Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Beef Fillet with Easy Béarnaise Sauce! This recipe is one of those special dinners that make you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant right in your own home. I first tried this dish on a cozy date night with my husband, and believe me, the rich flavors and tender beef had us both smitten. The silky Béarnaise sauce, with its buttery goodness and tangy hints, takes this meal to the next level without any fuss!
What I love about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to whip up, making it perfect for celebrations or just an ordinary night when you want to treat yourselves. The combination of juicy beef fillet and that creamy sauce is simply irresistible—each bite feels like a little celebration. Plus, it’s a family-friendly meal that even those more picky eaters will enjoy! If you’re feeling adventurous, pair it with my roasted veggies on the side for a complete and delightful dinner. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Fillet with Easy Bearnaise Sauce
- Succulent beef fillet cooked to perfection for a melt-in-your-mouth experience
- Quick and easy bearnaise sauce elevates the dish without complicated steps
- Rich, flavorful sauce thanks to fresh tarragon and butter
- Searing the beef creates a crispy crust while keeping it juicy inside
- Simple ingredients make this an approachable gourmet meal
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special dinner at home
- Customizable with your favorite herbs or sides, like roasted veggies or a fresh salad
This dish combines the elegance of a classic steakhouse meal with the comfort of home cooking, making it a winning choice for any occasion!
How to Make Beef Fillet With Easy Bearnaise Sauce
This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion! The tender beef fillet pairs beautifully with the creamy, flavorful bearnaise sauce that you can whip up in no time. With just a few ingredients and some simple steps, you’ll impress everyone at your table!
What You’ll Need:
- Beef fillet steaks – 2 steaks, about 6-8 ounces each. I recommend going for grass-fed if you can; it adds a lovely flavor and tenderness.
- Salt and black pepper – to taste, for seasoning. Always season generously for maximum flavor!
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons. I love using extra virgin olive oil for its rich taste.
- Fresh thyme – or other herbs for garnish. Fresh herbs like thyme add a beautiful aroma and pop of color.
For the Easy Bearnaise Sauce:
- Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup. I prefer organic butter for its quality and flavor.
- Egg yolks – 3 yolks, to create that creamy base. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for best results.
- White wine vinegar – 1 tablespoon, for a tangy hint.
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon, which brightens the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh tarragon – 1 tablespoon finely chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried tarragon. Fresh is best if you can find it!
- Salt and pepper – to taste, to accentuate the flavors.
The Directions:
- Take the beef fillets out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps them cook evenly.
- While waiting, generously season both sides of the fillets with salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers invitingly.
- Add the beef fillets to the skillet, searing for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you’re aiming for perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer—130°F is what you want for medium-rare.
- Once done, remove the fillets from the skillet and let them rest on a plate for about 5 minutes. This keeps all those delicious juices in!
- For the bearnaise sauce, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat until fully melted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, white wine vinegar, and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Place this bowl over a pot of simmering water (the double boiler method) and whisk continuously for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens up nicely.
- Gradually pour in the melted butter while whisking constantly. This will make your sauce velvety and rich!
- Finally, stir in the chopped tarragon and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a little taste test and adjust as needed.
- To serve, slice the beef fillet and arrange it on a lovely platter. Drizzle that yummy bearnaise sauce over the top or serve it on the side.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or whatever herbs you love.
- Enjoy your delicious Beef Fillet with Easy Bearnaise Sauce right away—it’s sure to impress!
Feel free to pair this dish with some roasted veggies or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While the beef fillet steaks provide a tender texture, you can also use ribeye, sirloin, or tenderloin. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness and fat content of the cut you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Tarragon?
No problem! If you don’t have fresh tarragon, dried tarragon works just fine—use about a teaspoon. Alternatively, you could substitute with dried thyme or parsley for a different flavor profile, though it will alter the classic bearnaise taste slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Bearnaise Sauce?
Leftover bearnaise sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a double boiler or over very low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid overheating as it may cause the sauce to separate.
Can I Make the Bearnaise Sauce Ahead of Time?
While bearnaise sauce is best served fresh, you can prepare the base (eggs and vinegar mixture) ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours. Just make sure to whisk in the butter right before serving to maintain its creaminess. Enjoy your meal prep!
