Au Jus Recipe

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Au Jus is a flavorful and light gravy-like sauce that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, especially prime rib or beef sandwiches. This classic French-inspired accompaniment elevates your meals with its rich, savory essence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can make Au Jus effortlessly.
  • Versatile: Ideal for enhancing the flavor of roast beef, sandwiches, or even mashed potatoes.
  • Restaurant-Quality Flavor: Brings a touch of elegance to your home-cooked meals.
  • Customizable: Adjust the flavors and thickness to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Beef drippings or broth
  • Unsalted butter
  • All-purpose flour (optional for thickening)
  • Garlic, minced
  • Onion powder
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

this recipe
  1. Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the beef drippings or broth.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and onion powder, letting them cook for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add Worcestershire sauce and stir well to combine.
  4. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix butter and flour in a small bowl, then whisk it into the saucepan.
  5. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. For an herbal note, add fresh thyme or rosemary before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe makes about 6 servings.
  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute vegetable broth for beef drippings.
  • Red Wine Addition: Add a splash of red wine for a deeper, more robust flavor.
  • Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
  • Herb-Infused: Use rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves for additional depth.
  • Garlic-Forward: Double the amount of garlic for a stronger garlicky flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover Au Jus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container or ice cube trays for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to restore the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. What is Au Jus?

Au Jus is a light, flavorful sauce made from beef drippings, commonly used as an accompaniment for roasted meats.

2. Can I make Au Jus without beef drippings?

Yes, you can use beef broth or stock as a substitute for drippings.

3. How do I thicken Au Jus?

You can thicken Au Jus by whisking in a mixture of butter and flour or cornstarch slurry.

4. Can I make Au Jus in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance and reheat it before serving.

5. What dishes go well with Au Jus?

Prime rib, roast beef sandwiches, mashed potatoes, and French dip sandwiches pair perfectly with Au Jus.

6. Is Au Jus gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.

7. Can I add wine to Au Jus?

Yes, red wine is a great addition for enhanced flavor.

8. What’s the difference between Au Jus and gravy?

Gravy is typically thicker and made with a roux, while Au Jus is thinner and lighter.

9. Can I use chicken drippings for Au Jus?

You can, but it will create a different flavor profile, suitable for poultry.

10. How do I store leftover Au Jus?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

Au Jus is a simple yet sophisticated addition to your meals, offering a savory and aromatic complement to meats and sides. Whether you’re serving a holiday roast or elevating a casual sandwich, this recipe is a must-have in your culinary repertoire. Try it today and bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table!

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Au Jus Recipe

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Here’s a simple and flavorful Au Jus recipe that you can prepare with or without beef drippings. This sauce is perfect for enhancing dishes like prime rib, roast beef, or French dip sandwiches.

  • Author: ksuur

Ingredients

Scale
  • With Drippings:
    • 4 tablespoons beef drippings
    • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
    • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Without Drippings:
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
    • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base:
    • With Drippings: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the beef drippings, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine (if using).
    • Without Drippings: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Stir in the onion powder and garlic powder, then add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and red wine (if using).
  2. Simmer:
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  3. Season:
    • Taste the au jus and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.
  4. Strain and Serve:
    • For a smooth sauce, strain the au jus through a fine-mesh sieve into a serving container. Serve warm alongside your main dish.

Notes

  • Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir adds depth to the sauce but is optional.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Ensure that your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free if needed.
  • Storage: Store leftover au jus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

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