Peppered Top Sirloin Steak Recipe – Steak Au Poivre

In a small bowl, mix together the pepper, garlic, salt, horseradish, and olive oil.

Place the steaks on a shallow dish and rub the mixture all over the meat.  Marinate at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours or, better still, covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.  Turn the meat from time to time to coat both sides evenly.

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator an hour before cooking.

Heat broiler.  Broil steak approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side or until done to your preference using a meat thermometer (see below).

What constitutes rare and medium-rare cooked meat?  To satisfy government home economists, the Beef Council says rare beef means an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.  Well, that is OK if you like well-done and dry meat.  If you like moist, rosy meat (like I do), rare begins at an internal temperature of 120 degrees F. and starts to become medium rare at 125 or 130 degrees F.  To cook your meat properly, you must purchase and use a good instant-read digital meat thermometer.

When the steaks are done to your liking, remove from oven, let sit 15 minutes before serving (meat temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees after it is removed from the oven).  Slice steak across grain into 1/4-inch slices.  Place on a platter or individual dinner plates.

Makes 4 servings.