Are you looking for a way to elevate your roast beef dinner to the next level?
Look no further than a delicious au jus sauce!
This savory sauce is the perfect accompaniment to a juicy, tender roast beef, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through the steps to create a flavorful au jus sauce that will have your guests asking for seconds.
So grab your roasting pan and let’s get started!
How To Make Au Jus Sauce For Roast Beef?
There are many variations of au jus sauce, but we’ll focus on a classic recipe that uses red wine, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
First, place your roasting pan on the stove over low heat after removing the roast from the pan. If you prefer, you can also use a separate pan to cook the beef au jus.
Next, whisk in one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and one cup of red wine into the dish, along with any drippings from the beef. If using the original roasting pan, scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
Add one cup of beef broth or juices from the roast beef and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
That’s it! Your au jus sauce is ready to serve alongside your roast beef.
Ingredients Needed For Au Jus Sauce
To make a delicious and flavorful au jus sauce for your roast beef, you will need the following ingredients:
– Beef drippings: This is the most important ingredient when it comes to making au jus sauce. Without the drippings, it simply won’t be au jus. Be sure to collect as much beef drippings as possible while cooking your roast beef.
– Worcestershire sauce: This tangy and savory sauce is a staple in many recipes, including au jus. It adds a depth of flavor that complements the beef broth and red wine.
– Red wine: A good quality red wine adds richness and complexity to the au jus sauce. Choose a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Pinot Noir for best results.
– Beef broth: This is the base of the au jus sauce and provides a rich and meaty flavor. You can use store-bought beef broth or make your own by simmering beef bones with vegetables and herbs.
– Garlic powder and onion powder: These two spices add a subtle depth of flavor to the au jus sauce without overwhelming the other ingredients.
– Salt and pepper: Seasoning with salt and pepper to taste is essential to bring out the flavors of all the ingredients in the au jus sauce.
By using these simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and savory au jus sauce that will take your roast beef to the next level.
Preparing The Roast Beef For Au Jus Sauce
Before preparing the au jus sauce, it is important to properly cook and season your roast beef.
Start by seasoning your beef roast with a dry rub made of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Apply a light coat of olive oil to all sides of the roast to help the seasoning stick.
Next, place the beef roast in the roaster basket and lower it into the cooking chamber. Insert a meat thermometer into the roast so that the dial is easy to read when the basket is in the cooker.
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F, which usually takes about 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours depending on the size of your roast and weather conditions.
Once cooked, lift the basket out of the cooking chamber and set it on a shallow sheet pan until it cools down. Remove the roast from the basket and place it on a tray or cutting board. Cover it with foil and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Allowing your meat to rest will allow juices to redistribute, retaining moisture for tender meat. The internal temperature will continue to rise 10 to 15 degrees until it levels out and then begins to fall.
Finally, slice your roast beef and serve with grilled Hasselback potatoes and a side of au jus sauce. Enjoy!
Making The Au Jus Sauce From Scratch
If you want to make the au jus sauce completely from scratch, here’s how you can do it:
Start by melting two tablespoons of butter or beef drippings in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in two tablespoons of flour and whisk thoroughly until a thin paste forms.
Next, vigorously mix in one cup of red wine into the flour mixture. The mixture will likely become purple and gooey, but don’t worry, this is normal. Continue cooking over medium-high heat for two minutes or until the sharp alcohol smell is gone.
Slowly pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth while whisking vigorously to combine. Once the beef broth is incorporated, pour in another 1 1/2 cups of beef broth and one tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for five minutes or until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If you want a smoother texture, you can strain the au jus sauce through a fine mesh strainer before serving.
Now that you’ve made your own au jus sauce from scratch, you can impress your guests with your culinary skills! Serve alongside your favorite roast beef dish and enjoy.
Straining And Serving The Au Jus Sauce
Once your au jus sauce is cooked, it’s time to strain and serve it. Straining the sauce will remove any clumps or impurities, resulting in a smooth and flavorful sauce.
To strain the au jus sauce, use a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Place the sieve over a bowl or container and pour the sauce through it. Use a spoon to press down on any solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
Once you’ve strained the sauce, it’s ready to serve. You can pour it into a gravy boat or small pitcher, or simply ladle it over your roast beef. Au jus sauce is traditionally served on the side for dipping, but can also be poured over the beef for added flavor.
If you want to thicken your au jus sauce slightly, you can mix equal parts corn flour and water and pour slowly into the sauce while whisking continuously. This will create a thicker consistency that is perfect for dipping sandwiches.
Remember, au jus sauce is not gravy – it should be thin and flavorful, without being too thick or heavy. With this classic recipe and simple straining technique, you’ll be able to create a delicious au jus sauce that perfectly complements your roast beef.
Tips For Enhancing The Flavor Of Your Au Jus Sauce
If you want to take your au jus sauce to the next level, here are some tips to enhance its flavor:
1. Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your beef broth, red wine, and Worcestershire sauce, the better your au jus sauce will taste. Opt for low-sodium or unsalted beef broth to have more control over the saltiness of your sauce.
2. Add herbs and spices: You can add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to your au jus sauce for extra flavor. You can also add garlic or onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
3. Use pan drippings: If you have pan drippings from your roast beef, use them to make your au jus sauce. They will add a rich and meaty flavor that cannot be replicated with store-bought broth.
4. Reduce the sauce: Letting your au jus sauce simmer for a longer time will help to concentrate its flavors and thicken it slightly. Just be careful not to reduce it too much, or it will become too salty.
5. Strain the sauce: Straining your au jus sauce through a fine mesh sieve will remove any solids or impurities and result in a smoother and more refined sauce.
By following these tips, you can create an au jus sauce that is bursting with flavor and complements your roast beef perfectly.
