Pecan Free Béarnaise Sauce
Rich, velvety, and deeply aromatic, this classic French emulsion sauce is the kind of thing that turns a simple steak or roasted asparagus into a restaurant-worthy plate. The base is a sharp reduction of dry white wine, white wine vinegar, shallots, and fresh tarragon — that herby, slightly tangy backbone is what separates a true béarnaise from a plain hollandaise. Clarifying the butter before emulsifying it into the egg yolks gives the sauce its signature silky texture and clean, golden color. Whisking the yolks over a double boiler and bringing them to 160°F keeps everything food-safe without scrambling anything. The whole process rewards patience: adding that warm clarified butter drop by drop at first is what coaxes the emulsion into something thick, glossy, and spoonable. A finishing fold of finely chopped fresh tarragon and optional chervil keeps the flavor bright and unmistakably classic. Tree nut concerns are completely off the table here — every ingredient is straightforward pantry and produce staples, so you can focus entirely on technique and enjoy the results.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the reduction
- 3 tbsp dry white wine
- 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 2 medium shallots, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon leaves, roughly chopped (for reduction)
- ¼ tsp black pepper, coarsely cracked
For the sauce
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 3 pasteurized egg yolks
- 1 tbsp cold water
- ¼ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh tarragon leaves, finely chopped (for finishing)
- 1 tsp fresh chervil, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the white wine, white wine vinegar, minced shallots, roughly chopped tarragon, and cracked black pepper in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer and cook until the liquid is reduced to about 2 tbsp, 5–7 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a heatproof bowl, pressing on the solids to extract all the liquid; discard the solids. Let the reduction cool for 2–3 minutes until no longer steaming.
- 2
Melt the butter in the small saucepan over medium-low heat, then increase the heat slightly and cook until the foam subsides and the milk solids settle to the bottom, about 5 minutes. Skim off any foam from the surface. Carefully pour the clear golden butter into a liquid measuring cup or small pitcher, leaving the white milk solids behind in the pan; discard the solids. Keep the clarified butter warm.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!