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 perfect for brunch dishes like eggs Benedict.
But did you know that hollandaise sauce can also be paired with a variety of other foods? From fish to vegetables to meats, there are endless possibilities for this versatile sauce.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best foods to pair with hollandaise sauce and provide tips for making the perfect dish every time.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some delicious new ways to enjoy hollandaise sauce!
What Goes Well With Hollandaise Sauce?
Hollandaise sauce is a versatile sauce that can be paired with a variety of foods. Here are some of the best foods to pair with hollandaise sauce:
1. Fish: Hollandaise sauce is a natural pairing with fish, especially salmon and halibut. The rich and creamy sauce complements the delicate flavor of the fish perfectly.
2. Vegetables: Hollandaise sauce is also a great way to dress up vegetables. Asparagus, broccoli, and cauliflower are all great options. Simply steam or roast the vegetables and drizzle with hollandaise sauce for a delicious side dish.
3. Meats: Hollandaise sauce pairs well with chicken, steak, and pork. For a more robust flavor, try pairing it with lamb.
4. Eggs: Of course, eggs Benedict is the classic dish that comes to mind when thinking of hollandaise sauce. But you can also use hollandaise sauce to top scrambled eggs or as a dip for hard-boiled eggs.
Pairing Hollandaise Sauce With Fish And Seafood
Hollandaise sauce is a popular accompaniment to fish and seafood dishes. The rich, buttery sauce adds a touch of luxury to any seafood meal. Poached salmon is a classic dish that pairs perfectly with hollandaise sauce. The delicate flavor of the poached salmon is enhanced by the creamy sauce, making for a truly elegant and delicious meal. Halibut is another fish that pairs well with hollandaise sauce. The mild flavor of the halibut is complemented by the rich and buttery sauce.
For those who prefer shellfish, hollandaise sauce can also be paired with crab and lobster. Crab imperial, a classic Maryland dish made with blue crab, is typically bound in a mayonnaise-based sauce. However, some chefs opt to use hollandaise sauce instead, which creates an even silkier spread.
Finally, shrimp and scallops are also great options when it comes to pairing with hollandaise sauce. The sweet and delicate flavor of shrimp and scallops pairs well with the rich and creamy sauce. Simply sauté or grill the seafood and top with hollandaise sauce for a decadent and flavorful meal.
Hollandaise Sauce And Vegetables: A Match Made In Heaven
One of the best pairings for hollandaise sauce is vegetables. Asparagus, baby potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, radish, mushrooms, and carrots are all great options. The creamy and buttery texture of the sauce complements the fresh and crisp flavors of the vegetables perfectly.
To make a vegan version of hollandaise sauce, simply use a few plant-based ingredients like vegan butter, nutritional yeast, black salt, and lemon juice. The key to achieving a creamy texture is to cook the sauce over low heat and whisk it constantly. You can also season the sauce with chili powder or garlic for added flavor.
To prepare the dish, steam or roast the vegetables until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch. Then drizzle the hollandaise sauce over them for a delicious and elegant side dish. You can also serve the sauce over your favorite tofu egg, quiche, or tart.
For a more traditional approach, try pairing hollandaise sauce with white asparagus. This classic German dish is prepared by steaming or boiling the white asparagus and serving it with hollandaise sauce. The combination of flavors is pure perfection and is a must-try during asparagus season.
Meat And Hollandaise Sauce: A Perfect Combination
Meat lovers rejoice! Hollandaise sauce is not just for eggs and vegetables. It also pairs perfectly with a variety of meats. Chicken, fish, and steak are all great options to pair with hollandaise sauce. The rich and creamy sauce adds a luxurious touch to any meat dish.
When choosing a meat to pair with hollandaise sauce, it’s important to choose a cut that you know will be cooked to perfection. A perfectly cooked piece of meat will enhance the flavors of the hollandaise sauce and create a mouth-watering combination.
For those who want a stronger flavor, lamb or pork are great options. The robust flavor of lamb or pork pairs well with the rich and buttery hollandaise sauce. Whether you’re grilling, roasting or pan-frying your meat, hollandaise sauce is the perfect finishing touch.
Tips For Making The Perfect Hollandaise Sauce Dish
Making hollandaise sauce can seem intimidating, but with these tips, you’ll be able to create the perfect dish every time:
1. Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before starting. This will help the ingredients emulsify properly and prevent the sauce from separating.
2. Keep the heat low: When whisking the egg yolks and lemon juice, make sure to do so over a double boiler on low heat. This will prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly and curdling.
3. Whisk constantly: Whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice constantly while slowly adding in the melted butter. This will help create a smooth and creamy texture.
4. Add water if needed: If your hollandaise sauce is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of hot water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
5. Serve immediately: Hollandaise sauce is best served immediately after making it. If you need to keep it warm, place it in a heatproof bowl over a pot of warm water, making sure not to let the water touch the bottom of the bowl.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious hollandaise sauce that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.
