EASY Bearnaise Sauce Recipe (2024)

by Erin

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This easy Bearnaise sauce recipe is rich, fluffy, and tangy. This sauce can be used on a variety of dishes, like steak and seafood.

EASY Bearnaise Sauce Recipe (1)

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What is in Bearnaise sauce?

How to make it

Recipe tips

FAQs

What does Bearnaise sauce go with?

Wine pairings for steak with Bearnaise sauce

More homemade sauce recipes

Easy Bearnaise Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Interested in more savory sauce recipes? Try out my Steak Diane, Steak with Red Wine Sauce, Bordelaise Sauce, Lemon Butter Sauce and Homemade BBQ Sauce.

Bearnaise sauce (also spelled Béarnaise sauce) is an extremely versatile classic sauce. It is generally associated with steak orFilet Mignon. Its name is related to the province of Béarn, France.

EASY Bearnaise Sauce Recipe (2)

Bearnaise is a loose derivative of hollandaise sauce. Hollandaise is an egg yolk mixture emulsified with unsalted butter and acid. Hollandaise sauce is also one of the five mother sauces of French cuisine, meaningit can be used to make a range of other sauces.

Bearnaise builds on hollandaise with egg yolks, butter, white wine vinegar, shallots, and tarragon. The mildness of these flavorings make it perfect for chicken and beef as well as seafood. This luscious sauce is especially popular for grilled or broiled meats, such asBroiled Lamb Chops. It’s also incredibly delicious with french fries!

With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to master this delicious sauce the first time.

What is in Bearnaise sauce?

  • Shallot
  • White Wine Vinegar – Gives this sauce its tangy flavor.
  • Fresh Tarragon – Tarragon has an amazing flavor that’s slightly like black licorice. Can’t find fresh tarragon? Try one of these tarragon substitutes.
  • Egg Yolks – This is what gives the sauce its creamy, fluffy texture.
  • Unsalted Butter – Using unsalted butter guarantees that you can control the salt level of your finished sauce.
  • Lemon Juice – Fresh squeezed is best here!
  • Salt + Pepper
EASY Bearnaise Sauce Recipe (3)

How to make it

  • In a small skillet, add the shallots, vinegar, pepper and 1 tablespoon of tarragon leaves and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer over low heat and cook until almost all of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and place in a metal mixing bowl. Allow to cool.
  • Meanwhile, fill a small saucepan with an inch or two of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.To the cooled shallot reduction, add the egg yolks and a dash of cold water. Whisk to combine.
  • Place the metal bowl over the saucepan of simmering water and turn the heat down to low. Keep an eye to be sure the bowl isn’t touching the boiling water.
  • Whisk the egg-shallot mixture until it begins to thicken, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Melt butter in the microwave or on the stove, then gradually whisk it in, a splash at a time. Continue whisking until the sauce has emulsified and coats the back of a spoon.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and remaining 1 tsp. chopped tarragon leaves.
  • Season with salt, to taste. Enjoy!
EASY Bearnaise Sauce Recipe (4)

Recipe tips

  • Unfortunately, this sauce cannot be reheated. However, it can be held at temperature in a sous vide water bath at 130 degrees for up to 4 hours. Add the sauce to a mason jar and place it in the bath.
  • If the sauce gets too hot while whisking, you’ll end up with scrambled eggs.

FAQs

What does Bearnaise sauce taste like?

Béarnaise sauce has a rich, creamy, and tangy flavor with a slight herbal, licorice-like note from the tarragon. The sauce is known for its velvety texture and buttery taste, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes, including steak, fish, and vegetables. Overall, Béarnaise sauce is a flavorful and indulgent addition to any meal.

What’s the difference between Bearnaise and Hollandaise sauce?

Béarnaise sauce and hollandaise sauce are both classic French sauces made with butter, egg yolks, and acid (typically vinegar or lemon juice), but they differ in a few key ways. The main difference between the two sauces is the addition of tarragon and shallots in béarnaise sauce, which gives it a distinct flavor and aroma. Béarnaise sauce also typically includes white wine in its ingredient list, while hollandaise sauce does not.
In terms of texture, béarnaise sauce is often thicker and more velvety than hollandaise sauce, due to the reduction of the shallots and the addition of tarragon. Hollandaise sauce, on the other hand, is known for its smooth, silky texture.

