Quick Bearnaise
A rich, buttery sauce with a hint of tarragon and lemon, perfect for enhancing grilled meats and seafood with a classic French flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a small saucepan with white wine, tarragon vinegar, fresh tarragon, and shallots or onion.
- Place egg yolks, lemon juice, and a pinch of cayenne in a blender.
- With the machine running, slowly add the hot butter mixture to the blender.
- Continue blending until the sauce thickens and is well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of Dijon mustard to the blender before mixing. If you don't have fresh tarragon, dried tarragon can be used, but reduce the amount to about 1 teaspoon, as it's more concentrated. Remember to pour the hot butter mixture slowly to avoid scrambling the egg yolks. This sauce is best used immediately, but you can also experiment with adding herbs like chives for variation.
Serving Suggestions
Quick Bearnaise is delicious served over grilled meats, especially steak or salmon. It also pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or as a dipping sauce for artichokes. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or with a side of Easy Baked Stew for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Bearnaise sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a double boiler or microwave on low, stirring frequently. Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy texture and prevent the eggs from cooking further.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Bearnaise contains roughly 226 calories, with 8g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 Bearnaise sauce ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just remember to reheat gently to maintain the right consistency. If you need to make it ahead of time, consider serving it with dishes that can be easily reheated, like grilled meats.
What can I substitute for tarragon vinegar?
If you don't have tarragon vinegar, you can substitute with white wine vinegar mixed with a small amount of dried tarragon. This will mimic the flavor profile of the original recipe. Alternatively, a mix of lemon juice and apple cider vinegar can also work, providing a tangy element to the sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
To lighten the sauce, you can substitute half of the butter with olive oil or use a butter substitute. Additionally, using only two egg yolks instead of three can reduce the richness while still maintaining a creamy texture. This way, you can enjoy a lighter version without sacrificing too much flavor.
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).