Au Jus is a rich and flavorful beef drippings-based sauce that perfectly complements roasted meats like prime rib, roast beef, or French dip sandwiches. This classic accompaniment enhances the natural flavors of the meat with its savory and slightly tangy profile. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality au jus at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Deep, savory, and rich, just like your favorite steakhouse.
- Easy to Make: Requires simple pantry staples and minimal effort.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with roasted meats, sandwiches, or even mashed potatoes.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavors to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef drippings or pan juices (from roasted beef or prime rib)
- Beef broth or beef stock
- Dry red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Onion powder
- All-purpose flour or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Deglaze the Pan
- After roasting beef, place the roasting pan over medium heat. Add red wine (if using) or a small amount of beef broth to the pan and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Transfer the liquid to a small saucepan.
- Prepare the Au Jus
- In the saucepan, combine the pan drippings, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion powder. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Adjust the Consistency
- If you prefer a thicker au jus, whisk 1 teaspoon of flour or cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to make a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering au jus until desired thickness is reached.
- Season and Strain
- Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Strain the au jus through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids for a smooth finish.
- Serve
- Pour the au jus into a serving bowl or gravy boat. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary if desired, and serve warm alongside your roasted meat.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 2 cups
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Herbed Au Jus: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or bay leaves while simmering for an aromatic twist.
- Garlic-Lovers: Roast garlic and mash it into the sauce for a richer flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
- White Wine Au Jus: Substitute red wine with white wine for a lighter flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and a splash of soy sauce instead of beef broth for a plant-based au jus.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling, as it may alter the flavor.
- Freezing: Freeze in small portions in airtight containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I make au jus without pan drippings?
Yes, substitute the drippings with extra beef broth or stock and add a small amount of butter for richness.
What’s the difference between au jus and gravy?
Au jus is thinner and more broth-like, while gravy is thickened with flour or cornstarch for a heavier consistency.
Can I skip the wine?
Yes, you can use additional beef broth instead of wine.
Is au jus gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How do I enhance the beef flavor?
Add a beef bouillon cube or concentrated beef base for a stronger flavor.
What cuts of meat pair best with au jus?
Prime rib, roast beef, ribeye steak, or even pork roasts work wonderfully with au jus.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the au jus in advance and reheat gently before serving.
What can I use au jus for besides dipping?
It’s great as a sauce for mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even as a soup base.
How do I prevent the au jus from being too salty?
Use low-sodium beef broth and taste-test before adding extra salt.
Can I use chicken drippings for a lighter version?
Yes, chicken drippings and broth can be used to create a poultry-based jus.
Conclusion
This classic Au Jus recipe is a simple yet flavorful sauce that enhances any roast or sandwich with its rich and savory depth. Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners, this easy-to-make accompaniment is a must-have in your cooking arsenal. Customize it to your liking, and enjoy the compliments it’s sure to bring!
PrintAu Jus Recipe
Au Jus is a light, flavorful sauce made from beef drippings and broth. It’s the ideal complement to roast beef, prime rib, or a French dip sandwich.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 1 cup beef drippings (or substitute with 1 tbsp butter and browned bits from a pan)
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup red wine or dry sherry (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for slightly thickened sauce)
- 1 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)
Instructions
- Heat the Drippings or Butter:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the beef drippings over medium heat. If using butter, melt it until it begins to foam, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- Add the red wine or dry sherry to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until reduced slightly.
- Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer and Adjust Flavor:
- Let the Au Jus simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Thicken (Optional):
- For a slightly thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook for another 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Strain and Serve:
- Strain the Au Jus through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth sauce. Serve warm alongside your roast or French dip sandwiches.
Notes
- If you don’t have drippings, use a beef bouillon cube dissolved in 1 cup of water for added flavor.
- Au Jus can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef stock if available.