Breakfast · Brunch · American

Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with Lemon-Chive Hollandaise

Elevate your weekend brunch with perfectly poached eggs, silky smoked salmon, and a zesty, foolproof hollandaise sauce over toasted muffins.

4.8(126 reviews)
·By Ethan Brooks·
Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with Lemon-Chive Hollandaise — American Breakfast served and photographed from above
Prep
15 min
Cook
10 min
Difficulty
Medium
Serves
2

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Before you start

    How to Make Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with Lemon-Chive Hollandaise

    Total time: 25 min · Yields 2 servings

    1. 1

      Prepare the Hollandaise

      In a blender, combine 3 egg yolks, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend on low for 10 seconds. With the motor running, very slowly drizzle in the hot melted butter in a thin stream until the sauce is thick and emulsified. Stir in the lemon zest, chives, and cayenne by hand.

    2. 2

      Poach the Eggs

      Bring a large saucepan of water to a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil). Add the vinegar. Crack one egg into a small ramekin. Use a spoon to create a gentle whirlpool in the water and drop the egg into the center. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.

    3. 3

      Toast and Assemble the Base

      Toast the English muffin halves until golden brown and crisp. Place two halves on each plate. Top each muffin half with a generous portion of smoked salmon, folding it to create height.

    4. 4

      Final Assembly

      Carefully place one poached egg on top of each salmon-muffin stack. Generously spoon the warm Lemon-Chive Hollandaise over the eggs. Garnish with a few capers, sprigs of dill, and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately.

    Chef's Tips

    • Use the freshest eggs possible for poaching; the whites stay together much better.
    • If your hollandaise gets too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it.
    • Keep your serving plates warm in a low oven to prevent the sauce from breaking once served.

    What to Serve with Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict with Lemon-Chive Hollandaise

    The garlic butter sauce is the star — pick sides that soak it up or balance the richness.

    • Crispy potato latkes
    • A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
    • A chilled glass of Mimosa or Prosecco

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I make the hollandaise in advance?

    Hollandaise is best served fresh, but you can keep it warm for up to 30 minutes in a thermos or a bowl placed over warm (not hot) water.

    Why add vinegar to the poaching water?

    The acid in the vinegar helps the egg whites coagulate faster, resulting in a neater shape.

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