Lemony Hollandaise Sauce

Prep: 5 min Cook: 5 min Cuisine: French

A tangy and buttery lemon hollandaise sauce with bright citrus flavor, perfect for drizzling over vegetables, eggs, or seafood to elevate any dish.

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Ingredients

  • 1 whole lemon
  • 2 well beaten egg yolks
  • 1 stick butter

Instructions

  1. Use a small, heavy pot.
  2. Squeeze a whole lemon into the pot.
  3. Add the well beaten egg yolks to the lemon juice.
  4. Add the butter to the mixture.
  5. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly.
  6. When the butter is melted, cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer.
  7. Remove from heat and serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother hollandaise, ensure your butter is at room temperature before adding it to the mixture. If you need a lighter version, substitute half of the butter with olive oil. To prevent the sauce from curdling, keep the heat low and stir constantly. You can also experiment with different citrus juices for a unique flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions

Lemony hollandaise sauce is ideal for drizzling over poached eggs, steamed asparagus, or grilled fish. It pairs beautifully with Swiss Egg Casserole for a delightful brunch. Consider serving it alongside toasted bread for a complete meal or as a dipping sauce for veggies.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover hollandaise sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it over a double boiler while stirring continuously to restore its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemony Hollandaise Sauce contains roughly 463 calories, with 10g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D.

463 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.4g 21% DV
Total Fat 42g 54% DV
Carbs 12.8g 5% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 45.1mg 2% DV
Potassium 436.1mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 136.5mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 1.3mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 2.9mcg 15% DV
Calcium 114.1mg 9% DV
Iron 6.8mg 38% DV
Diet fit Low-carb
Contains Milk Egg

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 hollandaise sauce ahead of time?

Hollandaise sauce is best served fresh, but you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember to reheat it gently to maintain its texture. If it thickens too much, whisk in a little warm water to loosen it up.

What can I use instead of lemon?

If you're looking for a different flavor profile, lime or orange juice can be used as substitutes for lemon juice in hollandaise sauce. Each will give the sauce a unique taste while maintaining the necessary acidity. Adjust the amount according to your preference.

How do I fix a broken hollandaise sauce?

If your hollandaise sauce breaks and separates, you can rescue it by adding a teaspoon of boiling water while whisking vigorously. Alternatively, you can start with a new egg yolk in a separate bowl and gradually whisk in the broken sauce until it's smooth.

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).

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