Grilled Beef Tips with Kentucky Peppercorn Sauce

Mar 05, 2025

Grilled Beef Tips with Kentucky Peppercorn Sauce

Grilled Beef Tips are seared to perfection and paired with a rich, creamy Kentucky Peppercorn Sauce, infused with bourbon, Dijon mustard, and cracked black pepper. This hearty and flavorful dish embodies the bold flavors of Churchill Downs cuisine, making it a standout choice for race-day dining.

Wine Pairing— Kendall-Jackson Kentucky Derby
Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast, 2022

Ingredients

• 1½–2 Pounds Beef Tips (Sirloin Or Tenderloin Cut Into Bite-Size Chunks)
• 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt, Or To Taste
• ½ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper, Or To Taste
• 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Or Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter

Kentucky Peppercorn Sauce:

• 1 Shallot, Finely Chopped
• 2 Garlic Cloves, Minced
• 2 Tablespoons Bourbon
• 1 Tablespoon Coarsely Crushed Black Peppercorns
• ½ Cup Beef Stock
• ½ Cup Heavy Cream
• 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• Salt, To Taste

Instructions

1.     Pat The Beef Tips Dry With Paper Towels. Season With Salt And Pepper.

2.     In A Large Skillet Or Sauté Pan Over Medium-High Heat, Melt 1 Tablespoon Oil And 1 Tablespoon Butter Together.

3.     When The Pan Is Hot And The Butter Is Foamy, Add The Beef Tips In A Single Layer. Avoid Overcrowding—Work In Batches If Necessary. Sear For About 2–3 Minutes Per Side, Just Until Browned.

4.     Transfer Browned Beef Tips To A Plate; Keep Warm.

5.     Sauté Shallots & Garlic: Reduce Heat To Medium. In The Same Pan, Add The Chopped Shallots And Garlic. Sauté For About 1–2 Minutes, Stirring Frequently, Until Softened And Fragrant (Avoid Burning The Garlic).

6.     Carefully Pour In The 2 Tablespoons Bourbon To Deglaze The Pan. Use A Wooden Spoon To Scrape Up Any Browned Bits From The Bottom.

7.     If Desired, You Can Ignite The Bourbon With A Long Match Or Lighter To Burn Off The Alcohol Quickly. Take Proper Safety Precautions When Doing This. Let The Flames Subside Naturally.

8.     Stir In The Coarsely Crushed Peppercorns And The ½ Cup Beef Stock. Bring To A Gentle Simmer.

9.     Pour In The ½ Cup Heavy Cream And Whisk In The 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard. Let The Sauce Simmer For About 2–3 Minutes To Reduce Slightly And Thicken.

10.  Taste The Sauce. Add A Pinch Of Salt, If Needed (The Peppercorns Already Bring A Punch, So Season Thoughtfully).

11.  Add The Browned Beef Tips (And Any Natural Juices) Back Into The Skillet. Simmer In The Sauce For 1–2 Minutes, Until Heated Through And The Sauce Coats The Beef.

12.  For An Extra Silky Finish, Swirl In 1 Tablespoon Cold Unsalted Butter Just Before Serving.

13.  Transfer The Beef Tips And Sauce To A Serving Dish Or Ladle Over Mashed Potatoes, Rice, Or Buttered Noodles.

14.  Top With A Sprinkle Of Chopped Parsley For Color, Or Add A Little More Freshly Cracked Pepper.