Lip-Smacking Merlot Peppercorn Sauce Recipe
Are you looking for a way to elevate your steak game? Look no further than this merlot peppercorn sauce recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sauce that perfectly complements the flavors of a juicy steak.
The combination of merlot wine and green peppercorns gives this sauce a unique and delicious taste. And with Worcestershire sauce and garlic cloves added to the mix, your taste buds are sure to be satisfied.
This recipe is perfect for a special occasion, such as a romantic dinner or holiday celebration. But it’s also easy enough to make for a quick weeknight meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to cooking, this merlot peppercorn sauce recipe is sure to impress. So fire up the grill, prepare your favorite cut of beef, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal with the perfect finishing touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of savory, rich and delicious sauces? Then you are guaranteed to fall head over heels in love with this merlot peppercorn sauce recipe that will elevate your dishes to new heights. This dish is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
One of the reasons why I love this recipe is its versatility. It pairs perfectly with a range of different dishes such as steaks, roasted beef, and filet mignon recipe. The sauce is made with red wine, which gives it a robust flavor profile that is both sweet and tangy. When mixed with peppercorns, Worcestershire sauce, sweet white onion, garlic cloves, and cremini mushrooms, the result is a melting pot of flavors that complement any meat beautifully.
Another reason why I love this recipe is its ease and simplicity. The sauce comes together quickly in just a few steps and requires simple ingredients that can be easily sourced from your local store. By following the instructions in the recipe how-to section, you can create the perfect peppercorn steak sauce in just a matter of minutes.
If you are looking for an easy and impressive sauce to make any meal extra special, this Merlot Peppercorn Sauce Recipe is for you. You’re sure to impress your dinner guests with its rich flavors that complement any meal perfectly. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll want to use it time and time again in your kitchen.
Ingredient List
Here are the list of ingredients for the merlot peppercorn sauce recipe:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 mushrooms sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup merlot wine or any red wine
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cups roasted beef base or chicken broth (unsalted)
- 1 sweet white onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp black and green peppercorns, crushed
- Salt
These ingredients are enough to make a peppercorn sauce that will cover your dish and leave a lingering taste on your palate. Most of these ingredients you may already have in your home, while some may require a trip to the grocery store.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1:
Heat a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
Step 2:
Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and let it melt in the pan.
Step 3:
Once the butter has melted, add 4 sliced mushrooms and one sliced sweet white onion. Sauté them for 5-6 minutes until they start to soften.
Step 4:
Next, add one minced garlic clove to the pan and cook for another minute or until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 5:
Add one cup of merlot wine, three tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and one tablespoon of green peppercorns to the pan.
Step 6:
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it reduces by half.
Step 7:
While the sauce is simmering, prepare your steak. Cook your steak according to your preference – this sauce pairs particularly well with peppercorn steak.
Step 8:
Once the wine sauce has reduced, add two tablespoons of cold unsalted butter to the pan. Whisk vigorously until the butter is fully incorporated into the sauce.
Step 9:
Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh strainer into a serving dish. Discard any solids left behind in the strainer.
Step 10:
Serve with your cooked steak and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this Merlot Peppercorn Sauce recipe is that it’s highly adaptable. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:
– Mushroom Substitutes: If you don’t care for cremini mushrooms, feel free to replace them with sliced shiitake or button mushrooms instead. You could also use a combination of different mushroom varieties in the sauce.
– Wine Variations: The Merlot wine used in this recipe gives the sauce a nice depth of flavor, but you could try using different types of red wine to switch things up. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, or Malbec would all be good choices.
– Peppercorn Options: This recipe uses a combination of black and green peppercorns. If you prefer a milder taste, just use black peppercorns. To make things spicier, add more green peppercorns or some crushed red pepper flakes.
– Sauce Consistency: If you like your steak sauce to be thicker or thinner than what this recipe yields, you can adjust the amount of butter and/or broth that you add at the end. Just be careful not to make the sauce too thick or too thin!
– Meat Pairings: While this Merlot Peppercorn Sauce is classically paired with beef dishes like peppercorn steak or roasted beef filet mignon, it can also work well with chicken, pork, or even lamb. Just adjust your cooking times accordingly.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose to make, this sauce will bring out the best in any meat dish that you serve it with!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have prepared your mouth-watering Merlot peppercorn sauce, the next step is to enjoy it with a perfect pairing. This sauce is delightful when served with red meat, especially a peppercorn steak or roasted beef.
For the wine pairing, use the remaining Merlot wine from the recipe or pair it with a full-bodied red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. The flavors of these wines blend perfectly with the rich and bold taste of the sauce.
If you want to make it extra special, try pairing it with a creamy peppercorn sauce or brandy sauce for some added extravagance. This combo creates an explosion of flavors that will leave your guests wanting more.
For a lighter meal, use this sauce as a dip for vegetables or as a topping for baked potatoes. You can also mix it in with pasta for an easy and delicious pasta dish.
Whether you are having big dinner parties or just having a casual dinner at home, this Merlot peppercorn sauce will surely impress your guests. Its versatility makes it suitable for all types of cuisine and occasions.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re planning to make this delicious merlot peppercorn sauce ahead of time, I’ve got good news for you. It’s actually a great dish to prepare in advance, as the flavors tend to blend together even better when given some time to sit.
