Are you a fan of savory and rich au jus but don’t have the time or ingredients to make it from scratch?
Fear not, because beef bouillon cubes are here to save the day! These concentrated dehydrated beef stock cubes, combined with spices, can be used as a substitute for au jus in any recipe.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make au jus with beef bouillon cubes, so you can enjoy that delicious flavor without any hassle. Whether you’re making a roast beef sandwich or serving up a juicy steak, this easy recipe will elevate your dish to the next level.
So let’s get started!
How To Make Au Jus With Beef Bouillon Cubes?
To make au jus with beef bouillon cubes, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time. Here’s how to do it:
1. Dissolve one beef bouillon cube in one cup of warm water. For a thicker au jus, use 1/2 cup of water for every cube.
2. Once the cube is fully dissolved, pour the mixture into a small saucepan and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will help to enhance the flavor and thicken the sauce.
3. If you want to add some extra flavor to your au jus, you can also add in some garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
4. For a thicker consistency, mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to the simmering broth and whisk until well combined.
5. Finally, add a tablespoon of butter to the hot au jus and whisk until melted. This will give your sauce a rich and creamy texture.
And that’s it! Your homemade au jus is now ready to be served with your favorite dishes.
What You’ll Need
To make au jus with beef bouillon cubes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– Beef bouillon cubes: These can be found at most grocery stores and are a concentrated dehydrated beef stock that has been combined with spices.
– Warm water: You’ll need one cup of warm water to dissolve one beef bouillon cube. For a thicker consistency, use 1/2 cup of water for every cube.
– Garlic powder: This adds a savory flavor to the au jus.
– Onion powder: This is an optional ingredient, but it can add some depth to the flavor of the sauce.
– Worcestershire sauce: This adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the au jus.
– Balsamic vinegar: This is another optional ingredient that can add some sweetness and acidity to the sauce.
– Black pepper: This adds a bit of spice and heat to the au jus.
– Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce. You’ll need one teaspoon of cornstarch and 1/4 cup of cold water to make a slurry.
In addition to these ingredients, you’ll also need a small saucepan, a whisk, and a measuring cup. With these simple tools and ingredients, you can easily make delicious homemade au jus with beef bouillon cubes.
Preparing The Bouillon Cubes
When preparing the beef bouillon cubes for au jus, it’s important to dissolve them completely in warm water. One cube should be dissolved in one cup of water, but for a thicker consistency, use 1/2 cup of water for every cube. Once the cube is fully dissolved, the mixture should be poured into a small saucepan and simmered for a few minutes to enhance the flavor and thicken the sauce.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your au jus, you can mix in some garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper. It’s important to whisk everything together until well combined.
For a thicker consistency, mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth. Add this mixture to the simmering broth and whisk until well combined. This will help to thicken the sauce even further.
Finally, add a tablespoon of butter to the hot au jus and whisk until melted. This will give your sauce a rich and creamy texture. Once everything is well combined, your homemade au jus is ready to be served with your favorite dishes.
Adding Spices For Flavor
If you want to add some extra flavor to your au jus made with beef bouillon cubes, there are plenty of spices and seasonings you can use. One option is to add garlic powder and onion powder to the mix, which will give your sauce a savory and slightly sweet flavor. Worcestershire sauce is another great addition, as it adds a tangy and umami taste to the au jus.
For a more complex flavor profile, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the mix. This will give your au jus a slightly sweet and tart taste that pairs well with beef. Black pepper is also a great seasoning to use, as it adds a subtle heat and earthy flavor.
To incorporate these spices into your au jus, simply whisk them into the simmering broth until well combined. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed until it reaches your desired flavor.
If you prefer a thicker consistency for your au jus, you can mix one teaspoon of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth and add it to the simmering broth. This will help thicken the sauce and give it a more gravy-like texture.
Cooking And Serving The Au Jus
Now that you’ve made your delicious homemade au jus, it’s time to cook and serve it. Here are a few different ways to use and enjoy your au jus:
1. For a classic French Dip sandwich, slice some roast beef and place it on a crusty roll. Serve the sandwich with a side of hot au jus for dipping.
2. If you’re serving prime rib or roast beef for dinner, pour the au jus into a gravy boat and serve it alongside the meat. Your guests can drizzle the sauce over their meat as desired.
3. For a hearty meal, serve the au jus over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. The rich flavor of the sauce will add a delicious depth to your side dishes.
4. If you have any leftover au jus, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm the sauce over low heat until it’s heated through.
No matter how you choose to use your homemade au jus, it’s sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!
Tips And Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you customize your au jus sauce:
1. For a more intense flavor, use two beef bouillon cubes instead of one.
2. If you prefer a sweeter taste, try adding a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to the mixture.
3. To give your au jus a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
4. If you want to make your sauce even richer, you can substitute the butter with heavy cream or sour cream.
5. For a healthier option, use olive oil instead of butter.
6. If you have leftover au jus, don’t throw it away! You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months.
7. Au jus is traditionally served with beef dishes, but you can also use it as a dipping sauce for sandwiches or as a base for soups and stews.
By following these tips and variations, you can create a delicious and customized au jus sauce that will elevate any dish.