Unbelievably Creamy Keto Peppercorn Sauce Recipe That Will Transform Your Low-Carb Meals!

Peppercorn sauce is a classic steak accompaniment, offering a delightful combination of creamy richness and peppery spice. Traditionally, many restaurant versions rely on flour or other starches to achieve their desired thickness. However, creating a keto-friendly peppercorn sauce is surprisingly simple, eliminating the need for these carbohydrates while enhancing the flavors. This article explores various approaches to crafting a delectable keto peppercorn sauce, perfect for steaks, chicken, pork, and more.

Understanding the Appeal of Peppercorn Sauce

For many, peppercorn sauce evokes fond memories of restaurant meals, offering a versatile flavor profile that complements a variety of dishes. The beauty of peppercorn sauce lies in its adaptability. Some variations lean towards a gravy-like consistency, while others are distinctly cream-based. Regardless of the specific style, the essence of peppercorn sauce lies in the harmonious blend of cream, peppercorns, and savory undertones.

Key Ingredients for Keto Peppercorn Sauce

The foundation of a great keto peppercorn sauce lies in a few key ingredients:

Peppercorns: Fresh peppercorns are ideal, offering a burst of flavor that dried peppercorns simply can't match. If using dried peppercorns, be aware that they can be harder to eat whole and may not provide the same flavor intensity.
Cream: Heavy cream is essential for achieving the signature creamy texture of the sauce. Coconut milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
Bone Broth: Beef bone broth adds depth and richness to the sauce. Chicken or vegetable stock can be substituted if preferred.
Fat: Ghee, lard, or butter are excellent choices for sautéing aromatics and building the base of the sauce.
Aromatics: Garlic and onion (or onion powder) contribute savory notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.
Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy complexity that complements the peppercorns and cream.

Essential Equipment

Frying Pan: A non-stick frying pan is ideal for cooking the steak and preparing the sauce.
Small Saucepan: This is used for melting the cheese and simmering the sauce.
Pestle and Mortar (or alternative): A pestle and mortar is useful for crushing the peppercorns. Alternatives include a blender, food processor, or rolling pin.
Pouring Jug: This is used for transferring the sauce.

Basic Keto Peppercorn Sauce Recipe

This recipe provides a foundation for creating your own customized keto peppercorn sauce.

Ingredients:

2 small/medium boneless strip or filet mignon steaks (400g/14.1 oz)
1 tbsp ghee or lard
Salt and pepper to taste (pink Himalayan salt is a good option)
1 tbsp ghee or lard
1 tbsp whole peppercorns, black or mixed
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp onion powder or 1/2 small white onion, diced
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream or coconut milk (60 ml/2 fl oz)
1/4 cup bone broth or chicken stock
Salt to taste (pink Himalayan salt is a good option)

Instructions:

Prepare the Steak: Cook the steak to your liking using your preferred method. For thicker cuts (1 1/2 - 1 3/4 inch / 4 - 4 1/2 cm), consider reverse-searing. For thinner cuts, pan-frying works well. Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest, covered with aluminum foil.
Crush the Peppercorns: Coarsely crush the peppercorns using a pestle and mortar, blender, food processor, or rolling pin.
Sauté Aromatics: Add ghee or lard to the pan where you cooked the steaks. Add the peppercorns and cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
Build the Sauce: Add the onion powder (or diced onion), mustard, cream, and bone broth to the pan. Reduce the heat to medium. Bring to a boil and let the liquid reduce by half.
Adjust and Simmer: Reduce heat to low and pour in the cream. Keep stirring until it has reduced to the consistency of a sauce. It should be creamy and be able to coat the back of a spoon.
Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and check for salt. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve: Transfer the sauce to a pouring jug and serve over the steak. Be sure to slice skirt steak AGAINST the grain or else you’ll end up with very chewy meat.

Variations and Customizations

The basic recipe can be adapted to suit your preferences:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Cream Cheese: For added richness and thickness, incorporate cream cheese into the sauce. Melt butter and cream cheese together in a saucepan over low heat until smooth. Then, add the heavy cream and stock, and proceed with the recipe.
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce: This sauce makes a delicious low carb condiment for people who like the flavor of roasted red peppers.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of peppercorns to control the spiciness of the sauce.
Alcoholic Enhancement: Deglaze the pan with brandy after cooking the steak for an extra layer of flavor. Simmer until the alcohol smell has evaporated before adding the bone broth.
Vegan Option: Substitute coconut milk for heavy cream and ensure the bone broth is replaced with vegetable stock.

Serving Suggestions

Keto peppercorn sauce is incredibly versatile:

Steak: The classic pairing.
Chicken: Elevates grilled or pan-fried chicken breasts or thighs.
Pork: Complements pork chops or tenderloin.
Lamb: Pairs well with lamb chops or roasted lamb.
Vegetables: Use as a dipping sauce for vegetables.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking Peppercorns: Be careful not to burn the peppercorns when sautéing them. Add the beef bone broth quickly to stop the cooking process.
Using Dried Peppercorns Whole: Dried peppercorns can be difficult to chew. Crush them before adding them to the sauce.
Not Reducing the Sauce Enough: Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce to the desired consistency. This concentrates the flavors and creates a richer sauce.
Skipping the Resting Period for Steak: Allowing the steak to rest before slicing ensures that it retains its juices and remains tender.

Keto Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Recipe

This easy and versatile keto roasted red pepper sauce can be made in just minutes and makes a delicious low carb sauce or dressing. Squeaky Clean Keto & Whole 30 friendly, it can easily be made vegan too. This keto roasted red pepper sauce is the perfect low carb condiment for people who like the flavor of roasted red peppers, but don’t enjoy the texture. Roasted red peppers can be a bit slimy. It’s a perfect low carb dressing for dipping veggies, saucing proteins, or pouring over a big pile of keto friendly leafy greens for a healthy and delicious salad. My absolute favorite way to enjoy this delicious roasted red pepper sauce is with my keto crab cakes. You will need a blender to get this sauce smooth. You can use a regular blender or a small personal-sized blender like a Magic Bullet. Store in an airtight jar for up to one week in the refrigerator. Do not freeze, or store at room temperature. This easy and versatile keto roasted red pepper sauce can be made in just minutes and makes a delicious low carb sauce or dressing. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Keto Green Peppercorn Sauce

Keto green peppercorn sauce is a steak or chicken sauces. The pictures make it look like I was using capers but I can assure you brined peppercorns do not, in any way, taste like capers. Capers are a little salty and fabulous with fish of any kind and peppercorns are a bit peppery. It’s in the cooking process that these little bits of goodness spring to life. It would seem a crime to me to throw any of the juice away so I have incorporated it into the sauce. Upon opening a jar or can of peppercorns they give an odor of pine which is very nice in small amounts. I have used a filet but this can be used on any really good steak and as I said, on chicken and fish. The sauce itself in quite easy, very fast and made while you rest the steaks. As you can see, it goes nicely with pork belly, bacon, & chuck burgers too. I’m imagining a thick cut pork chop.

Mustard & Peppercorn Sauce

Mustard & Peppercorn Sauce can be served with any meat cut including beef steak, pork or lamb chops, and it's a favorite sauce. It's quick, easy to make and you'll only need commonly found ingredients.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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