Textual Chef

Béarnaise Sauce

A luxurious French sauce made with clarified butter, egg yolks, white wine vinegar, and fresh herbs. This classic sauce is perfect for steak, eggs, or roasted vegetables.

25 minMediumServes 4240 cal/serving

FrenchSauceStovetopVegetarianNut-FreeSoy-FreeGluten-Free

Ingredients

  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh tarragon, chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh chervil or parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 tsp black peppercorns, crushed
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, clarified, warm
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • pinch cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a small saucepan, combine 1 minced shallot, half of the 2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon, 1/4 cup white wine vinegar, 1/4 cup dry white wine, and 1/2 tsp crushed black peppercorns.

  2. 2

    Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and reduce until only about 2 tablespoons of liquid remain, about 5-7 minutes.

  3. 3

    Strain the reduction into a heatproof bowl, pressing on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard solids and let the reduction cool slightly.

  4. 4

    Place the bowl over a pot of barely simmering water, making sure the bottom doesn't touch the water.

  5. 5

    Add 3 large egg yolks to the reduction and whisk constantly until the mixture becomes pale and thick, about 3-4 minutes.

  6. 6

    Remove from heat and very slowly drizzle in 3/4 cup clarified, warm unsalted butter while whisking continuously to form an emulsion.

  7. 7

    Stir in the remaining fresh tarragon, 2 tsp chopped fresh chervil or parsley, 1/4 tsp salt, and a pinch of pinch cayenne pepper.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately or keep warm for up to 30 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a few drops of warm water.

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