Au Jus Recipe
Are you looking to elevate your dining experience? This au jus recipe is a simple yet flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with roast beef, prime rib, or even sandwiches. With its rich taste and velvety texture, au jus is a must-have for any home cook. Follow this guide to create a delicious sauce that will impress your family and friends at your next dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation time is about 5 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving contains approximately:
– Calories: 50
– Protein: 2g
– Carbohydrates: 2g
– Fat: 0g
This nutritional value is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- In a saucepan, combine the beef broth and red wine over medium heat.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, stirring to combine.
- Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan, stirring well.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve for a smoother consistency, if desired.
- Serve warm alongside your favorite meat dishes.
Alternative Ingredients
If you don’t have red wine, you can substitute it with additional beef broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity. For a gluten-free option, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari.
Serving and Pairings
Au jus pairs beautifully with roast beef, prime rib, or even as a dipping sauce for French dip sandwiches. It’s also excellent drizzled over mashed potatoes or served alongside roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover au jus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. For longer storage, au jus can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw and reheat before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not simmering long enough to meld flavors.
- Using low-quality broth can affect the taste.
- Adding too much salt early can make it overly salty.
- Forgetting to strain for a smoother sauce.
- Not adjusting seasoning to your taste.
Helpful Tips
- Use homemade broth for the best flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs for unique tastes.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar.
- Adjust thickness by controlling the cornstarch amount.
FAQs
What is au jus?
Au jus is a French term meaning “with juice.” It refers to a thin sauce made from the natural juices released by meat during cooking, often enhanced with broth and seasonings.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes, you can use chicken broth for a lighter flavor, but it will alter the traditional taste of the au jus.
How can I make au jus without wine?
Simply omit the wine and increase the amount of beef broth. You can also add a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Can I make au jus ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat before serving.
Is au jus the same as gravy?
No, au jus is thinner and made from meat juices, while gravy is thicker and often made with a roux or flour.
Conclusion
This au jus recipe is a simple yet flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a sauce that enhances any meat dish. Whether it’s for special occasions or everyday dinners, having this recipe on hand will surely elevate your meals.
Au Jus Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine optional
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the beef broth and red wine over medium heat.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, stirring to combine.
- Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan, stirring well.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve for a smoother consistency, if desired.
- Serve warm alongside your favorite meat dishes.
