Béarnaise Sauce: The Foolproof Guide
Want a creamy, dreamy bearnaise sauce recipe? This easy version, with tarragon and shallots, brings French bistro vibes home! Perfect over steak. Get the secret!

- Béarnaise Bliss: The Easy Way to Elegance
- Béarnaise Sauce: The Foolproof Guide Recipe Card
- Why You'll Flip for This Béarnaise Recipe
- What You'll Need: The Béarnaise Line-Up
- The Nitty-Gritty: Ingredients
- Gear Up: Equipment
- Béarnaise Sauce: The Foolproof Guide to French Elegance
- Recipe Notes: The Devil's in the Details
- Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, let's dive headfirst into the creamy world of bearnaise sauce recipe ! Have you ever wondered how to elevate your steak from "meh" to "magnificent" in mere minutes? Well, Bernaise Sauce is your answer, mate!
Béarnaise Bliss: The Easy Way to Elegance
Honestly, who isn’t a sucker for a luscious sauce béarnaise ? it's that classic french sauce for beef , perfect for slathering on a juicy steak.
This bearnaise sauce is tangy, rich, and aromatic, all thanks to the tarragon, shallots, and peppercorns.
This isn't just another gravy sauce or one of those boring cooking sauces . think of it as a refined steak sauce , a distant cousin to gordon ramsay hollandaise sauce , but with a little je ne sais quoi.
It is perfect over steak, eggs, or even just some steamed french asparagus recipes . it takes about 25 minutes and is moderately difficult.
This will give you approximately 1 cup of bernaise sauce .
Béarnaise Sauce: The Foolproof Guide Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) finely minced shallots (about 1 small shallot)
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) coarsely cracked black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried tarragon, or 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh tarragon, chopped
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) water
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup (113g / 1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and kept warm
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped fresh tarragon, for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground white pepper, to taste
🥄 Instructions:
- Prepare the Reduction: Combine white wine, white wine vinegar, shallots, peppercorns, and dried tarragon (if using dried) in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce until only about 1-2 tablespoons of liquid remain. This should be concentrated and aromatic. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the solids, and set aside.
- Create the Base (Sabayon): In the heatproof bowl (or top of a double boiler), whisk together the egg yolks, water, Dijon mustard, and the strained reduction.
- Cook the Sabayon: Place the bowl over the saucepan of simmering water (making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water). Whisk constantly and vigorously until the mixture becomes pale, thickens, and has doubled in volume. It should be light and foamy and able to hold a ribbon-like trail when the whisk is lifted (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to overheat; lower the heat if needed.
- Emufy with Butter: Remove the bowl from the heat. Very slowly drizzle in the warm, melted butter, whisking continuously and vigorously. Start with just a few drops at a time, then gradually increase the flow as the sauce emufies. Continue whisking until all the butter is incorporated and the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Finish and Season: Stir in the chopped fresh tarragon. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
- Serve Immediately: Béarnaise sauce is best served immediately. If holding, keep warm in a thermos or over a very low heat (using the double boiler method) for a short time, whisking occasionally.
Why You'll Flip for This Béarnaise Recipe
One of the best things about this béarnaise sauce recipe is its versatility. want to impress someone special? whip up a steak bernaise .
Fancy a fancy brunch? drizzle it over eggs benedict. and get this – the fresh tarragon adds a touch of freshness that cuts through the richness.
It's also a good source of healthy fats.
Plus, mastering a béarnaise sauce recipe is a proper cooking badge of honor, isn't it? it takes some attention to detail, but the reward is a savory sauce that’ll have everyone thinking you’ve trained at le cordon bleu.
Forget the a-1 sauce recipes ; this is where it's at!
What You'll Need: The Béarnaise Line-Up
Right then, let's gather our bits. we're aiming for a harmonious blend of flavour. this includes a reduction that combines white wine, white wine vinegar, shallots, peppercorns, and dried tarragon.
In addition to some egg yolks, water, dijon mustard, unsalted butter, chopped fresh tarragon, salt, and freshly ground white pepper.
Now, let's get cooking!
Alright, let's talk about what you actually need to make a killer bearnaise sauce recipe . honestly, it's all about the quality of your ingredients.
Cheap butter? you'll taste it. old eggs? don't even go there. think of bearnaise sauce as sauce bearnaise .
The Nitty-Gritty: Ingredients
Here's what you'll need. We'll keep it super simple, alright?
Main Players
- Dry White Wine: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Sauvignon Blanc works a treat.
- White Wine Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Adds that essential zing.
- Shallots: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , finely minced. About one small one.
- Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon (5ml) , coarsely cracked. Freshly cracked, mind.
- Tarragon: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) dried, or 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh, chopped. Fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch.
- Egg Yolks: 3 large . Happy hens lay happy eggs, right?
- Water: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Dijon Mustard: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) . Adds a little tang and helps with emufication.
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g / 1 stick) , melted and kept warm . Not hot, warm!
- Fresh Tarragon: 1 tablespoon (15ml) , chopped, for garnish. Because we're fancy.
- Salt and White Pepper: To taste. Go easy on the salt to start!
Seasoning Notes
This isn't just any gravy sauce or egg sauce . Think about the flavors! Tarragon, shallots, and pepper are your base.
Flavor enhancers ? A tiny pinch of cayenne if you're feeling frisky. Or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami.
Need a sub? Fresh chervil can stand in for tarragon.
Gear Up: Equipment
You don't need a Michelin-star kitchen. This bearnaise sauce recipe is easier than Gordon Ramsay hollandaise sauce , trust me!.
Essential Tools
- Small saucepan.
- Heatproof bowl that fits snugly over the saucepan. Or a double boiler, if you're posh.
- Whisk. Good old-fashioned elbow grease is key.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.
Common Household Alternatives
Don't have a double boiler? no worries! just use a stainless steel bowl over a pan of simmering water. make sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water.
That's crucial. and ditch the a-1 sauce recipes , we're doing this the right way.

Alright, let's whip up some French magic!
Béarnaise Sauce: The Foolproof Guide to French Elegance
Honestly, who doesn’t love a good sauce? and béarnaise sauce ? chef's kiss! think of it as hollandaise's cooler, more sophisticated cousin.
This béarnaise sauce recipe is your ticket to steak bernaise heaven. it's easier than you think, promise! we are making a sauce béarnaise today.
The best thing about cooking sauces is that they elevate everything. Did you know? Béarnaise sauce recipe is a classic French sauce, known for its rich flavor.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
This is key. get everything prepped before you start. chop your shallots fine. melt your butter, and have those 3 egg yolks ready to go.
Measure out your white wine vinegar, and dried tarragon, if you're using. this essential mise en place will seriously save you time and stress!
Time-saving organization tips: Use small bowls to hold your ingredients. That way, everything is at your fingertips.
Béarnaise Sauce Recipe Step-by-Step: From Scratch to Scrumptious
This is where the magic happens. I swear, once you nail this, you'll be putting Béarnaise on everything .
- Simmer that Reduction: In a small pan, mix 1/4 cup white wine , 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar , 1 tablespoon minced shallots , 1 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns , and 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon . Reduce to 1-2 tablespoons. Strain it!
- Egg Time: Whisk 3 egg yolks , 1 tablespoon water , 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard and your strained reduction in a heatproof bowl.
- Get Foamy: Put that bowl over a pan of simmering water (don't let the bowl touch the water!). Whisk like mad until pale and thick, about 3- 5 minutes. It should be ribbon-like.
- Butter Me Up: Remove from heat. Slowly , and I mean slowly , drizzle in 1/2 cup melted butter , whisking like your life depends on it.
- Season and Serve: Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon . Season with salt and white pepper. Serve this Savory Sauce immediately.
Béarnaise Sauce Recipe Pro Tips That'll Wow
Want to go from good to Gordon Ramsay good? Here's the goss:
- Temperature Control is key! Go low and slow. Too much heat and you'll end up with scrambled eggs. Aim for 140- 160° F (60- 70° C) .
- Broken sauce? Don't panic! Whisk in a tablespoon of ice water. Magic!
- This sauce is great with Steak Bernaise Sauce Easy . It also is amazing with the French Asparagus Recipes . Also, did you know? I have also tried it as a Cheese Sauce For Fish and the result has been outstanding!
