Description
Succulent beef au jus delivers rich, savory flavors straight from classic French cuisine. Tender slices of roasted beef swimming in its own delectable pan drippings promise a mouthwatering experience that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup beef drippings (or substitute with 2 tablespoons butter)
- ¼ cup dry red wine or sherry (optional, for depth of flavor)
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Thickening Agent (Optional):
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
Instructions
- Prepare a medium saucepan and warm the beef drippings over medium heat. In the absence of drippings, melt butter and carefully scrape any caramelized remnants from the cooking surface to enhance the foundational flavor profile.
- Enhance the liquid base by introducing red wine or sherry into the saucepan. Allow the alcohol to simmer briefly, creating a rich reduction that concentrates the aromatic essence.
- Incorporate beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder into the developing sauce. Gently stir the components to ensure a harmonious integration of flavors.
- Maintain a gentle simmer, allowing the liquid to develop depth and complexity. Monitor the sauce, stirring periodically to prevent potential scorching and promote even flavor distribution.
- Conduct a taste evaluation, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve a balanced and nuanced flavor profile. The sauce should possess a robust and layered taste characteristic.
- For those desiring a more substantial texture, introduce a cornstarch slurry to slightly thicken the au jus. Cook briefly to eliminate any raw starch flavor and achieve a silky consistency.
- Finalize the preparation by straining the sauce through a fine mesh sieve, ensuring a smooth and refined final product. Present the au jus warm, accompanying roasted meats or as a delectable dipping companion for French dip sandwiches.
Notes
- Maximize flavor by using homemade beef drippings from a recent roast, capturing all the rich caramelized bits for deeper taste complexity.
- Create a gluten-free version by replacing traditional Worcestershire sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, ensuring the same umami depth.
- Enhance the sauce’s richness by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a small pat of cold butter at the end for extra silkiness and depth.
- Prep ahead by making the au jus in advance and storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, gently reheating before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg