-
1
Add beef stock, onion, carrot, bay leaf, thyme, and whole black peppercorns in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat.
-
2
Decrease heat to medium and, maintaining a lively simmer, let stock reduce in volume to about 1/2 cup.
-
3
Strain the reduction sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a small bowl, pressing lightly on the vegetables to extract any liquid.
-
4
Discard the solids and set sauce aside.
-
5
Meanwhile, combine the crushed black and green peppercorns; firmly press the mixture into the steaks, both the top and bottom sides, coating them evenly.
-
6
Let the pepper-studded steaks rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
-
7
Preheat oven to 200.
-
8
Place a cast iron skillet (just large enough to hold the steaks) over med-high heat and let it warm for 4 minutes.
-
9
Generously salt the top of each steak.
-
10
Pour the oil into the skillet, coating it evenly; when the oil is hot, add the steaks, salt side down; move them slightly after 30 seconds to help browning.
-
11
Cook for 3 minutes per side for medium-rare; make sure to salt the second side of each steak before flipping.
-
12
When the steaks are done, put them in a pan or on a platter and hold them in the warmed oven (the steaks will continue to cook in the oven, so undercook them a bit).
-
13
Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat in the skillet; return skillet to medium heat, adding 1 tablespoon of the butter and shallots.
-
14
Stir until shallots are softened, about 1 minute.
-
15
Add in the cognac and white wine, scraping with a wooden spatula to loosen any browned bits.
-
16
Increase heat to high and reduce liquid by half; add the reduced beef broth and reduce liquid by half again; the sauce should begin to thicken slightly.
-
17
Add any juices that have accumulated beneath the steaks you are holding in the oven and whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons butter, parsley, and salt to taste.
-
18
Place steak on dinner plates; spoon shallots and sauce evenly over and around each one; serve immediately.
-
19
*Note: Only use dried green peppercorns; do not use green peppercorns in brine; if dried green peppercorns are not available, double the amount of black peppercorns.