Ycaroh Kitchen Blog

Classic Beurre Rouge Sauce

beurre rouge

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

25 minutes

Servings

4

Yield

About 1 cup

Calories

Approximately 210 calories
Beurre Rouge, or Red Butter Sauce, is a sophisticated cousin of the classic Beurre Blanc, offering a deeper, wine-infused flavor that’s as luxurious as it is versatile. This sauce marries the richness of butter with the complexity of red wine, creating a velvety smooth consistency that beautifully complements a wide range of dishes, from succulent steaks to delicate fish. The addition of shallots and a hint of acidity from the wine balances the sauce, making it a perfect accompaniment that promises to elevate your dining experience. Our Classic Beurre Rouge Sauce recipe walks you through the steps to achieve a flawless emulsion, ensuring a gourmet result that’s bound to impress.

Ingredients

    • 1/4 cup dry red wine
    • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
    • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
    • Salt, to taste
    • Optional: 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (for stabilization)
    Note: Select a quality red wine that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will be prominent in the sauce.

Instructions

  • Combine red wine, red wine vinegar, shallots, bay leaf, and peppercorns in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Simmer until the mixture is reduced to about 2 tablespoons of liquid.
  • Strain the reduction back into the saucepan, discarding the solids.
  • Over low heat, gradually whisk in the chilled butter, one piece at a time, waiting until each piece is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  • The sauce should become thick and glossy.
  • If using, whisk in the heavy cream to help stabilize the sauce.
  • Season with salt to taste. Serve immediately, or keep the sauce warm over very low heat until needed.

Tips & Tricks

  • Maintain a gentle heat to avoid separating the sauce; if it does begin to separate, a few drops of cold water whisked in can help bring it back together.
  • Beurre Rouge is particularly suited to dishes with red meat or rich, oily fish.
  • For an extra dimension of flavor, consider adding a sprig of thyme or rosemary to the reduction.

Mise en Place

Ingredients

Utensils

  • Dry red wine
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Shallots
  • Bay leaf
  • Black peppercorns
  • Unsalted butter
  • Salt
  • Optional: heavy cream
  • Saucepan
  • Strainer
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

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