If you’re looking for a show-stopping steak recipe with a uniquely South African twist, this Seared Beef Fillet with Chocolate Chilli and Amarula Sauce is guaranteed to impress. Tender, perfectly seared beef fillet is paired with a luxurious sauce that balances the subtle sweetness of Amarula, the richness of dark chocolate, and the gentle warmth of fresh chilli. The result is an elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
This recipe transforms premium beef fillet into an unforgettable dining experience. The silky Amarula sauce is infused with onion, garlic, beef stock, tomato purée, dark chocolate and chilli, creating layers of flavour that perfectly complement the juicy steak. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, entertaining guests, or celebrating a special occasion, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time.
Few flavour combinations are as indulgent as rich beef, smooth Amarula liqueur and dark chocolate. While chocolate in a savoury sauce may sound unusual, it adds incredible depth without making the sauce sweet. Combined with a hint of chilli and served alongside a crisp fresh salad, this sophisticated beef fillet recipe is destined to become one of your favourite special occasion meals.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 4 beef fillet steaks (about 200 g each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Chocolate Chilli Amarula Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh chilli (adjust to taste)
- 125 ml Amarula Cream Liqueur
- 60 ml tomato purée
- 250 ml beef stock
- 45 ml dry red wine or red wine vinegar
- 30 g good-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped
To Serve
- Fresh green side salad
- Optional: Baby potatoes, mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables
Instructions
- 1. Season the beef fillet with salt and pepper. Sear in a very hot griddle pan for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or cook to your preferred doneness. Rest for 5 minutes.
Cook for approximately:
- Rare: 2–3 minutes per side
- Medium-rare: 3–4 minutes per side
- Medium: 4–5 minutes per side
- Well done: 5–6 minutes per side
A perfectly cooked steak deserves an unforgettable sauce
- 2. Meanwhile, sauté onion, garlic and chilli in olive oil until softened. Stir in Amarula, tomato purée, beef stock and red wine (or vinegar). Simmer gently before adding the dark chocolate. Stir until melted and glossy.
- 3. Serve the rested steaks generously spooned with the warm Amarula chocolate chilli sauce and a crisp green salad.
Enjoy this elegant South African-inspired steak that’s perfect for date nights, dinner parties or any celebration where you want to impress your guests.
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- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Total
- 30 min
- Serves
- 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Chilli Amarula Sauce
To Serve
Method
Prepare the Sauce
Heat the olive oil in a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until beginning to soften.
Stir in the garlic and chopped chilli and cook for another minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
Pour in the Amarula, allowing it to bubble gently for a minute.
Add the tomato purée, beef stock and red wine (or red wine vinegar). Stir well until everything is combined.
Reduce the heat and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5–7 minutes so the flavours develop.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate. Continue stirring until the chocolate has completely melted and the sauce is smooth, glossy and velvety.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Cook the Beef Fillet
Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking.
Pat them dry with paper towel and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat a griddle pan or heavy cast-iron pan until very hot.
Lightly brush the steaks with olive oil.
Cook for approximately: Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the steaks.
Rare: 2–3 minutes per side Medium-rare: 3–4 minutes per side Medium: 4–5 minutes per side Well done: 5–6 minutes per side
Chef's Tips
Use good-quality dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa for the richest flavour. Amarula provides a distinctive South African richness that beautifully complements beef. Resting the steaks before serving ensures tender, juicy meat. For an extra luxurious finish, whisk a small knob of butter into the sauce just before serving. The sauce can be prepared several hours ahead and gently reheated before serving.
