One of my favorite recipes, and likewise for my teenage sons? Steak au poivre, which can get pricey on a single parent budget — especially during a recession.
That said… Now and then it’s worth a splurge, and if you time it right, it’s not entirely budget-busting, especially for two.
My budget-beautiful Steak au Poivre recipe
Enjoyed at Valentine’s with my teenage son, this is a meal we have more often than you might think. And on a budget! Filet, fries, and Caesar Salad – 20 to 25 minutes to prepare, for $14 to $20.
- two 6 oz. filets, lean*
- Sear on both sides in a pan, high heat (margarine or butter)
- Add fresh ground pepper, a pinch of salt, a dollop of Dijon mustard
- Add red wine!
- Lower heat, cover for a minute or two (make sure it stays pink inside)
I buy excellent Caesar Salad makings packaged at the supermarket, and add fresh organic spinach leaves and more fresh ground pepper.
And yes, sometimes I make “real” home fries, but I make no bones about being in a rush to feed a hungry teenager, and that means 20 minutes of start-to-finish cooking time. So we enjoy frozen waffle fries, baked at 400 degrees, adding salt, rosemary, fresh ground pepper and garlic pepper to taste.
And for dessert: there’s always French Twist Mini Pecan Pies! Or healthier – enjoy some fresh fruit (whatever is in season).
*Filet mignon is delicious, but very expensive. We find a grass-fed tenderloin that is very nearly as good, for a third the price, at our local supermarket. Note that the range in price is a function of finding the grass-fed tenderloin versus the more expensive cut.
My husband’s mouth began watering when he saw the picture. He loves steak. I don’t. Since I cook, guess what is rarely on the menu? That’s right, steak. But, you have inspired me. Maybe I will make this as a romantic dinner this week? ooo that would be a pleasant surprise!
But, I don’t like bloody meat. Nope. Any suggestions?
If he likes his pink – take his steak out when it’s done, and leave yours a little longer. I like mine pinker (but not bloody) than my son, so mine comes out faster. I’m not a fancy cook, I just cut into it to see if it’s the color I like. Take mine out, and take his out of the pan about a minute or two later.
You can also try London Broil. Wonderful cut of meat. Incredibly affordable, and super easy to make (in the oven). About $9 gets you a sizable piece of very tender meat, usually good for two dinners, two people (in which one eats MOUNTAINS of food).
yum! my daughter does not like pepper (yet) she is only 4 and a half, but she love to eat steak. Filet, or NY Strip usually. Recently she has started to eat fish too, i make poached salmon for us. She is not an adventurous eater, but sometimes will try ‘plainer’ things (not spicey or with a lot of spices) if i am eating them.