What Does Bearnaise Sauce Accompany?

Beary often, the vibrant and rich flavor of bearnaise sauce adds a unique twist to classic dishes such as steak. However, its versatility doesn't stop there. This complex and delicate sauce can elevate a variety of seafood-focused dishes as well.

Bearnaise Sauce: A Culinary Treasure

Bearnaise sauce is a reduction-based sauce that originates from France. It’s made from a base of white wine or white wine vinegar, butter, egg yolks, tarragon, and shallots. Due to its rich flavors and subtle complexity, it can be paired with a wide array of dishes, from simple to extravagant.

Steak Oscar: The Quintessential Example

One of the most famous dishes that bearnaise sauce accompanies is steak oscar. This luxurious preparation usually involves a perfectly cooked steak, complemented by a sliver of egg yolk-strewn sole (a type of flatfish) and topped with the esteemed bearnaise sauce. The steak oscar is a prime example of how bearnaise sauce can exalt the flavors of both meat and fish.

Steak Oscar Recipe

Ingredients:

Steak (traditionally a fillet mignon or a salmon steak, but not limited to these) Whole sole or other fish fillet Béarnaise sauce (homemade or store-bought) Chives and parsley (optional, for garnishing)

Preparation:

Fry the fish finely, ensuring it is well-cooked but not overly dry. Mariners it in butter until it's beautifully golden. When the fish is ready, lay it onto a plate, garnish with chives and parsley if desired, and drizzle bearnaise sauce evenly over the entire dish. Place the perfectly seared steak next to the fish and serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or a simple salad mixed with olive oil and lemon zest.

Variations of Bearnaise-Paired Dishes

While steak oscar is a well-known pair for bearnaise sauce, its potential doesn’t end there. The delicate blend of egg, butter, and herbs can be adapted to various types of seafood and meat dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Fish Dishes

Béarnaise-Steamed Sole: Serve the sole in a steamer, allowing it to steam for about 5-8 minutes. Once softened, it’s arranged with a side of white wine and bearnaise sauce. This is a light and elegant dish. Béarnaise-Caught Scallops: Quickly sear the scallops, and serve them with a finishing drizzle of bearnaise sauce for an added layer of umami.

Meat Dishes

Béarnaise-Roasted Chicken: Basting the chicken in bearnaise sauce while roasting bestows it with a delicate, buttery flavor. Serve with a side of asparagus or vegetables. Boustjlia Stuffed Lamb: A Moroccan dish where lamb is stuffed with various fillings and wrapped in phyllo dough, then finished with a bearnaise sauce for a rich taste.

Popular Seafood Dishes

When making seafood choices, you might go for classics like lobster, shrimp, or mussels that can be prepared with a bearnaise sauce. Here are some popular dishes:

Beurre Blanc-Infused Lobster

Béarnaise sauce can be transformed into beurre blanc, a white wine- and shallot-based sauce that perfectly complements lobster. For a robust and elegant platter, serve bashiled lobster over cooked vegetables or a bed of rice.

Chargrilled Shrimp Tabbouleh

Grill the shrimp, and then toss them with tabbouleh, which is a salad of bulgur, tomatoes, parsley, mint, scallions, and lemon juice. Drizzle the bearnaise sauce on top for a tangy and subtle contrast.

Mussel and Shellfish Steam with Béarnaise

Steam mussels and other shellfish with a light reduction of bearnaise sauce, allowing it to infuse the seafood with a rich, creamy flavor.

In conclusion, the versatility of the béarnaise sauce makes it a fantastic addition not just to steak, but also to a range of seafood and meat dishes. Whether you're preparing French classics or getting creative with global flavors, a well-made béarnaise sauce can elevate any dish. So don't hesitate to let the choices be yours — this is the beauty of culinary experimentation.