Welcome to the delicious world of au jus. If you’re not familiar with the term, au jus simply means “with juice” in French. It’s typically used as a dip or sauce for meats, particularly beef, and is made using the natural juices from the cooked meat. A good au jus is rich, savory, and packed with flavor, elevating any meal to new heights.
Whether you’re a master in the kitchen or an amateur cook, perfecting the art of au jus is a must-have skill for anyone who loves delicious, juicy meat. Making a mouthwatering au jus requires patience, attention to detail, and a little bit of magic. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of creating the perfect au jus, step by step. From choosing the right cut of meat to adding the final touches, we’ll share all our best tips and techniques to make sure your au jus is the real star of the show.
How to Make Delicious Au Jus Sauce at Home
What is Au Jus Sauce?
Au Jus is a French term that means “with juice.” It refers to a thin, flavorful gravy made from the natural juices that come out of meat during cooking. This is what makes it the perfect accompaniment to any roast beef or steak dish. It’s a simple yet elegant sauce that can elevate your meal to a whole new level.
Ingredients Needed for Au Jus Sauce
To make a delicious Au Jus Sauce, you’ll need beef broth, red wine, garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and a bay leaf. These ingredients work together to create a rich and savory flavor that will complement the natural flavors of the meat.
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
Step-by-step Instructions for Making Au Jus Sauce
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make your very own delicious Au Jus Sauce:
- Start by sautéing garlic and onion in a pot over medium heat. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf into the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and create a rich and savory sauce.
- After simmering, remove the bay leaf and strain the sauce through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids. You can also use a cheesecloth for a smoother texture.
- Optional: you can add a little cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. To make this, mix equal parts cornstarch and water until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly add this into the sauce, stirring constantly until desired thickness is achieved.
- Serve hot alongside your favorite roast beef or steak dish.
With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can make your very own delicious Au Jus Sauce at home. Use this as a base and experiment with your own flavor combinations to make it your own. Enjoy!
What Types of Meat Can You Serve with Au Jus Sauce?
Au Jus sauce is a flavorful sauce made from the natural juices of meat. It is typically served as a dipping sauce or drizzled over the meat. The best types of meat to serve with Au Jus sauce are those with a mild flavor that can benefit from the savory taste of the sauce. The most popular meats include beef, lamb, and pork.
Beef
Beef dishes are the most common pairing for Au Jus sauce. The rich, savory flavor of the sauce complements beef perfectly. Prime rib, roast beef, and French dip sandwiches are all excellent choices for serving with Au Jus. When cooking beef, it’s important to let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to settle. These juices can then be used to make the Au Jus sauce.
Lamb
A rack of lamb or lamb chops can also be served with a drizzle of Au Jus sauce. The richness of the sauce pairs well with the mild taste of lamb. The meat can be prepared with rosemary, garlic, and other spices to amplify the flavors. When cooking lamb, make sure not to overcook the meat, as it can easily become dry and tough.
Pork
Although not as traditional as beef or lamb, pork roast or tenderloin can also be served with Au Jus. Choosing a more delicate cut of pork will prevent the meat from overpowering the sauce. Roasting the pork with aromatic herbs and spices will help to enhance the flavors of both the meat and the sauce.
The key to serving meat with Au Jus sauce is to let the natural flavors of the meat shine through. A well-cooked piece of meat with a drizzle of savory Au Jus sauce is a delicious combination that is sure to impress your guests.
Alternative Au Jus Recipes for Different Tastes
If you’re looking to switch things up from the traditional beef broth and red wine Au Jus recipe, try these alternative recipes for a unique and flavorful twist.
Mushroom Au Jus
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, mushroom Au Jus is the perfect substitute. Instead of using beef broth, opt for a mushroom broth or stock. You can easily find mushroom stock at your local grocery store, or make your own by simmering mushrooms in water for a few hours.
To elevate the flavor even further, add sautéed mushrooms and thyme to the broth. The savory mushroom flavor pairs well with beef dishes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of sherry or soy sauce for even more depth of flavor.
Red Wine Au Jus
Sometimes you want a stronger, more robust flavor in your Au Jus. To achieve this, swap out the beef broth for red wine. You can use all red wine if you prefer, or use a combination of wine and broth for a less intense taste.
To add even more flavor, try incorporating herbs like rosemary and thyme to the mix. These herbs are commonly used in red wine sauces and pair well with beef dishes. Alternatively, try adding a bit of garlic or shallots for some extra savory flavor.
Spicy Au Jus
If you’re someone who likes a bit of heat in your dishes, try adding some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your Au Jus. This gives the sauce a spicy kick that pairs nicely with beef dishes.
Start with a small amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce and adjust to your taste. You don’t want to overpower the other flavors in the dish. For a more complex flavor, try adding some garlic and onion powder, or a bit of Worcestershire sauce.
Try these alternative Au Jus recipes to mix things up in the kitchen. Whether you’re a vegetarian or love a little spice, there’s a recipe here for everyone. Remember to adjust the flavors to your own taste and have fun experimenting!
Time to Dig In!
We hope this recipe for perfecting au jus has left you feeling inspired and motivated to get cooking in your own kitchen. Remember, the key to a mouthwatering au jus is to take it slow and steady, and to never rush the cooking process. Creating the perfect balance of savory flavors takes patience and practice, but we have no doubt that you’ll be able to make a delicious au jus that will impress even the toughest critics.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article, and we hope you’ll visit us again soon for more delicious recipes and culinary tips. In the meantime, grab a plate and savor the rich, beefy flavor of our au jus recipe. Happy eating!
FAQ
1. Can I use any beef for the au jus recipe?
Yes, you can use any beef you like, but we recommend using beef bones or beef shanks for a richer, more flavorful au jus.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the au jus ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just make sure to reheat it slowly to avoid burning or scorching.
3. Do I have to use red wine?
No, you can use any dry wine you like. White wine, for example, will add a lighter flavor to the au jus.
4. How do I store leftover au jus?
If you have any leftover au jus, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
5. Can I use this recipe for other meats?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken, pork, or even lamb.
6. What are some dishes that go well with au jus?
Au jus pairs well with prime rib, roast beef, beef tenderloin, and other beef dishes. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for sandwiches or a topping for mashed potatoes.
7. Can I use beef broth instead of water?
Yes, you can substitute beef broth for the water if you want a richer, more savory flavor.
8. Can I make a vegetarian version of au jus?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of au jus using vegetable broth and omitting the beef or beef bones.
9. Can I use canned beef broth instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use canned or boxed beef broth if you don’t have homemade on hand.
10. Can I customize the herbs and spices in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Rosemary, thyme, and garlic are all delicious additions to au jus.