Can I substitute hollandaise sauce for Bearnaise sauce?

Yes. Overall, while both sauces are similar in composition and are often used interchangeably. However, it’s the addition of tarragon and shallots in béarnaise sauce that gives it a unique flavor profile and texture.

EASY Bearnaise Sauce Recipe (5)

What does Bearnaise sauce go with?

  • Sous Vide Filet Mignon
  • Air Fryer Filet Mignon
  • Sheet Pan Salmon
  • Traeger Steak
  • Easy Roasted Chicken
  • Broiled Lamb Chops
  • Deviled Eggs or Eggs Benedict
  • Roasted Vegetables

What to serve on the side

  • Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
  • Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
  • Glazed Carrots
  • Roasted Miso Cauliflower
  • Easy Arugula Salad
  • MORE → 50+ of the best sides for steak
EASY Bearnaise Sauce Recipe (6)

Wine pairings for steak with Bearnaise sauce

  • Full-bodied Chardonnay
  • Viognier

More homemade sauce recipes

  • Romesco Sauce
  • Mustard Sauce for Steak
  • Creamy Peppercorn Sauce
  • Beef Gravy
  • Red Wine Jus
  • Creamy Mushroom Sauce
  • Bordelaise Sauce
  • Red Wine Sauce
  • Lebanese Garlic Sauce
  • Mojo Sauce
  • Chimichurri Sauce
  • MORE → my must try steak sauces

Did you try this Bearnaise sauce recipe?

If you loved this bernaise sauce I would appreciate it so much if you would give this recipe a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me onInstagramusing the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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EASY Bearnaise Sauce Recipe (7)

Easy Bearnaise Sauce Recipe

Perfect to be paired with steak, this Bearnaise Sauce Recipe is flavored with fresh cracked blacked pepper and tarragon leaves.

4.95 from 19 votes

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Servings: 4

Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small skillet, add the shallots, vinegar, pepper and 1 TBSP tarragon leaves and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until almost all of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat and place in a metal mixing bowl. Allow to cool.

  • Meanwhile, fill a small saucepan with an inch or two of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  • To the cooled shallot mixture, add the egg yolks and 1 TBSP water. Whisk to combine.

  • Place the metal bowl over the saucepan of boiling water and turn the heat down to low. Keep an eye to be sure the bowl isn’t touching the boiling water.

  • Whisk the egg-shallot mixture until it begins to thicken, about 5-6 minutes.

  • Gradually whisk in the butter, a splash at a time. Continue whisking until the sauce has emulsified.

  • Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice and remaining 1 tsp. tarragon leaves. Season with salt, to taste. Serve.

Notes

Sauce cannot be reheated.

However, it can be held at temperature in a sous vide water bath at 130 degrees for up to 4 hours. Add the sauce to a mason jar and place it in the bath.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Nutrition

Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 17mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

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This post was originally published in 2021. It was updated in 2023 to add new content. The bearnaise sauce recipe remains the same. Enjoy!

EASY Bearnaise Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in a bearnaise sauce? ›

Béarnaise sauce is a piquant child of hollandaise, one of the so-called mother sauces of French cuisine. It is simply an emulsification — egg yolks and butter cut through with vinegar flavored with tarragon and shallots, with a bite of black pepper.

What herb is best known as the ingredient of bearnaise sauce? ›

Melt until hot and use per recipe. 6. Tarragon is the signature herb of Béarnaise, so you really can't substitute this! Chervil can be substituted with parsley.

What do you have bearnaise sauce with? ›

Béarnaise sauce is commonly paired with grilled fish or steak, but it's just as delicious on roasted vegetables or eggs Benedict. Spoon this silky, herby sauce over roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or grilled mushrooms for a sophisticated dinner party side.

