Hollandaise sauce is a classic French sauce that has become a staple in many kitchens around the world. Made with egg yolks, butter, and lemon juice, this rich and creamy sauce is often associated with eggs Benedict.
But did you know that hollandaise sauce can be used to elevate a variety of dishes? From fish to vegetables, there are endless possibilities when it comes to incorporating this delicious sauce into your meals.
In this article, we’ll explore some creative ways to use hollandaise sauce and provide you with easy-to-follow recipes that are sure to impress your taste buds.
So grab your apron and get ready to take your cooking skills to the next level!
What Do You Put Hollandaise Sauce On?
Hollandaise sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used to enhance the flavor of many dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Eggs Benedict: Let’s start with the classic. Eggs Benedict is a breakfast favorite that consists of a toasted English muffin, Canadian bacon, a poached egg, and hollandaise sauce. It’s a delicious way to start your day.
2. Fish: Hollandaise sauce pairs perfectly with fish, especially salmon and halibut. Simply grill or bake your fish and drizzle the sauce over it for a rich and flavorful meal.
3. Vegetables: Hollandaise sauce can turn any vegetable into a gourmet dish. Try it on asparagus, broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts for a decadent side dish.
4. Sandwiches: Use hollandaise sauce as a spread on your favorite sandwich for an extra burst of flavor. It works particularly well with turkey or ham.
5. Potatoes: Hollandaise sauce is a great alternative to traditional gravy on mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.
6. Burgers: Elevate your burger game by adding hollandaise sauce instead of ketchup or mustard. It’s especially delicious on a breakfast burger with bacon and a fried egg.
7. Dips and spreads: Mix hollandaise sauce with sour cream or cream cheese for a tasty dip or spread for crackers or veggies.
Hollandaise Sauce 101: A Brief Overview
Hollandaise sauce is one of the five French mother sauces and is made from egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and warm butter. It’s a delicate sauce that can be tricky to make, as it requires emulsification between the egg yolks and butter. Hollandaise sauce is typically pale yellow, smooth, and creamy in appearance. It’s commonly used as a finishing sauce for dishes like Eggs Benedict, poached fish, and asparagus.
To make hollandaise sauce, you’ll need to heat up some butter until it’s hot and stream it into blended egg yolk mixture to create a velvety smooth sauce. The egg yolks are typically mixed with lemon juice, dijon mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper before the hot butter is added. The mixture should be blended for a few seconds until it’s thickened and creamy.
While hollandaise sauce can be intimidating to make at first, it’s a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of dishes. From breakfast classics like Eggs Benedict to gourmet sandwiches and vegetable dishes, hollandaise sauce can add a rich and flavorful touch to any meal.
The Classic Pairing: Hollandaise Sauce And Eggs Benedict
One of the most iconic uses of hollandaise sauce is in eggs Benedict. This dish is a breakfast staple that features a toasted English muffin, Canadian bacon, a poached egg, and hollandaise sauce. The creamy and buttery flavors of the sauce complement the savory bacon and perfectly-cooked egg. It’s a decadent and filling meal that’s perfect for special occasions or lazy weekend mornings.
Making hollandaise sauce for eggs Benedict may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. All you need are egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and butter. Blend the egg yolks, lemon juice, and seasonings in a blender, then slowly add in hot melted butter while blending until the sauce is thick and creamy.
To assemble the eggs Benedict, start by toasting an English muffin and frying some Canadian bacon until it’s slightly browned. Poach an egg by gently slipping it into simmering water for about 4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolk is still runny. Place the Canadian bacon on top of the toasted muffin, followed by the poached egg. Spoon a generous amount of hollandaise sauce over the top of the egg and sprinkle with some chopped fresh herbs or paprika for garnish.
The combination of hollandaise sauce and eggs Benedict is a classic pairing that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings for a hearty breakfast.
Beyond Brunch: Hollandaise Sauce On Fish And Seafood
While hollandaise sauce is often associated with breakfast and brunch, it’s also a fantastic addition to fish and seafood dishes. The rich and buttery flavor of the sauce pairs perfectly with the delicate taste of fish, adding a touch of elegance to any meal.
