Crab-Stuffed Filet Mignon with Whiskey Peppercorn Sauce

Overview

This luxurious recipe features tender filet mignon stuffed with succulent crab, wrapped in crispy bacon, and topped with a rich whiskey peppercorn sauce. It’s a gourmet dish perfect for special occasions and rivals any high-end restaurant meal.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Crab Stuffing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced onion
• 1 teaspoon minced green onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon minced celery
• 1 teaspoon minced green bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons shrimp stock or water
• 1 (6-ounce) can crab meat, drained
• 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Peppercorn Sauce:

• 1 ¼ cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
• 1 fluid ounce whiskey
• 1 cup heavy cream

Steaks:

• 4 (6-ounce) filet mignon steaks
• 4 slices bacon, cooked lightly
• Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced shallot
• 1 cup crimini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 fluid ounce whiskey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crab Stuffing

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion, green onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper until tender.
3. Stir in shrimp stock (or water), crab meat, bread crumbs, and Cajun seasoning.
4. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Peppercorn Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine beef broth and cracked black pepper.
2. Simmer until reduced to 1 cup, stirring frequently.
3. Add whiskey and heavy cream.
4. Continue simmering until the mixture reduces to 1 cup.
5. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Steaks

1. Slice a pocket into the side of each steak and generously stuff with crab stuffing.
2. Wrap bacon around each steak and secure with toothpicks.
3. Season with salt and cracked black pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.
5. Sauté garlic and shallot for 1 minute.
6. Stir in mushrooms and cook until tender.
7. Remove mushroom mixture from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Steaks

1. Place steaks in the skillet and cook to your desired doneness.
2. Remove steaks from the skillet and keep warm.
3. Deglaze the skillet with 1 fluid ounce of whiskey.
4. Reduce heat and stir in the peppercorn sauce and Dijon mustard.
5. Add the mushroom mixture and continue reducing until thickened.
6. Remove toothpicks and bacon from steaks, then plate.
7. Top with the whiskey peppercorn sauce.

Cooking Tips

• Partially Cook the Steaks in a Pan, Finish on the Grill: Sear the filets in the pan and complete cooking on the grill for an added smoky flavor.
• Make the Sauce First: Simmer the sauce while preparing the other ingredients to save time.
• Microwave Bacon First: Pre-cook bacon for a few minutes in the microwave to ensure crispiness.
• Stuffing Variations: Leftover crab stuffing can be used for stuffed mushrooms or crab cakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Enjoy this gourmet dish with a glass of red wine for an unforgettable dining experience!