Au jus, a flavorful and versatile sauce, is commonly paired with roasted meats like prime rib and steak. While traditionally made with meat drippings, au jus can also be conveniently prepared using beef broth. This guide will provide a step-by-step approach to making au jus with beef broth, ensuring a delicious and authentic sauce every time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon flour and 1/4 teaspoon garlic and onion powder for a thicker consistency
Instructions
- Prepare the Drippings: If using drippings from roasted meat, place the roasting pan on the stove over medium heat. If not, melt the butter in a saucepan.
- Add Flour and Seasonings: If desired, whisk in the flour and garlic and onion powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate Beef Broth: Gradually whisk in the beef broth until well combined.
- Add Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.
- Season to Taste: Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Thicken (Optional): For a thicker consistency, whisk in a slurry made from equal parts flour and water. Cook until the desired thickness is achieved.
- Strain (Optional): If desired, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.
Serving Suggestions
Au jus pairs perfectly with roasted meats such as:
- Prime rib
- Roast beef
- Steak
- French dip sandwiches
Easy Au Jus (No Drippings Needed)
- ▢ 2 cups beef broth
- ▢ 2 tablespoons butter – and/or beef drippings
- ▢ ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – or soy sauce
- ▢ salt & pepper – to taste
- ▢ ⅛ teaspoon garlic & onion powder – (optional)
- 1 tablespoon flour, if desired, to make an au jus that is thicker.
- Melt the butter and/or drippings in a saucepan over medium heat before adding them. Add the flour and garlic, if using. 1 tablespoon flour, 2 tablespoons butter, and 1/8 teaspoon of garlic
- Whisk together the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce after adding them. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Note: It should thicken slightly if using flour. 2 cups beef broth, ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce .
- Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve with prime rib, roast beef, or French dip. salt & pepper .
*Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools.
How to Make An Amazing Au Jus | Chef Jean-Pierre
FAQ
Can I use beef broth instead of au jus?
Another quick and tasty alternative to au jus is beef broth (canned or in a carton). Compared to beef stock or au jus, the beef broth on its own has a less savory and rich flavor. This is so because the flavorful drippings used to make au jus and the bone used to make stock are not used to make it.
Is beef broth the same as beef au jus?
The distinction between what we refer to as an au jus sauce and beef broth is that “au jus” refers to the cooking drippings from the meat, with beef broth occasionally added.
What is beef au jus made of?
Beef au jus sauce is made from the drippings from a beef roast, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth or roast beef juices, and red wine.
What is a good substitute for au jus gravy mix?
There are a number of soup substitutes for au jus, and they include, among others, onion soup mix, brown gravy, bouillon cubes sauce, beef broth, and beef stock powder. They are a great substitute for Au jus.
Can I use store-bought beef broth?
Yes, store-bought beef broth can be used. For optimal flavor, choose a high-quality, low-sodium broth.
Can I substitute chicken broth for beef broth?
Yes, chicken broth can be used as a substitute, but it will result in a slightly different flavor profile.
How can I customize the flavor of my au jus?
You can enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like onions, garlic, red wine, or herbs.
Can I make au jus in advance?
Yes, au jus can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before serving.
Conclusion
Making au jus with beef broth is a simple and effective way to elevate your culinary creations. By following these instructions and incorporating the tips provided, you can create a delicious and authentic au jus sauce that will complement your favorite roasted meats. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your preferred taste profile and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. use chicken broth instead of beef broth?