Classic Hollandaise Sauce
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Prep Time:5 Minutes
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Cook Time:PT15M10 Minutes
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Yield:4 Servings
- 2 tablespoons white wine
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 4 black peppercorns
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1-2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Kosher salt
- 1 Cayenne pepper
- 1 stick butter, melted and clarified
- 25.56g white wine
- 12.78g white wine vinegar
- 4 black peppercorns
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1-2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Kosher salt
- 1 Cayenne pepper
- 1 stick butter, melted and clarified
Make this sauce the traditional way over a double boiler, or fast and easy with a blender—your choice! Try it over salmon, asparagus, broccoli, crab cakes, baked potato or eggs benedict. It is a classic French mother sauce for a reason!
In a small pan over medium heat add white wine, white vinegar, and peppercorns. Cook until reduces by half. Strain and set aside. (This step, is optional)
Fill a pot half full of water and bring to a simmer. Do not boil! Place a metal bowl over the pot being sure the bottom does not touch the surface of the water.
To the bowl add egg yolks and wine reduction (if using). Whisk constantly until eggs are lighter in color and reach a ribbon like consistency, about 2-4 minutes. Monitor the water temperature in the pot and be sure it doesn't come to a full boil.
Turn the stove heat off, but leave the bowl on the pot over the hot water. Slowly start drizzling the hot clarified butter one tablespoon at a time into the egg yolks while constantly whisking. Be sure butter is fully emulsified before adding more.
Season hollandaise with fresh lemon juice, salt and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Serve immediately. If sauce becomes too thick whisk in small amounts of hot water until you reach your desired consistency.
Blender Method:
Place all ingredients except butter in a blender (or a container to use with a hand blender). Process for 5 seconds until well mixed.
With the blender on high, slowly pour in melted butter. Mixture should turn thick and creamy once all the butter is added. Adjust seasoning to taste and keep warm by placing container in a bowl of very warm water until ready to serve.