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Classic Bordelaise Sauce (Steakhouse Style)
Bordelaise sauce is what happens when you caramelize shallots low and slow, deglaze with a good red wine, and let it all reduce down to something deeply concentrated and savory. It takes 45 minutes and it's the reason steakhouse steak tastes the way it does.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shallots, diced (about 2 large shallots)
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 cup red wine, bordeaux, cab sav, or merlot
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme, (optional)
- 2 cups beef stock, plus more as needed
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown and caramelized, about 15 to 20 minutes. Season with the kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Pour in the red wine and simmer over medium-low heat until reduced by half and just starting to turn syrupy, about 15 minutes.
- Add the beef stock and thyme and continue to simmer over medium-low heat until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 15 minutes. If the sauce reduces too much, stir in additional beef stock 2 tablespoons at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
- Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or serving vessel, pressing the solids gently with a spoon. Discard the solids and serve immediately poured over steak.
Notes
- Don't panic - this sauce is supposed to reduce significantly. Starting with 3 cups of liquid and ending up with ½ cup is how you get that deep, concentrated flavor.
- Make it ahead: the strained sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of beef stock if it's gotten too thick.
- If you're making steak at the same time, you can use the same skillet you seared the steak in. The brown bits will add even more flavor. Just keep it warm under foil to rest until the sauce is ready.
Calories: 156kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 419mg, Potassium: 598mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 98IU, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 51mg, Iron: 2mg
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