To make-ahead, let the sauce cool completely, then store it in a covered container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat the sauce, simply warm it up in a small saucepan over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until hot and steamy.
Another option is to freeze the sauce for later use. Let it cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container or plastic wrap tightly before wrapping in foil. Label and date it before freezing for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to use again, thaw the frozen sauce overnight in the fridge before reheating using either option mentioned above.
Note that this recipe doesn’t contain any cream or dairy-based ingredients so it won’t separate when reheated. Its consistency will remain intact even after being frozen, giving you peace of mind that it will taste just as delicious when you’re ready to serve it again.
So go ahead and prep this easy peppercorn sauce ahead of time, and save yourself some stress when prepping your meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
For the perfect Merlot Peppercorn Sauce, a few simple tips can make all the difference. Here are my recommendations to ensure that you create a delicious and well-balanced sauce.
First and foremost, use high-quality ingredients. Make sure to choose fresh garlic and mushrooms to add depth of flavor to your sauce. Additionally, select a good quality merlot wine that you would like to drink on its own, as it will shine in this sauce.
When cooking the sauce, be patient and give it time to come together. Bring the sauce to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer and reduce until it thickens. This will concentrate the flavors and make for a richer sauce.
It is also important to balance out the bold flavors of peppercorn with sweetness. Add a sweet white onion or some beef broth if you feel that your sauce is too spicy or bitter.
To add complexity to your Merlot Peppercorn Sauce, consider deglazing the pan with brandy before adding in other ingredients. This can lend an extra layer of flavor that takes your sauce from good to great.
Finally, remember that less is often more with peppercorns. Use them sparingly in this recipe, as too many can overpower the dish.
By following these tips, you can make a perfect Merlot Peppercorn Sauce that is sure to impress your guests at your next dinner party or elevate your weeknight steak dinner.
FAQ
Before I end this article, let’s answer some frequently asked questions about the Merlot Peppercorn Sauce Recipe. These questions will help you understand the recipe better and even give you more ideas on how to personalize it based on your taste. So, let’s clear any doubts you may have about this delicious and easy peppercorn sauce recipe.
What wine goes best with peppercorn sauce?
Pairing white sauces can be an exciting experience by matching them with the right wine that complements the flavors of the dish. For example, if you are serving a peppercorn sauce, go for a wine that has peppery notes, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz. On the other hand, if you are serving stroganoff with a white sauce, choose a French Syrah that adds an earthy taste to your meal. With the right pairing, you can bring out the best of both the dish and the wine.
How do you make Jamie Oliver peppercorn sauce?
To make a delicious sauce, I recommend using four teaspoons of black peppercorns. In a pan, melt one tablespoon of unsalted butter and half a tablespoon of sunflower oil. Add two finely chopped shallots and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Pour in 180 milliliters of beef stock and two teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce. Finally, add 120 milliliters of double cream and stir until the sauce has thickened.
Is bearnaise sauce like peppercorn sauce?
Bearnaise sauce is a flavorful twist on the classic hollandaise sauce commonly found in France. The preparation of both sauces involves mixing cooked egg yolks with hot butter. However, the Bearnaise sauce recipe takes it up a notch by adding tarragon, peppercorns and a vinegar reduction for an extra punch of flavor. The ingredients are combined in a small saucepan, including wine, vinegar, 2 tarragon sprigs, shallots and peppercorns.
Is pepper sauce different from peppercorn sauce?
Sauces that contain chili peppers and various other ingredients are commonly referred to as hot pepper sauce. However, it’s important to note that the term “pepper sauce” can also refer to a type of sauce made by mixing freshly ground black and green peppercorns with cream, butter, or tomatoes.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this merlot peppercorn sauce recipe is the perfect addition to any steak or beef dish. The combination of merlot wine, sweet white onion, Worcestershire sauce, black and green peppercorns, garlic cloves, and butter creates a savory and flavorful sauce that will elevate any meal.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. Whether you prefer a pan-seared steak au poivre or a filet mignon with red wine sauce, this easy peppercorn sauce can be adapted to fit any dish. Furthermore, with the option of substituting ingredients and making variations, you can easily customize the recipe to your taste.
Not only is this sauce delicious, but it is also simple to make. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, anyone can whip up this restaurant-quality sauce in no time.
Lastly, serving and pairing options are endless; from roasted beef dishes to creamy peppercorn chicken entrees. This merlot peppercorn sauce will bring all components together on the plate perfectly.
Overall, if you are a fan of hearty meals and bold flavors, then this merlot peppercorn sauce recipe must not be missed! Trust me; it will undoubtedly become your go-to steak sauce recipe.
Merlot Peppercorn Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup cremini mushroom, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons dried peppercorns
- 3/4 cup merlot or 3/4 cup cabernet sauvignon wine
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 large sweet white onion, sliced
Instructions
- Sautee mushrooms, onions, peppercorns in butter, adding garlic for last couple minutes.
- Add the rest of the ingredients,.
- Simmer to reduce by half at medium/low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Keep warm at low heat until service, stir it when you walk by.
- Serve over steak. Sauce will be a rich brown color and peppercorns should be al dente.