Best Basic Bearnaise Sauce Recipe

Gil Kulers•

This thick, tangy sauce goes on top of steaks, vegetables, eggs, or even oysters. The hint of tarragon in Bearnaise sets it apart from other sauces, and a dash or two of hot sauce can give it a nice little kick.

Our recipe calls for the use of a blender, not only to save your wrist from the threat of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that comes from trying to whisk this sauce, but also to offer the chance for a quick save if the sauce "breaks" (see instructions).

Try this sauce next time you're grilling a steak and you'll be hooked!

Best Basic Bearnaise Sauce Recipe
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Prep Time
5
minutes
Cook Time
10
minutes
Servings
8
to 12 servings
Total time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup tarragon
  • 2 shallots
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 pound butter
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 to 2 dashes hot sauce
  • 1/8 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 2 ounces warm water
  • salt and white pepper to taste
Directions
  1. In a small saucepan, combine tarragon, shallots, vinegar, and wine over medium-high heat. Reduce by half. Remove from heat and set aside. This is your bearnaise reduction.
  2. Fill a blender with hot tap water to warm the vessel. Pour out water just prior to making the sauce.
  3. Melt the butter in a small sauce pot, swirling constantly, until the butter reaches 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The butter should be approximately 140 degrees prior to blending.
  4. Place Béarnaise reduction, egg yolks, lemon juice, and hot sauce in the blender.
  5. Blend on high for about 30 seconds. (This is an important step. Do not omit.) Pour about 1 tablespoon of butter into the egg mixture until fully incorporated. Pour another 1 or 2 tablespoons in the mixture until well incorporated. In a slow, steady stream pour the rest of the warm butter. Add mustard powder. If the sauce starts to look like mayonnaise, add a little warm water with the blender running, about a teaspoon at a time.
  6. Add salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. The sauce should be thick but pourable. Add warm water to thin as needed. Sauce should taste buttery, tangy, and as spicy as desired with just a hint of egginess and, of course, a strong-but-not-overpowering tarragon flavor.
  7. Pour the sauce into a slightly warmed pitcher or gravy boat and cover with cellophane.
 
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