Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

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4
servings
2 unit

shallots

finely chopped

3 tbsp

tarragon

chopped

2 tbsp

white wine vinegar

2 tbsp

dry white wine

1 tsp

peppercorns

crushed

3 unit

egg yolks

14 tbsp

butter

at room temperature

1 pinch

Salt

1 pinch

freshly ground black pepper

1 tbsp

fresh lemon juice

Step 1
~2 min

Finely chop the shallots and tarragon.

Step 2
~2 min

Crush the peppercorns.

Step 3
~2 min

Combine shallots, 1 tbsp tarragon, white wine vinegar, white wine, and crushed peppercorns in a heavy nonreactive saucepan.

Step 4
~2 min

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

Step 5
~2 min

Boil for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture has reduced by half.

Step 6
~2 min

Strain the liquid through a sieve and let cool slightly.

Step 7
~2 min

Whisk the egg yolks and 1 tbsp water in a heatproof bowl.

Step 8
~2 min

Place the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water (double boiler).

Step 9
~2 min

Whisk in the cooled liquid reduction into the egg yolks.

Key Technique: Reduction
Step 10
~2 min

Whisk in the butter, 1 tbsp at a time, until each addition softens into a creamy sauce before adding more.

Step 11
~2 min

Whisk in the lemon juice and remaining tarragon.

Step 12
~2 min

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 13
~2 min

Serve immediately.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Keep the sauce warm but not hot to prevent it from breaking.

Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.

Adjust the lemon juice to taste.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

5 minutes

Batch Cooking
Not Ideal
Make Ahead

Can be made a few hours in advance and kept warm in a thermos.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Moderate (buttery, herbal)
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with grilled steak, asparagus, or poached eggs.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Steak frites
Eggs Benedict
Grilled asparagus

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

France

Cultural Significance

Classic French sauce, often served in fine dining.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Special occasions
Holidays

Occasion Tags

Dinner party
Romantic dinner
Special occasion

Popularity Score

65/100