Bordelaise Sauce
Bordelaise Sauce is a rich, flavorful red wine-based sauce with mushrooms and shallots, perfect for enhancing beef and other meats with a sophisticated touch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the red wine and beef stock in a small saucepan and reduce the liquid to half.
- Saute sliced mushrooms and chopped shallots in butter until tender; add to the wine mixture.
- Add chopped parsley, salt, and pepper; simmer for a few minutes.
- Thicken the sauce with the cornstarch mixed with water.
- Serve the sauce on meats of any kind.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, use a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. If you don’t have beef stock, chicken stock can be a suitable substitute, although the flavor will be lighter. Feel free to add a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity or a pinch of dried thyme for an herbal note. Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust seasoning.
Serving Suggestions
Bordelaise sauce is perfect for drizzling over grilled or roasted meats, particularly beef cuts like filet mignon or ribeye. It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, and roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts make excellent sides. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Beef Stroganoff(Microwave) or Frigidillies(Danish Meatballs).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Bordelaise sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a bit of water or additional stock to reach the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bordelaise Sauce contains roughly 226 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1957mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Bordelaise sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Bordelaise sauce a day in advance. Allow it to cool, then store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before serving. The flavors may even improve after sitting overnight, making it a great make-ahead option for dinner parties.
What types of wine work best for this sauce?
A full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, is ideal for Bordelaise sauce as it provides depth and richness. Avoid overly sweet wines; instead, choose a dry red that complements the savory flavors of the sauce.
Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?
Absolutely! You can enhance Bordelaise sauce by adding ingredients like a splash of brandy for depth or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor. Just be sure to balance the flavors as you add new elements to maintain the classic taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).