So there you have it. Your guide to making amazing Béarnaise . Now go forth and sauce! Try serving it with Steak Hollandaise Sauce .
Right then, let's dive into some extra nuggets of wisdom about our incredible bearnaise sauce recipe . it's not just about following the steps, but about knowing how to make it your own and making sure it's absolutely perfect.
Recipe Notes: The Devil's in the Details
Honestly, after a few attempts at this bearnaise sauce recipe , you'll be whipping it up like a pro. but, hey, even pros need a little guidance sometimes.
Think of these notes as your culinary sat-nav!
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plating On!
Presentation is key, innit? Don't just slop it on. Think about how you can make your dish look like it came straight out of a Michelin-starred restaurant.
- Plating and presentation are essential. A drizzle over a perfectly cooked steak? Divine. Or, why not try it with some French asparagus recipes for a classy side?
- Complementary sides? Steak Frites , obviously! For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works wonders.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Béarnaise , like Gordon Ramsay Hollandaise Sauce , is best fresh, you know? But if you have leftovers...
- Refrigeration guidelines are easy. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezing? Nah, not recommended. It'll likely separate and become a bit weird.
- Reheating instructions: Gently reheat over a double boiler, whisking constantly. Don't let it boil. Honestly, it's better fresh, but you can try!
Variations: Mix It Up!
Fancy a twist? Let’s get creative!
- For dietary adaptations, you could try a dairy-free version using plant-based butter, but it won't be quite the same. Cheese Sauce For Fish , anyone?
- Seasonal ingredient swaps? In the summer, add some finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley.
Nutrition Basics: Just the Facts
Okay, so it's not exactly health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right?
- Simplified nutrition information: It's mostly fat from the butter. But it's good fat. (Don't quote me on that!)
- Key health benefits? Well, it makes your steak taste amazing, which is good for the soul.
Right, there you have it. everything you need to know to create a magnificent bearnaise sauce . get in the kitchen and give it a go! it may not be cafe de paris sauce recipes , but it is a great addition to your repertoire of cooking sauces , and savory sauce options.
With a little practice, you'll be serving up steak bernaise like a true chef. don't be scared and have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my béarnaise sauce recipe curdle or break? Is it knackered?
Oh dear, a broken Béarnaise! Don't chuck it just yet! The most common reason is overheating. The eggs scramble if the temperature gets too high. Also, adding the butter too quickly can prevent proper emufication. To rescue it, try whisking in a tablespoon of ice water or whisk an egg yolk in a clean bowl and very slowly whisk in the broken sauce.
Can I make this béarnaise sauce recipe ahead of time? I have a Sunday roast to think about!
Béarnaise is notoriously best served immediately. However, you can hold it for a short period. Keep it warm in a thermos or over a very low heat (using the double boiler method), whisking occasionally to prevent separation. Honestly though, fresh is always best – like queuing for Wimbledon tickets!
What can I serve with béarnaise sauce? It sounds a bit posh, doesn't it?
Posh or not, Béarnaise is versatile! It's a classic match for steak frites, turning a simple meal into something special, a real treat. Beyond that, it’s amazing with Eggs Benedict, grilled asparagus, or even salmon. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a perfect pairing, too, it would bring it all together.
Is there a substitute for fresh tarragon in this Béarnaise sauce recipe? My garden isn't playing ball!
No tarragon, no problem! While fresh tarragon gives the best flavour, you can use dried tarragon. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of dried tarragon to replace the fresh. Remember, dried herbs are more concentrated, so use less. It won't be quite the same, but it'll still be a lovely sauce.
Can I make a lower-fat version of béarnaise? I am on a diet!
Béarnaise is, by its very nature, a rich sauce. You can’t wave a magic wand and transform this into a healthy dish, love. To try and make it lower fat, you can reduce the amount of butter slightly and add a bit of Greek yogurt (off the heat) for creaminess. The flavour will be different, but it's an option for cutting back slightly.
My shallots are massive! How much shallot should I actually use?
Shallots come in all shapes and sizes, don't they? If yours are particularly large, aim for about 1 tablespoon of finely minced shallots. You want that delicate, slightly garlicky flavour without it overpowering the tarragon and other ingredients. Think Goldilocks – not too much, not too little, just right!
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