Sauce Bearnaise

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: French

A rich, velvety Béarnaise sauce with tarragon and shallots, perfect for steaks, seafood, or vegetables, offering a sophisticated flavor complement to various dishes.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
  • 2 tablespoons fresh, finely cut tarragon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh, finely cut parsley
  • 1 1/2 cups Hollandaise made without lemon juice
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Reduce the white vinegar, white wine, shallots, and tarragon by boiling until only 2 tablespoons remain.
  2. Strain the mixture to remove solids.
  3. Incorporate the strained reduction into the Hollandaise sauce made without lemon juice and add the chopped parsley.
  4. Serve the sauce with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Hollandaise sauce. If you don't have tarragon, you can substitute with dill or chervil, though the flavor will differ. Make sure to use fresh herbs for the best results. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a bit of warm water to reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sauce Bearnaise alongside grilled meats, such as steak or chicken, and it also pairs wonderfully with seafood like salmon or shrimp. For a lighter option, try it over roasted vegetables. This sauce can elevate dishes like the Spinach Fruit Salad when drizzled over grilled asparagus or zucchini.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Sauce Bearnaise in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, whisking continuously to prevent separation. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to adjust the consistency when reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sauce Bearnaise contains roughly 305 calories, with 23g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (185% of the Daily Value), calcium (81% of the Daily Value), and potassium (69% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 572mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

305 kcal 15% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 23.3g 47% DV
Total Fat 6.9g 9% DV
Carbs 51.5g 19% DV
Fiber 9.7g 35% DV
Sugar 1.5g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 572.3mg 25% DV
Potassium 3255.4mg 69% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 189mcg 21% DV
Vitamin C 57.6mg 64% DV
Calcium 1046.7mg 81% DV
Iron 33.4mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 Sauce Bearnaise ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the reduction in advance and store it separately. Combine it with the Hollandaise sauce just before serving to ensure optimal flavor and texture.

What if my Sauce Bearnaise is too thick?

If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a few drops of warm water or broth to loosen it up. This will help maintain a smooth consistency without compromising the flavor.

Can I freeze Sauce Bearnaise?

Freezing Sauce Bearnaise is not recommended, as the emulsion may break when thawed. It's best enjoyed fresh; however, you can save the reduction and make a new batch of Hollandaise when you're ready to serve.

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).

Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →