Cilantro Lime Beurre Blanc

Last updated: February 18, 2026

Ingredients

1/4 c sliced garlic
1/4 bunch cilantro
6 black peppercorns
2/3 c dry white wine (150 ml)
1/3 c lime juice (75 ml)
1/4 cup heavy cream
8 oz butter, cut into small chunks, chilled
3 tbsp vegetable/chicken/any kind of stock

Recipe

1/4 c sliced garlic
1/4 bunch cilantro
6 black peppercorns
2/3 c dry white wine (150 ml)
1/3 c lime juice (75 ml)
Add to a 1.5qt saucepan over high heat and bring to boil. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer—around medium low—and simmer until liquid is down to 1 tbsp, about 20 minutes.

1/4 cup heavy cream
Add to the saucepan, increase heat to medium, simmer until it'll coat a spoon, about 5-10 minutes.

8 oz butter, cut into small chunks, chilled
3 tbsp vegetable/chicken/any kind of stock
Reduce heat to low. Add butter to the saucepan one piece at a time, whisking constantly to maintain the emulsion. Strain into small saucepan and stir in stock. Keep warm until ready to use.

Court Bouillon

Court bouillon roughly translates to "crap, I need stock but don't have any, what is a poor schmuck like me supposed to do?" Or it might be "quick stock." I've heard it both ways.

No matter how you translate it, it's perfect for those times when you need a flavorful stock but don't have any. Chances are you have most of the basic ingredients though. And even if you don't, you can substitute other flavorful vegetables in their place.

Court bouillon (adapted from Thomas Keller's recipe in Ad Hoc)

Makes 1.5 qts

1 large onion, sliced in 1/4-inch-thick
1 carrot, washed or peeled, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
3 sprigs thyme
3 whole peppercorns. Tellicherry is great, but use whatever you've got
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 quart water
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup white wine vinegar

Add all ingredients to a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for about 20 minutes, or while you prep the ingredients of whatever dish you're making that requires stock. Strain the liquid and discard the vegetables.