peppercorn Sauce

While your steaks are coming to room temperature, start on the peppercorn sauce. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over a medium heat and gently cook the finely diced shallot for around 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Add the lightly crushed peppercorns and cook for a further minute, stirring continuously. Add the brandy or cognac and allow it to bubble and reduce for around 1 to 2 minutes.

Pour in the beef stock and allow to reduce by half, then add the double cream and simmer gently for around 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened to a rich, coating consistency. Season with salt to taste and keep warm over a very low heat while you cook the steaks.

Step 3: Cook The Steaks

Place a heavy based frying pan or griddle pan over a high heat and allow it to get hot before adding any oil. Add the oil to the pan and, once it is shimmering, carefully lay your sirloin steaks in the pan fat side down first.

Hold them upright using tongs for around 2 minutes to render the fat and achieve a beautiful golden colour along the edge. Then lay the steaks flat and cook to your preferred level of doneness, using the following guide as a reference:

• Rare: 1.5 to 2 minutes per side
• Medium Rare: 2.5 to 3 minutes per side
• Medium: 3.5 to 4 minutes per side
• Well Done: 4.5 to 5 minutes per side

During the final minute of cooking, add the butter, crushed garlic and fresh thyme to the pan. As the butter melts and foams, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to continuously baste the steaks with the flavoured butter. This adds an extra layer of richness and flavour to the finished steak that makes all the difference.

Step 4: Rest Your Steaks

This is arguably the most important step of all. Once your steaks are cooked to your liking, remove them from the pan and place them on a warm plate.

Loosely cover with foil and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender, juicy and full of flavour. Never skip this step: a rested steak is always a better steak.

Step 5: Serve

Slice your sirloin steaks against the grain or serve whole, drizzled generously with the peppercorn sauce.

For the perfect accompaniment, serve alongside chunky chips or dauphinoise potatoes, a simple green salad or some tender stem broccoli. Pour yourself a glass of your favourite red wine, sit back and enjoy.