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National Steak au Poivre Day

Food · September 9

A day for steak au poivre, the French bistro classic of steak crusted in cracked black pepper and finished with a creamy pan sauce.

National Steak au Poivre Day falls on Thursday, September 9, 2027. That is 317 days away.

Steak au poivre is steak with a coat of coarsely cracked black peppercorns, seared in a hot pan and served with a sauce made right in that same pan. The name is French for "pepper steak," and it is a fixture of bistro menus.

The pepper is the point. Pressed onto the meat before cooking, it forms a crust that crackles and bites, while the beef underneath stays tender. The sauce usually starts with the browned bits left in the pan, loosened with brandy or cognac, then enriched with cream or stock. Some cooks flambé the brandy, which looks dramatic and is best done with care, a lid nearby and nothing hanging overhead.

Tender cuts suit it well, such as filet or strip steak. Cracking the peppercorns yourself, with the bottom of a heavy pan or a mortar, gives a rougher, more fragrant crust than pre-ground pepper. Cook the steak to the doneness you like, and use a thermometer if you are unsure. Letting it rest a few minutes before slicing keeps the juices in the meat rather than on the board.

Fries are the classic partner, and so is a simple green salad to cut through the cream. A spoonful of sauce over the fries is not required, but few people stop at one.

Ways to celebrate

• Try making steak au poivre at home with freshly cracked peppercorns.
• Order it at a local bistro or steakhouse that offers it.
• Pair it with fries and a crisp green salad.
• Share your favorite pan sauce variation with a friend.

Dates

All national days on September 9

Also on September 9

• National Teddy Bear Day
• Wiener Schnitzel Day
• International Sudoku Day

Categories: Food days