- 2 tbsp tarragon vinegar
- 50ml/2fl oz white wine
- 1 tsp white peppercorns
- 1 small banana shallot, finely diced
- 4 eggs, yolks only
- 200g/7oz butter, melted
- 2-3 tbsp tarragon, leaves picked and chopped
- ¼ lemon, juice only
- 4 x 200g/7oz fillet steaks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 large chipping potatoes, cut into 1cm x 7.5cm/½in x 3in batons
- vegetable oil, for deep-frying
- For the béarnaise sauce, place the vinegar, white wine, peppercorns and shallot into a small saucepan and bring to the boil.
- Simmer until the volume of the liquid has reduced by half.
- Strain the sauce through a fine sieve into a medium sized bowl and allow to cool slightly.
- Add the egg yolks to the vinegar reduction and whisk well.
- Place the bowl over a pan over simmering water (do not allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the water) and whisk constantly until thickened and light in colour.
- Gradually add in the melted butter, whisking constantly.
- Season with salt and black pepper and add the chopped tarragon leaves. Add lemon juice, to taste.
- Turn off the heat and leave the bowl over the pan until ready to use.
- For the fries, heat a deep fat fryer to 160C/325F. Alternatively, heat vegetable oil in a deep-sided, heavy bottomed pan until a breadcrumb gently cooks and gradually turns golden-brown. (CAUTION:hot oil is dangerous. Do not leave unattended).
- Carefully place the potato batons into the fat fryer in batches and fry for 3-4 minutes, or until tender but not coloured.
- Remove the fries from the fryer in their basket, then increase the heat on the fat fryer to 190C/375F (If using a pan, heat the oil until a breadcrumb sizzles and turns golden-brown when dropped in) and return the chips to the fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden-brown and crisp.
- Remove the fries from the fryer and drain onto kitchen paper then season with salt and a little black pepper.
- For the steaks, heat a griddle pan until hot.
- Drizzle the oil over the steaks and rub well to coat. Season with salt and black pepper, then cook on the griddle for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Remove the steaks from the griddle and rest for three minutes before serving.
- To serve, place the steaks onto four serving plates, pile the fries alongside and finish with a dollop of béarnaise sauce.