Au Jus Recipe: A Comprehensive Guide in 2024

Introduction

Are you looking to take your roasts to the next level? Look no further than this easy-to-follow au jus recipe. Au jus, French for “with juice,” is a savory sauce made from the drippings of roasted meat. This delectable sauce adds depth and richness to your favorite cuts of beef, or lamb, making every bite a flavorful experience.

Tips for Success Au Jus Recipe

• Use a flavorful roast: The key to a delicious au jus lies in the quality of your roast. Choose a well-marbled cut of meat and season it generously before roasting to ensure the drippings are packed with flavor.
• Deglaze the roasting pan: If you find that your drippings have become stuck to the bottom of the roasting pan, deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth. Scrape up the browned bits with a wooden spoon and incorporate them into your au jus for added depth.
• Strain for a smooth sauce: If you prefer a smoother au jus, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve before serving. This will remove any larger bits of meat or vegetables that may have accumulated during the roasting process.

Ingredients and Instructions

Au Jus Recipe: A Comprehensive Guide

Course: SauceCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Easy

Servings

7

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

14

minutes

Calories

30

kcal

To create this mouthwatering au jus, you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 2 cups of beef drippings (from your roast)

• 2 cups of beef broth

• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon of onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Collect the drippings: After roasting your meat, remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest. Pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a bowl or measuring cup, allowing the fat to separate from the juices.
• Skim the fat: Use a spoon to skim off the excess fat from the top of the drippings. You can reserve this fat for other cooking purposes or discard it.
• Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the skimmed drippings, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
• Simmer and reduce: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process will help the flavors meld together and thicken the sauce slightly.
• Season to taste: After simmering, taste the au jus and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to your liking, keeping in mind that the drippings may already be well-seasoned from the roast.
• Serve: Transfer the au jus to a gravy boat or serving bowl. Serve alongside your sliced roast, allowing guests to pour the sauce over their meat as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Au jus is a versatile sauce that pairs well with a variety of roasted meats. Try serving it with:

• Prime rib: The rich, beefy flavor of prime rib is enhanced by the savory notes of au jus.
• Lamb shanks: The gamey flavor of lamb is balanced by the umami-rich au jus, creating a harmonious combination.

In addition to roasted meats, au jus can be used as a dipping sauce for French dip sandwiches or poured over roasted vegetables for added flavor.

Leftover Roast Sandwich Ideas

1. Classic French Dip: Thinly slice your leftover roast beef and pile it high on a crusty French roll. Serve with a side of hot au jus for dipping, and add a slice of provolone cheese for extra flavor.
2. Lamb Pita Pockets: Warm up some pita bread and fill it with sliced leftover lamb, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Serve the au jus in small cups for dipping, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.

Tips for Reheating Leftover Roasts

To ensure your leftover roast sandwiches are as delicious as possible, it’s essential to reheat the meat properly. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Slice the meat thinly: Thinner slices of meat will reheat more evenly and quickly, preventing them from drying out.
2. Reheat in the oven: Wrap the sliced meat in foil and place it in a preheated oven (300°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps the meat retain its moisture.
3. Reheat in the microwave: If you’re short on time, you can reheat the sliced meat in the microwave. Place the meat on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Mushroom Au Jus Recipe

Mushrooms are a classic accompaniment to roasted meats, and incorporating them into your au jus is a fantastic way to elevate the flavor profile of the sauce.

To create mushroom au jus, sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake) in a tablespoon of butter until they release their liquid and become tender. Add the mushrooms and their liquid to the saucepan along with the other au jus ingredients, and proceed with the recipe as usual. The earthy, umami flavor of the mushrooms will add a new dimension to your au jus, making it even more irresistible.

Herb-Infused Au Jus Recipe

Fresh herbs can brighten up any dish, and au jus is no exception. By infusing your sauce with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley, you can add a pop of freshness and aromatic flavor to your roasts.

To make herb-infused au jus, simply add a few sprigs of your chosen herb to the saucepan along with the other ingredients. Allow the herbs to simmer with the sauce, infusing it with their delicate flavors. Before serving, remove the herb sprigs and discard them. The resulting au jus will have a subtle herbaceous note that complements the richness of the roasted meat.

Conclusion Au Jus Recipe

Elevate your roasts with this simple yet flavorful au jus recipe. By utilizing the drippings from your roasted meat and combining them with a few key ingredients, you can create a sauce that will impress your guests and leave them craving more. Give this recipe a try at your next family gathering or dinner party, and watch as your roasts become the star of the show.