What is the main ingredient in hollandaise sauce?

Hollandaise sauce is a classic emulsion sauce that is primarily made from egg yolks. The egg yolks serve as the base and provide richness and a luxurious texture to the sauce. When preparing hollandaise, the egg yolks are whisked together and gently heated, often over a double boiler, to create a thick and creamy consistency.

The addition of melted butter to the egg yolks is crucial, as it helps to emulsify the mixture and contributes to the sauce’s velvety mouthfeel. Lemon juice is often added for acidity, giving hollandaise its distinctive tang and balancing the richness of the butter and egg yolks. While all the components are important in the final flavor profile, egg yolks are the essential ingredient that defines hollandaise sauce.