Reverse Seared Chuck Steak + Brandy Peppercorn Sauce

• 4  - filet mignon steaks
• ⅛  - Kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper
• 1 Tablespoon - neutral oil
• 1 Tablespoon - good-quality unsalted butter
• ¼ Cup - shallot
• 2 Teaspoon - garlic
• 1 Tablespoon - all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup - brandy
• ¾ cup - low-sodium beef broth
• ½ cup - heavy whipping cream
• 1 Tablespoon - Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoon - black peppercorns

Instructions

1. Wrap a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and place a cooling rack on top of the baking sheet. Generously salt and pepper the steak, and place the steak on top of the cooling rack. Let it sit uncovered on the counter for an hour, or place it in the fridge uncovered overnight. (If you refrigerate the steak, let it come to room temperature for one hour before cooking).
2. Preheat oven to 200°F. Place the steak in the oven, and cook until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak registers 105-110°F for medium-rare (120°F for medium-well), about 30-45 minutes. I start checking for doneness at 30 minutes. Once it reaches your desired temperature, the steak can sit on the counter for up to two hours before you finish cooking.
3. Heat a cast-iron skillet (or another large non-stick skillet) over medium-high heat. Add the butter and oil, and stir to coat the bottom of the pan. When it starts to smoke, place the steak in the skillet and cook 1-2 minutes per side until it’s very browned and develops a nice crust. Transfer the steak to a cutting board, and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice the steak against the grain.
4. While the steak rests, make the sauce. Using the pan that you cooked the steak in, pour off all but 1 Tablespoon of pan drippings. Return the pan to the heat, add the shallot and garlic, and cook until soft. Stir in the flour, and cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Deglaze the pan with the brandy and cook until it’s mostly reduced, about 2 minutes.
5. Add the broth, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, cooking until it’s reduced by half, about 2-3 minutes. Add the cream, Dijon, and peppercorns, and simmer for about 2 minutes until it’s slightly thickened and coats the back of a spoon. Taste, and add more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve warm over steak!