One of the most popular pairings is salmon with hollandaise sauce. Simply pan-sear or bake your salmon fillet and top it off with a generous drizzle of hollandaise sauce. The result is a mouthwatering dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Halibut is another fish that works well with hollandaise sauce. It has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the sauce, allowing its buttery goodness to shine through. Try grilling or broiling your halibut and topping it with hollandaise sauce for a delicious and easy meal.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try pairing hollandaise sauce with shrimp or scallops. These seafood options are a bit more delicate, so it’s important not to overpower them with too much sauce. Instead, use just a small amount to enhance their natural flavors.
Vegetables Get A Makeover: Hollandaise Sauce On Asparagus And More
When it comes to vegetables, hollandaise sauce can take them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Asparagus is a classic pairing with hollandaise sauce, and for good reason. The sweetness of the asparagus pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy sauce. Simply roast or grill your asparagus until tender and caramelized, then drizzle the hollandaise sauce over it for a decadent side dish.
But don’t stop at asparagus – broccoli, artichokes, and even roasted Brussels sprouts can benefit from a generous spoonful of hollandaise sauce. The sauce’s lemony tang adds a bright note to the earthy flavors of these veggies.
Hollandaise sauce can also be used as a dip or spread for veggies or crackers. Mix it with sour cream or cream cheese for a tangy and creamy dip that’s sure to be a hit at your next party.
So next time you’re looking to add some pizzazz to your veggies, give hollandaise sauce a try. With its rich and creamy texture and bright lemony flavor, it’s sure to elevate any dish.
Hollandaise Sauce Variations: Adding A Twist To The Classic Recipe
While the classic hollandaise sauce recipe is delicious on its own, there are many variations that you can try to add a unique twist to this classic condiment. Here are some ideas:
1. Saffron and Orange: Add saffron, orange zest, and orange juice to your hollandaise sauce for a citrusy and floral flavor that pairs perfectly with fish dishes.
2. Tomato and Basil: Mix in some chopped tomatoes and fresh basil to your hollandaise sauce for a summery twist. This variation is great with lamb or grilled vegetables.
3. Herbaceous: Add herbs like tarragon, chervil, and chives to your hollandaise sauce for a fresh and herbaceous flavor. This variation is perfect when served over asparagus or poached eggs.
4. Red Wine Reduction: For a bold and rich flavor, try making a red wine reduction and adding it to your hollandaise sauce. This variation is excellent when served with steak or roasted vegetables.
5. Lemon and Dill: Mix in some lemon juice and fresh dill to your hollandaise sauce for a bright and tangy flavor that pairs well with seafood.
6. Spicy: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your hollandaise sauce for a spicy kick. This variation is perfect when served with breakfast tacos or spicy chicken sandwiches.
7. Garlic and Parmesan: Mix in some minced garlic and grated Parmesan cheese to your hollandaise sauce for a savory and cheesy flavor. This variation is great when served with roasted potatoes or grilled chicken.
Try these variations on the classic hollandaise sauce recipe to add some excitement to your meals!
Easy Hollandaise Sauce Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions For Making At Home
Making hollandaise sauce at home may seem intimidating, but with these easy step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create a velvety smooth sauce in no time.
Ingredients:
– 3 egg yolks
– 1/2 cup (125 mL) butter
– 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice
– Pinch cayenne pepper or dry mustard
– Pinch salt
Equipment:
– Large bowl
– Whisk
– Saucepan
– Water
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a microwave for about 1 minute until hot.
2. Combine the egg yolks, lemon juice, dijon, salt and cayenne pepper into a high powered blender and blend for 5 seconds.
3. Set a glass or metal bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (about 180 degrees; do not let the water touch the bowl). Add the egg yolks to the bowl. Using a metal whisk or wire whip, whisk the yolks constantly without overcooking the yolks. You’ll know the yolks have thickened enough when you can draw a line through the yolks and yolks stay put. The line does not fill in.
4. Remove from heat and immediately stir in lemon juice. Off the heat, set a kitchen towel over pot of water and set bowl on top. Starting with just a few drops at a time, whisk in the warmed clarified butter.
5. Once the emulsion has formed, you can add butter more quickly.
6. Once all the butter has been added, taste for seasonings. Add salt and tabasco or cayenne pepper if desired.
7. Use immediately or set aside in a warm (but not hot) place for up to 1 hour. If the sauce appears too thick, whisk in a few drops of warm water until desired consistency is reached.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious hollandaise sauce right at home. Experiment with different dishes to find your favorite way to enjoy this versatile condiment.
