As I stood in my kitchen, the tantalizing aroma of freshly cracked pepper filled the air—a culinary invitation I simply couldn’t resist. That’s when I decided to whip up a classic that never fails to impress: a Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach Recipe. Not only is this dish a true showstopper, but it also comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for a cozy dinner without the fuss of dining out. The combination of a bold, crunchy crust and the luxurious, velvety texture of the spinach creates a restaurant-quality experience right at home. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to elevate your evening. Are you ready to sizzle up some steak magic? Why is this steak recipe a must-try? Irresistible flavor: The bold, peppercorn crust brings a gourmet flair, making every bite an experience. Luxurious texture: Creamed spinach complements the steak with its rich, velvety consistency, transporting your taste buds to fine dining. Quick preparation: In just 40 minutes, you can impress guests or family without a lengthy commitment in the kitchen. If you enjoy easy yet elegant meals, explore ideas like Hibachi Steak Bowls or Savory Onion Steak. Versatile options: Easily swap sirloin for ribeye, or mix up herbs for different flavor profiles tailored to your tastes. Crowd-pleaser: This dish is perfect for gatherings, sure to delight both steak lovers and spinach fans alike! Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach Ingredients For the Steak Sirloin Steak – A tender and flavorful choice; ribeye or New York strip can be delicious substitutes. Kosher Salt – Essential for enhancing flavors; if using table salt, halve the amount. Tricolor Peppercorns – Adds a colorful and spicy crust; black pepper can be a simpler alternative. Olive Oil – Ideal for high-heat searing; swap with avocado oil for a similar result. For the Creamed Spinach Salted Butter – Adds richness; unsalted butter is a great option for lower sodium. Onion – Infuses sweetness and depth; shallots can also provide a milder flavor. Garlic Cloves – Elevates the savory notes; garlic powder works if you’re short on fresh. Baby Spinach – The star green in this dish; kale can be used for a heartier alternative. Cream Cheese – For that silky smooth texture; Greek yogurt can lighten the dish. Ground Nutmeg – A pinch adds a warm depth; it can be skipped if you don’t have any. For Cooking Rosemary Sprigs – Brings fragrant flavor during cooking; thyme can serve as a lovely substitute. Sugar – Balances the peppercorn crust; feel free to omit for a less sweet taste. Black Pepper – Used for seasoning both steak and spinach; freshly cracked enhances flavor. This Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach Recipe is truly the epitome of sophistication made simple, perfect for elevating any dinner occasion! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach Recipe Step 1: Sauté the Spinach Begin by melting 4 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, then incorporate the baby spinach in batches, wilting it down for roughly 12 minutes until tender and soft. Keep the creamed spinach warm on low heat. Step 2: Prepare the Peppercorn Crust While the spinach is cooking, prepare the peppercorn crust for the steak. In a resealable plastic bag, combine the tricolor peppercorns and sugar, then use a rolling pin to crush them until coarsely ground. Season the sirloin steak generously with kosher salt, then press the crushed peppercorn mixture onto both sides of the steak, ensuring a thorough coating for maximum flavor. Step 3: Sear the Steak Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until it’s very hot, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to shimmer before placing the steak in the pan. Sear the steak for approximately 6 minutes on each side, or until a deep brown crust forms. Avoid moving the steak during searing to achieve the perfect crust, and check for a rich color. Step 4: Butter-Baste the Steak After searing, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, along with rosemary sprigs and a few crushed garlic cloves, to the skillet. Baste the steak with the melted butter using a spoon for about 5 minutes. Aim for an internal temperature of 115-120°F for medium-rare, which you can check with a meat thermometer. Step 5: Rest and Serve Once cooked to your desired doneness, transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for juicy results. After resting, slice the steak against the grain for tenderness, and serve it alongside the warm creamed spinach, creating a beautiful and indulgent plate of Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach. What to Serve with Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach A beautiful meal like this deserves perfect companions to enhance and complete your dining experience. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery richness balances the steak’s peppery crust while soaking up the savory juices. Garlic Roasted Asparagus: This side brings lightness and a hint of garlic that complements the steak without overpowering it. Crisp Caesar Salad: The fresh greens and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty steak and spinach. Herb-Infused Rice: A fragrant, seasoned rice adds texture and absorbs the delicious flavors from your main dish beautifully. Red Wine: A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon pairs seamlessly with the steak’s bold flavors, enhancing your dining experience. Chocolate Mousse: End on a rich note with this luscious dessert; its sweetness offers a delightful finish to your savory meal. Indulging in these pairings ensures your Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach feels like a luxurious dining experience, right at home. Expert Tips for Perfect Peppercorn-Crusted Steak Hot Skillet Essential: Ensure your skillet is piping hot before adding the steak. This step is crucial to achieve a perfect, crusty sear. Resting Matters: Don’t skip resting the steak after cooking! This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and succulent bite every time. Spinach Prep: Cook the spinach thoroughly to eliminate excess moisture. This guarantees that your creamed spinach remains rich and creamy, avoiding any watery texture. Pepper Consistency: For the best flavor, use freshly cracked peppercorns. Pre-ground pepper won’t provide the same depth in your peppercorn-crusted steak. Slicing Technique: Always slice the steak against the grain. This technique maximizes tenderness, making your Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach a mouthwatering experience. Make Ahead Options These Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach Recipe components are a dream for meal prep enthusiasts! You can sauté the creamed spinach up to 3 days in advance; just refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy richness. For the steak, prepare the peppercorn crust by combining the crushed peppercorns and sugar, storing it separately. When you’re ready to serve, take the steak from the fridge, season it, and sear it hot for a freshly cooked taste. Allow it to rest post-cooking, and you’ll have a gourmet meal that tastes just as delicious as if it were made entirely fresh. Enjoy hassle-free weeknight dinners without compromising on quality! How to Store and Freeze Peppercorn-Crusted Steak Fridge: Keep leftover steak and creamed spinach in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Freezer: Wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheating: Reheat the steak in a preheated oven at 250°F until warmed through for best texture, while creamed spinach can be gently reheated in a saucepan over low heat. Extra Tip: Always allow the steak to rest before storing to ensure it retains as much moisture as possible, keeping your Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach flavorful and tender when you enjoy it later! Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach Variations Feel free to embark on a culinary adventure and customize this delicious dish to suit your tastes! Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream for a dairy-free spin while keeping the richness intact. Herb-Infused: Replace rosemary with fresh thyme or sage to infuse a different herbaceous note and elevate your steak’s flavor profile. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the peppercorn mix for a subtle heat that dance on your palate. Lemon Zest: Stir in some lemon zest into the creamed spinach for a burst of freshness that brightens the rich flavors—an unexpected yet delightful twist! Umami Boost: Stir in a spoonful of miso paste to the creamed spinach for an umami-rich flavor that gives the dish added depth. Nutty Crunch: Top the creamed spinach with toasted pine nuts or almond slivers before serving to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Smoked Flavor: Use smoked paprika in the creamed spinach to add a smoky undertone that harmonizes beautifully with the peppercorn crust. Alternative Greens: Swap baby spinach for Swiss chard, which will lend a more robust texture and slightly earthy flavor to your creamed dish. If you’re looking for something fresh and vibrant to pair, consider making Hibachi Steak Bowls or trying out some flavorful Ponzu Chicken Rice. Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting spinach for the creamed spinach? When choosing spinach, go for fresh, vibrant leaves without dark spots or wilting. Baby spinach is ideal due to its tenderness. If the leaves look dark or slimy, it’s best to skip them! How should I store leftovers from this peppercorn-crusted steak with creamed spinach? Place leftover steak and creamed spinach in separate airtight containers. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the steak juicy, avoid slicing it until you’re ready to eat. Can I freeze the steak and creamed spinach? Absolutely! Wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. For the creamed spinach, you can freeze it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. What if my steak isn’t crusting well? Make sure your skillet is extremely hot before adding the steak. This creates a beautiful crust. Avoid moving the steak in the first few minutes to let it sear properly. If crusting still seems off, try using freshly cracked peppercorns, as pre-ground pepper may not yield the same results. Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Since the dish includes dairy, those with lactose intolerance could opt for lactose-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt. Also, remember to adjust the salt if you’re monitoring sodium intake. Additionally, people with allergies should replace any exposed allergens with suitable alternatives. How do I know when the steak is done cooking? For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 115-120°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Remember to let the steak rest for about 10 minutes before slicing, which helps retain its juices for that perfect bite. Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach Recipe to Savor This Peppercorn-Crusted Steak with Creamed Spinach Recipe combines robust flavors and luxurious textures for a perfect dining experience. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 2 steaksCourse: BeefCuisine: AmericanCalories: 650 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Steak2 lbs Sirloin Steak Ribeye or New York strip can be substitutes.1 tbsp Kosher Salt Use half if using table salt.2 tbsp Tricolor Peppercorns Black pepper is a simpler alternative.1 tbsp Olive Oil Can swap with avocado oil.For the Creamed Spinach4 tbsp Salted Butter Unsalted butter is a lower sodium option.1 medium Onion Shallots can be a milder alternative.2 cloves Garlic Cloves Garlic powder can replace fresh.10 oz Baby Spinach Kale can be used as a heartier alternative.4 oz Cream Cheese Greek yogurt can lighten the dish.1 pinch Ground Nutmeg Can be skipped if unavailable.For Cooking2 sprigs Rosemary Sprigs Thyme can be a lovely substitute.1 tsp Sugar Omit for a less sweet taste.1 tsp Black Pepper Freshly cracked enhances flavor. Equipment large skilletCast iron skilletMeat ThermometerResealable plastic bagRolling Pin Method Step-by-Step InstructionsMelt 4 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then incorporate baby spinach in batches, wilting down for roughly 12 minutes until tender.Prepare the peppercorn crust: In a resealable plastic bag, combine tricolor peppercorns and sugar, crush them until coarsely ground.Season sirloin steak generously with kosher salt, then press the crushed peppercorn mixture onto both sides.Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat for about 5 minutes, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then place the steak in the pan.Sear the steak for approximately 6 minutes on each side until a deep brown crust forms.After searing, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, rosemary sprigs, and crushed garlic.Baste the steak with the melted butter for about 5 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 115-120°F for medium-rare.Transfer steak to a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain and serve alongside warm creamed spinach. Nutrition Serving: 1steak with spinachCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 45gFat: 45gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 4mg NotesEnsure skillet is hot before adding steak for optimal sear. Rest steak post-cooking for juicy results. Cook spinach well to avoid watery texture. Use freshly cracked peppercorns for depth of flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
