How to Make Au Jus: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are a fan of French dip sandwiches, then you know that the au jus sauce is what takes this classic sandwich to the next level. Au jus, meaning “with juice” in French, is a rich, flavorful dipping sauce made from the tasty beef juices and served on the side. This savory sauce serves as the perfect complement to the tender slices of roast beef nestled inside a crusty French baguette. Making au jus at home may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. In this article, we will show you how to make delicious au jus in easy-to-understand and relaxed language.

To make au jus, all you need is beef broth, butter, flour, onions, garlic, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper. These ingredients come together to create a savory and fragrant sauce that will elevate your French dip sandwich to new heights. By following our easy steps, you can easily make this delicious sauce in no time. Not only is making au jus at home tasty and satisfying, but it is also a fantastic way to impress your friends and family. So, without further ado, let’s get started and learn how to make au jus!

Aju is a savory and delicious dipping sauce that complements many dishes, including French dip sandwiches, roasted meats, and vegetables. You can easily make this tasty sauce at home with a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time. In this section, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make au jus that has a rich, hearty flavor and a smooth texture. Let’s get started!

Gather Your Ingredients

To make au jus, you’ll need the following ingredients:
1. 2 cups of beef broth
2. 1/4 cup of red wine
3. 2 tablespoons of butter
4. 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
5. 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
6. 1/2 onion, chopped
7. 2 garlic cloves, minced
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start making the au jus, you’ll need to prep the ingredients first. Begin by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic cloves. Then, measure out the beef broth, red wine, butter, and all-purpose flour.

Cook the Onions and Garlic

To add richness and depth of flavor to your au jus, you’ll need to cook the onions and garlic first. Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat, add the butter, and let it melt. Then, add the chopped onions and minced garlic and cook until they become translucent and fragrant.

Add the Flour

Next, add the all-purpose flour and stir the mixture continuously to create a roux. Continue stirring the mixture for about 2-3 minutes or until it becomes a light brown color. Be careful not to let it burn or stick to the pan.

Pour the Beef Broth and Red Wine

Slowly pour in the beef broth and red wine while continuing to stir the mixture. As you pour in the liquids, the mixture will thicken. Keep stirring until there are no lumps, and the consistency is smooth.

Add the Worcestershire Sauce

After adding the broth and wine, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. This sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the au jus. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes over low heat to allow the flavors to meld.

Strain the Sauce

Once the au jus is done simmering, pour it through a strainer to remove any bits of onions or garlic. The result is a smooth and silky au jus that is perfect for dipping sandwiches in or pouring over meat and vegetables.

Season to Taste

After straining the sauce, give it a taste and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Carefully taste the mixture as you add the salt and pepper so that you don’t overseason the au jus.

Serve the Au Jus

Your homemade au jus is now ready to serve! Pour it into a gravy boat or a small bowl and place it on the table alongside your meal. Your guests can then use it to dip their sliced beef sandwiches, pour over roasted meats, or even drizzle over sautéed vegetables.

Store the Remaining Au Jus

You might have some leftover au jus from the batch you made. No worries! You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat the au jus, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove over low heat before serving.

Making homemade au jus is an easy way to enhance the flavor of your meals, whether you’re serving French dip sandwiches, roasted meats, or vegetables. It might seem intimidating at first, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to make a delicious and savory au jus right in your own kitchen.

Section 2: Ingredients Needed to Make Au Jus

1. The Beef

The first and most important ingredient in making au jus is the beef. You can use any type of beef, but I recommend a tougher cut such as chuck roast or brisket. These cuts have a higher amount of connective tissue, which will break down during the cooking process and provide a rich, flavorful juice.

2. Aromatics

Aromatics are essential in building the base for your au jus. The classic combination of aromatics includes onions, garlic, and carrots. Chop them up into small pieces and cook them in a large pot with some oil until they start to caramelize and brown.

3. Herbs

Adding herbs to the au jus will give it a unique flavor. The most common herbs used are thyme and rosemary. You can use fresh or dried herbs depending on what is available.

4. Beef Broth

Beef broth is another crucial ingredient in making au jus. It adds depth to the sauce and provides a rich, beefy flavor. You can use homemade broth or store-bought. Make sure to choose a high-quality broth, without any added flavorings or salt.

5. Red Wine

A splash of red wine can elevate the flavor profile of your au jus. The acidity of the wine balances out the richness of the beef broth and creates a more complex sauce.

6. Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire sauce is a staple in many sauces and marinades. It adds a depth of flavor that is both sweet and tangy. Adding a tablespoon or two to your au jus can give it an extra kick.

7. Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is another ingredient that can add depth and complexity to your au jus. It has a savory, umami flavor that pairs well with beef.

8. Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are essential in any recipe, and au jus is no exception. Use them to season the beef and adjust the flavor of the sauce to your liking.

9. Bay Leaves

Bay leaves are a common ingredient in many stews and sauces. They add a subtle earthy flavor that complements the beef. Use 2-3 leaves depending on the size of your pot.

10. Cornstarch

Cornstarch is an optional ingredient that can be used to thicken the sauce. Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and add it to the pot. Stir until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

In conclusion, there are several key ingredients necessary to make a great au jus. The combination of quality beef, aromatics, herbs, beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, salt, pepper, bay leaves, and cornstarch can create a rich and delicious sauce that perfectly complements your favorite roast beef.

Ingredients

Making au jus is a simple process if you have the right ingredients. Here’s what you need:

The Cooking Method

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get started with the cooking process. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Sauté the onions and garlic

Add butter to a large skillet or saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic and sauté them until they become fragrant and soft.

Step 2: Add the wine and broth

Next, pour the wine into the skillet and let it cook for a couple of minutes until it has reduced by half. Then, add the beef broth and stir until the ingredients are well mixed.

Step 3: Add the herbs and spices

Add the bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir well. Let the mixture come to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook down the au jus

Let the mixture simmer on the stove, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced by half and thickened slightly. This should take about 20-30 minutes. Once done, remove the bay leaves and strain the au jus through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Now that your au jus is ready, you can ladle it into bowls or pour it over your meat. It’s perfect for dipping your French dip sandwich into or serving as a side dish for your roast beef.

There you have it, a simple and delicious homemade au jus recipe. Experiment with the recipe and make it your own by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Enjoy!

That’s How You Make Au Jus, My Friend

Now that you know how to make au jus, you can add that extra touch to your roast beef sandwich or your steak dinner. Remember, it’s all about taking your time and letting the flavors develop. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the deliciousness. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you again soon for more mouth-watering recipes. Happy cooking!