Hollandaise Sauce

Prep Time 5 min
Cook Time 3 min
Print Recipe
Hollandaise sauce elevates countless dishes with its rich, buttery flavour. This classic French sauce combines egg yolks, lemon juice, and melted butter. Whisking over gentle heat gradually thickens the sauce. For foolproof results, add the butter in a slow, steady stream while whisking constantly. The finished sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a smooth, velvety texture.

Ingredients

  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
  • Pinch cayenne pepper or dry mustard
  • Pinch salt
  • ½ cup (125 mL) butter, melted

Instructions

  • Step 1

    Whisk egg yolks in glass or stainless steel bowl until frothy. Whisk in lemon juice, cayenne pepper and salt.

  • Step 2

    Set bowl over saucepan containing about 1-1/2 inches (4 cm) simmering water (bottom of bowl should not touch water). Heat, whisking constantly, until egg mixture turns pale yellow, thickens slightly and increases in volume. Remove from heat. Slowly whisk in melted butter until sauce is smooth and thickened.

  • Step 3

    Serve warm. Makes approximately 3/4 cup (175 mL).

Variations IconVariations

  • Microwave Method: Whisk egg yolks, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and salt in 4-cup (1 L) glass measuring cup until blended. Slowly whisk in melted butter. Microwave on Medium (50% power) until sauce thickens, 45 seconds to 1 minute. Whisk after 30 seconds and at end of cooking to produce a smooth sauce.
  • Blender Method: Process egg yolks, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and salt in blender just until smooth. With blender running, slowly add melted butter, processing until thickened and fluffy.
  • Make a Bernaise Sauce by replacing lemon juice with tarragon vinegar and adding 1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh parsley and 1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried tarragon leaves.

Paperclip IconTips

Curdling may occur due to overbeating or adding butter too quickly. To rescue a curdled sauce, try one of the following:

  • Whisk another egg yolk in a small bowl. Gradually whisk yolk into the curdled hollandaise sauce.
  • Place 1 tbsp (15 mL) water in a medium bowl. Whisk a small amount of separated sauce into water until it becomes smooth. Keep adding sauce slowly, while continuing to whisk vigorously.

Hollandaise Sauce may be frozen. To use, thaw in refrigerator. Warm in a double boiler over hot (not boiling) water, stirring constantly. If sauce should separate, use procedure outlined above.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 tbsp (15 mL) serving
Calories82
Fat9 g
Saturated Fat5 g
Trans Fat0 g
Carbohydrate0 g
Fibre0 g
Sugars0 g
Protein1 g
Sodium75 mg