Steaks with Béarnaise Sauce

A familiar steak dish served with the classic creamy Bearnaise sauce. Great for a special supper dish or weekend treat.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 2 people

Based on a 2cm thick steak

To Cook Rare: 2½ minutes on each side

To Cook Medium: 4 minutes on each side

To Cook Well Done: 6 minutes on each side

Average Cooking Time for 3lb: 0 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lean sirloin, rump or rib-eye steaks
  • 1-2 tablespoons rapeseed or sunflower oil

  • For the Béarnaise Sauce:

  • 4 black peppercorns, crushed
  • 1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped tarragon
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 175g unsalted butter, clarified
  • Juice of ¼ lemon
  • Pinch cayenne pepper
  • Freshly chopped tarragon, to garnish

Method

  1. Prepare the Béarnaise sauce. To clarify the butter - Melt the butter slowly over a low heat without stirring. Remove from the heat and skim the foam off the surface. Spoon the butter into a small bowl, leaving the milky sediment behind.
  2. In a small pan bring the peppercorns, shallots, tarragon and vinegar to the boil and reduce to about 1 tablespoon.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat, cool slightly then strain into a heatproof bowl, whisk in the egg yolks and discard the shallot mixture
  4. Set the bowl over a pan of simmering hot water. The bowl should sit just above the water. Whisk the mixture over a low heat for about 5-6 minutes, or until thick and creamy, leaving a ribbon-like trail.
  5. Slowly add the clarified butter, a little at a time until it becomes thick and glossy. Stir in the lemon juice, seasoning, cayenne and tarragon. Keep warm.
  6. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large non-stick pan. Season the steaks and cook
  7. Serve the steaks with the sauce, fat chips and a side salad.