Zebu Steak with Vanilla-Peppercorn Sauce
A succulent Zebu steak, a prized meat in Madagascar, is pan-seared to perfection and served with a rich, aromatic sauce infused with the island's famous vanilla and a hint of spicy green peppercorns.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 pieces Zebu steaks(about 1.5-2 cm thick)
- 1 pod Vanilla bean(split and seeds scraped)
- 1 tbsp Green peppercorns(fresh or rehydrated, lightly crushed)
- 2 medium Shallots(finely minced)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 0.25 cup Cognac or Brandy
- 1 cup Beef broth
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(freshly ground, to taste)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Pat the zebu steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- 2
Heat vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or to your desired doneness. Remove steaks from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- 3
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Add the minced shallots and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in the Cognac or brandy and carefully ignite it with a long match or lighter, letting the flames subside. This is flambéing, which adds depth of flavor.
- 5
Add the beef broth, scraped vanilla seeds and pod, and crushed green peppercorns to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until the sauce has reduced slightly.
- 6
Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Remove the vanilla pod. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- 7
Slice the rested zebu steaks and serve them with the vanilla-peppercorn sauce spooned over the top.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Zebu meat can be tougher than beef, so ensure you don't overcook it to maintain tenderness.
- ✓If fresh green peppercorns are unavailable, use rehydrated ones.
- ✓Adjust the amount of peppercorns to your spice preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add a splash of white wine along with the beef broth for added complexity.
- Serve with a side of rice or roasted root vegetables.