How do you thicken bearnaise sauce? ›

If your béarnaise is thin and runny, transfer to a large bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water. Whisk constantly and vigorously until sauce is thickened.

What is a substitute for butter in bearnaise sauce? ›

Yes, you can make a "light Bearnaise" with olive oil, in fact Gordon Ramsay has done it before and it's featured in a recipe somewhere. Just warm the oil slightly (as you would warm the ghee/clarified butter in an actual Bearnaise sauce,) to keep the temperature correct.

What's the difference between bearnaise and hollandaise sauce? ›

It is regarded as a "child" of hollandaise sauce. The difference is only in the flavoring: béarnaise uses shallot, black pepper, and tarragon, while hollandaise uses white pepper or a pinch of cayenne. The sauce's name derives from the province of Béarn, France.

What is a substitute for tarragon? ›

If the recipe calls for dried tarragon, your options open up a bit. Dried marjoram, oregano, basil, dill, or even rosemary or fennel or anise seed (in a pinch) will work well.

What can I use in bearnaise sauce instead of tarragon? ›

Parsley and Cinnamon

This is one of the best substitutes if you're making bearnaise sauce and realize you're out of fresh tarragon. Simmer a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a tablespoon of parsley in a 1/4 cup of water. Don't boil the mixture, but allow it to simmer for several minutes.

What does bearnaise sauce mean in English? ›

(ˌbeɪəˈneɪz ) noun. (sometimes without capital) a rich sauce made from egg yolks, lemon juice or wine vinegar, butter, shallots, herbs, and seasoning.

Does Ruth's Chris serve bearnaise sauce? ›

Entrée Complements SHRIMP Six additional large shrimp dusted with blackening seasoning and broiled. LOBSTER TAIL Cold water lobster tail, lightly seasoned with Cajun spices, sea salt and butter. OSCAR STYLE Jumbo lump crab cake, asparagus and homemade béarnaise sauce.

What is a fun fact about bearnaise sauce? ›

The recipe is a variation of Hollandaise, one of the five mother sauces of French cuisine. It was first served at the opening of the Le Pavillon Henri IV restaurant in 1836 and is named after the province of Béarn, the birthplace of Henry IV of France.

What makes bearnaise sauce break? ›

Heat can cook the egg yolk and break the emulsion as could mixing the ingredients in the wrong order. We can call this “breaking” curdling. Straining and whisking in a little warm egg yolk might re-emulsify. Whisking or blending alone may help for sauces that have been sitting for awhile.

What will happen to a bearnaise sauce if it gets too hot? ›

What will happen to a bearnaise sauce if it gets too hot? If the ingredients in bearnaise or hollandaise sauce overheat or are overworked, the sauce will split.

What to do if bearnaise splits? ›

Put egg yolk in a clean bowl. Whisk it then add the broken sauce drop by drop with continuing to whisk. If you don't have 3 hands or a way to hold the bowl still, you may want someone to help you. Whisk until the sauce is creamy and hom*ogeneous.

How long will bearnaise sauce keep? ›

Béarnaise sauce is best served immediately, but will keep for three days in an airtight container in the fridge. Use it straight from the fridge like butter for toast, or reheat over a double boiler.

What are the 5 French mother sauces? ›

The five French mother sauces are béchamel, velouté, espagnole, hollandaise, and tomato. Developed in the 19th century by French chef Auguste Escoffier, mother sauces serve as a starting point for a variety of delicious sauces used to complement countless dishes, including veggies, fish, meat, casseroles, and pastas.

What does bearnaise sauce taste like? ›

Buttery, silky with the enigmatic flavour of tarragon and a sharp kick of vinegar, bearnaise is arguably the most elegant sauce to have emerged from the French kitchen.

What is the distinct flavor of bearnaise sauce? ›

The flavor of bearnaise sauce is hard to describe. It's a little tangy, a little savory, and a little bit sweet—plus it has that unique, unmistakable aroma. Some people say it tastes like a mix between hollandaise and mustard sauces, while others find it difficult to put a finger on the flavor.

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