Name: Kentucky Bourbon Sirloin Steak
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons coarsely ground black peppercorns; Four 10-ounce New York-cut sirloin steaks, also called shell steaks; Fine sea salt; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots; 1/3 cup Kentucky bourbon; 1 cup low-sodium store-bought beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Harmony is achieved in a dish when contrasting flavors combine to create balance. In this dish, the black pepper and bourbon add a real jolt of flavor that's miraculously mellowed by the cream and butter.

Your nightly specials:

Use veal chops, pork chops, or beef rib steaks instead of sirloin. Cook in the same fashion but allow a longer cooking time, about 8 minutes per side for a 1-inch-thick chop or rib steak with the bone intact.

Replace the bourbon with brandy or cognac.

For a lighter pan sauce, leave out the cream and butter.

Recipe notes

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