Easy Au Jus Recipe With Beef Broth and Pan Drippings

There's something about a rich, savory homemade au jus recipe that can elevate a meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're planning a special dinner or simply looking to jazz up your Sunday roast, knowing how to make a good au jus is a skill worth having.

this Recipe for Later

Let us walk you through everything you need to know about crafting the perfect au jus using simple ingredients with or without meat drippings.

What is Au Jus?

Before we dive into this simple recipe, let's clarify what au jus is. "Au jus" is a French term meaning "with juice." It's a light broth made from the natural juices released by the meat as it cooks. Au jus is a perfect accompaniment for beef dishes like prime rib roast and beef roast, or as a dipping sauce for roast beef sandwiches.

Why Make Your Own Au Jus?

• Flavor Boost: Homemade au jus has a depth of flavor that store-bought versions can't match.
• Control Ingredients: You get to control the salt, fat, and other ingredients.
• Easy Recipe: Simple pantry ingredients come together quickly and easily.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make a classic au jus:

• Beef drippings: The flavorful base of your au jus.
• Red wine: Helps deglaze the pan and deepens the flavors.
• Beef broth or beef stock: Adds volume and richness.
• Worcestershire sauce: For that boost of umami.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: To taste.

Substitutions and Optional ingredients:

• Deglazing liquids: Replace the red wine with apple cider, balsamic or red wine vinegar.
• Onion powder: For a sweet, aromatic touch.
• Garlic powder: For flavor and sweetness.
• All purpose flour: For thickening the sauce to become "jus lie" or more gravy-like but not a traditional au jus.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Collect the Drippings and Browned Bits. After roasting your beef, transfer the roast to a carving board or plate to rest. Place the roasting pan over medium-low heat. Add the red wine to the pan drippings and cook, scraping up any brown bits with a wooden spoon from the bottom of the roasting pan.
2. Simmer the Juices. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce and cook over medium heat, stirring, 5 to 10 minutes or until the juices are slightly reduced. Using a spoon, skim off an excess fat from the top of the juices.
3. Season to Taste. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
4. Strain. Strain the au jus through a fine mesh strainer to remove the solids.
5. Serve. Pour this savory sauce into a gravy boat or small bowls for serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Quality Broth: Use a high-quality beef broth or beef stock for the best results.
• Don't Rush: Let the au jus simmer slowly to develop deeper flavors.
• Separate the Fats: Use a fat separator to separate the fat from the juices instead of a spoon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Deglaze: Don't skip deglazing the pan. Those brown bits at the bottom of the pan add much flavor.
• Over-salting: Be cautious with salt since the beef drippings,broth and Worcestershire already contain sodium.
• Ignoring Fat Separation: Skipping the fat separator can result in a unpleasant, greasy au jus.

Serving Suggestions

Au jus pairs perfectly with:

• Prime Rib Recipes
• Roast Beef Sandwiches on a hoagie roll
• French Dip Sandwiches

Storage Tips

• Airtight Container: Store leftover au jus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
• Freezer-Safe Container: For longer storage, use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 6 months.
• Ice Cube Tray: Freeze au jus in an ice cube tray for easy portioning.

Making this easy au jus sauce is a rewarding experience that adds a gourmet touch to your meals. With a few simple ingredients and this homemade au jus recipe, you can create a flavorful sauce that will have everyone at the table asking for more. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the drippings, and get ready to elevate your next beef dish.

📋 Recipe