Whisked Hollandaise Sauce with Lemon and Tarragon
A silky, tangy Hollandaise sauce enriched with fresh lemon juice and aromatic tarragon, perfect for drizzling over asparagus or eggs Benedict. This french-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends large egg yolks, unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 large egg yolks
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon leaves, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together 3 large egg yolks and 1 tbsp water until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Step 2: Place the bowl over a simmering pot of gently boiling water (double boiler) ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Whisk constantly for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens and doubles in volume.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter until fully liquid and warm but not hot.
- Step 4: Slowly drizzle the warm butter into the egg yolk mixture while whisking vigorously to emulsify, continuing until all butter is incorporated and sauce is thick and glossy.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and whisk in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp white pepper until smooth and fragrant.
- Step 6: Serve immediately over steamed asparagus or poached eggs, or keep warm in a thermos for up to 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Whisked Hollandaise Sauce with Lemon and Tarragon take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Whisked Hollandaise Sauce with Lemon and Tarragon?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Whisked Hollandaise Sauce with Lemon and Tarragon?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Whisked Hollandaise Sauce with Lemon and Tarragon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Whisked Hollandaise Sauce with Lemon and Tarragon vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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