Are you a fan of French dip sandwiches? Do you have leftover roast beef in your fridge and want to make a delicious sandwich?
Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of heating up roast beef for French dip sandwiches.
From reheating the au jus to choosing the perfect cheese, we’ve got you covered. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Heat Up Roast Beef For French Dip?
First things first, let’s talk about the roast beef. Ideally, you want to use thinly sliced roast beef for your French dip sandwich. If you have leftover roast beef in your fridge, that’s perfect! If not, you can easily purchase some from your local deli.
To heat up the roast beef, you have a few options. You can reheat it in the oven or the microwave. If you choose to use the oven, preheat it to 350°F and place the roast beef in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 10 minutes or until the beef is heated through.
If you prefer to use the microwave, place the roast beef on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the beef is heated through.
Preparing The Au Jus
Now, let’s talk about the au jus. Au jus is a French term that means “with juice”. It is a thin and flavorful sauce made from the drippings of the roast beef. The au jus is an essential part of the French dip sandwich, as it adds moisture and flavor to the sandwich.
To prepare the au jus, you can use the leftover juice from the roast beef. If you don’t have enough juice, you can add some beef broth to it. Start by heating up the juice or broth in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Next, you can add some seasonings to the au jus to enhance its flavor. You can add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or any other seasonings of your choice. You can also add some Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for a deeper flavor.
If you want a thicker au jus, you can add a cornstarch slurry to it. To make a cornstarch slurry, mix equal parts of cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Then, slowly pour the slurry into the simmering au jus while whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the au jus thickens to your desired consistency.
Once the au jus is ready, you can serve it alongside your French dip sandwich for dipping. To assemble the sandwich, place the thinly sliced roast beef on a hoagie roll or French bread and top it with some provolone cheese. Place the sandwich in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted. Serve hot with a side of au jus for dipping.
Reheating The Roast Beef
There are several methods you can use to reheat your roast beef for a French dip sandwich. One option is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the roast beef in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out and heat for about 10 minutes or until the beef is heated through. This method works best for larger amounts of roast beef.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the roast beef on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or until the beef is heated through. This method is quick and convenient, but may not be suitable for larger amounts of roast beef.
If you want to ensure that your roast beef stays moist and tender, you can try reheating it using a sous vide machine. Vacuum seal the roast beef in a plastic bag and heat it in a pot of water at a temperature of 135°F for rare roast beef. Use a thermometer to ensure that the water stays at a steady temperature throughout the cooking process.
To reheat thinly sliced roast beef, you can also try using a skillet. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the sliced roast beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to keep an eye on the temperature of your roast beef to prevent overcooking and drying out. Once your roast beef is heated through, it’s ready to be used in your French dip sandwich!
Choosing The Perfect Bread
Now, let’s talk about the perfect bread for your French dip sandwich. You want a bread that is sturdy enough to hold up to the juicy, flavorful roast beef and au jus sauce, but not too crusty that it becomes difficult to eat.
A good-quality baguette is a great option for your French dip sandwich. Look for a baguette that is fresh and has a slightly crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. If your baguette is not fresh, you can lightly toast it to give it some extra texture.
Another option is to use slider buns or dinner rolls. This can make for a fun and easy-to-eat variation of the classic French dip sandwich. Just make sure the buns are sturdy enough to hold up to the meat and sauce.
Ultimately, the perfect bread for your French dip sandwich comes down to personal preference. Experiment with different types of bread to find your favorite combination of flavors and textures.
Adding The Right Cheese
Now that you have your heated roast beef ready, let’s talk about the cheese. While French Dip sandwiches are traditionally served without cheese, many people prefer to add a nice cheesy layer to their sandwich.
When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your French Dip, you want a cheese that melts well. Provolone is a popular choice due to its mild flavor and excellent melting qualities. Other great options include mozzarella, swiss, or gruyere.
To add cheese to your French Dip sandwich, simply place a slice or two on top of the roast beef before placing it under the broiler. Make sure to keep a close eye on it as it can melt quickly. Alternatively, you can also add shredded cheese on top of the roast beef before broiling.
Remember, while cheese is a tasty addition to your French Dip sandwich, it’s not necessary. The most important part of a French Dip is the juicy and flavorful roast beef and the au jus dipping sauce.
Assembling Your French Dip Sandwich
Now that your roast beef is heated up and ready to go, it’s time to assemble your French dip sandwich. Here’s how to do it:
1. Slice a baguette into 4 pieces, then cut each piece in half horizontally. This will give you 8 slices of bread for your sandwich.
2. Place the roast beef in a shallow skillet with au jus sauce until it’s warm.
3. Take each baguette slice and place an equal portion of roast beef on top. Top it off with a slice of Swiss cheese.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the sandwiches for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
5. Serve with a small bowl of extra au jus sauce for dipping.
It’s important to use thinly sliced roast beef for this sandwich because it will absorb the au jus sauce better and make for a more flavorful bite. Additionally, using Swiss cheese adds a nice creamy texture that complements the savory flavors of the beef and au jus sauce.
To take your French dip sandwich to the next level, try caramelizing some onions and adding them to the sandwich before baking. This will add a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and cheese.
Tips And Tricks For The Perfect French Dip Experience
Now that you have your heated roast beef ready, it’s time to assemble the perfect French dip sandwich. Here are some tips and tricks to take your French dip experience to the next level:
1. Use a flavorful broth: The key to a delicious French dip sandwich is the au jus, or beef broth, that you dip the sandwich in. To make a flavorful au jus, use low-sodium beef stock and add some Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and bouillon cubes. You can also sauté some diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil before adding the beef stock for extra flavor.
2. Toast the bread: To add some texture and flavor to your French dip sandwich, toast the bread before assembling it. Use a baguette or French roll and spread some butter on it before toasting it in the oven or under the broiler.
3. Melt the cheese: To avoid the disappointment of biting into a cold, unmelted slice of cheese, make sure to melt the cheese before assembling the sandwich. You can do this by placing the assembled sandwich in a toaster oven or low-temperature oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Dip strategically: When dipping your French dip sandwich into the au jus, be strategic about it. Dip only one side of the sandwich at a time to avoid making the bread too soggy. You can also use ramekins or small bowls to serve the au jus on the side for dipping.
5. Season to taste: Finally, don’t forget to season your French dip sandwich to taste. Add salt and pepper to the roast beef and adjust the seasoning of the au jus as needed with additional salt, pepper, or beef stock.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and satisfying French dip sandwich that will rival any restaurant version.
