Beef Au Jus is a savory, flavorful sauce made from beef drippings, broth, and seasonings. Perfect for enhancing roasted beef dishes or as a dipping sauce for French dip sandwiches, this classic accompaniment adds depth and richness to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Savory: Enhances the natural flavors of beef.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just a few minutes.
- Versatile: Perfect for roasts, steaks, or as a sandwich dip.
- Restaurant Quality: Create a professional-level sauce at home.
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)
- Beef broth or stock
- Dry red wine (optional, for depth of flavor)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic, minced
- Onion powder
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for aroma)
- Salt and black pepper
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Directions
- Collect the Drippings
- After roasting beef, pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a small bowl. Skim off excess fat if necessary.
- Deglaze the Pan
- Place the roasting pan over medium heat. Add a splash of red wine (or beef broth) to the pan and scrape up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. This adds rich flavor to the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients
- In a medium saucepan, combine the deglazed liquid, beef drippings, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion powder, and fresh herbs if using. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer and Season
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Thicken (Optional)
- If a slightly thicker sauce is desired, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Strain and Serve
- Strain the au jus through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids for a smooth finish. Serve warm in a gravy boat or bowl.
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 bay leaves, rosemary, or thyme for an aromatic touch.
- Garlic Butter Au Jus: Stir in a tablespoon of butter for a richer flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Onion Flavor: Sauté thinly sliced onions before adding the liquids for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and soy sauce instead of beef drippings and broth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling to preserve the flavor.
- Freezing: Freeze in small portions in ice cube trays or airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make au jus without pan drippings?
Yes, use beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of butter to replicate the flavor of drippings.
What’s the difference between au jus and gravy?
Au jus is a thinner, broth-like sauce made without thickening agents, while gravy is thicker and often uses flour or cornstarch.
Can I skip the wine?
Yes, substitute the wine with extra beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Is au jus gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
What type of beef pairs best with au jus?
Prime rib, roast beef, ribeye steak, or French dip sandwiches are ideal pairings.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the au jus in advance and reheat gently before serving.
How do I ensure the sauce isn’t too salty?
Use low-sodium beef broth and taste-test before adding additional salt.
Can I add other flavors to the au jus?
Yes, mushrooms, shallots, or a splash of soy sauce can enhance the flavor.
Can I make this without a roasting pan?
Yes, use a skillet or saucepan to create the sauce directly with broth and seasonings.
What’s the best way to serve au jus?
Serve alongside roasted meats, over mashed potatoes, or as a dip for sandwiches.
Conclusion
Beef Au Jus is a classic, savory sauce that brings out the best in roasted meats and sandwiches. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s the perfect way to elevate any meal. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a restaurant-quality sauce at home that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
PrintBeef Au Jus Recipe
This flavorful, light sauce is made with beef drippings and broth, enhanced with savory seasonings for a rich, aromatic finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Simmering
- Method: Sauce
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 1 cup beef drippings (or substitute with 2 tbsp butter)
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup dry red wine or 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 mixed with 2 tsp water (optional, for slightly thickened sauce)
Instructions
- Heat the Drippings or Butter:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the beef drippings. If you don’t have drippings, melt the butter and scrape any browned bits from a pan for added flavor.
- Deglaze with Wine (Optional):
- Add the red wine or sherry to the saucepan. Stir and simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and incorporate the flavors.
- Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer to Blend Flavors:
- Let the au jus simmer gently for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
- If a slightly thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the au jus is slightly thickened.
- Serve:
- Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth finish. Serve warm alongside your roast or as a dipping sauce for French dip sandwiches.
Notes
- For an even richer flavor, use homemade beef stock if available.
- If you don’t have wine or sherry, you can substitute with an additional 1/4 cup of beef broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Store leftover au jus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.