Are you looking for a simple and delicious way to elevate your beef dishes?
Look no further than homemade au jus made with beef consomme!
This rich and flavorful sauce is the perfect accompaniment to prime rib, roast beef sandwiches, and more.
And the best part? It only requires three simple ingredients (plus pan drippings, if you have them).
In this article, we’ll walk you through the easy steps to make the best au jus with beef consomme.
So grab your saucepan and let’s get started!
How To Make Au Jus With Beef Consomme?
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
To make au jus with beef consomme, you’ll need:
– 1 can of beef consomme
– 1/2 cup of water
– 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (optional)
– Pan drippings (optional)
Step 2: Heat Your Saucepan
Place a saucepan over medium-high heat and add the beef consomme. If you have pan drippings from cooking a roast or steak, add them to the saucepan as well for extra flavor.
Step 3: Add Water
Pour in 1/2 cup of water to the saucepan. This will help thin out the beef consomme and create a more liquid consistency.
Step 4: Add Worcestershire Sauce (Optional)
For an extra kick of flavor, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the saucepan. This is optional, but highly recommended for a more complex taste.
Step 5: Simmer and Stir
Stir the mixture together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Taste test your au jus and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add salt and pepper to taste, or even a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your au jus is ready, serve it alongside your favorite beef dishes. It’s perfect for dipping roast beef sandwiches or drizzling over prime rib.
What Is Au Jus And Why Use Beef Consomme?
Au Jus is a French culinary term that means “with juice.” It refers to the natural juices that come out of meat while it is cooking. These juices are then combined with stock or broth to create a flavorful sauce that complements the meat. Au Jus is not the same as gravy or plain stock; it has a deep, rich flavor that enhances the taste of the meat.
Beef consomme, on the other hand, is a clear, rich broth made by simmering beef bones and vegetables for several hours. It is then clarified by straining it through a cheesecloth to remove any impurities. While beef consomme has a similar base as au jus, it has a slightly different taste due to the addition of tomato paste and other seasonings.
Using beef consomme in place of plain stock or broth for au jus will result in a more flavorful sauce that pairs well with beef dishes. The enhanced savory flavor of the beef consomme makes it an excellent substitute for plain stock or broth. It’s important to note that beef consomme contains less iron than au jus, so if you’re looking for an iron-rich option, stick with au jus.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Au Jus With Beef Consomme
To make a delicious au jus with beef consomme, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 can of beef consomme: This is the base of your au jus and provides a rich, beefy flavor.
– 1/2 cup of water: Adding water helps to thin out the beef consomme and create a more liquid consistency.
– 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (optional): This ingredient is optional but highly recommended for an extra kick of flavor.
– Pan drippings (optional): If you have pan drippings from cooking a roast or steak, you can add them to the saucepan for even more flavor.
That’s it! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and savory au jus to accompany your favorite beef dishes.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Making Au Jus With Beef Consomme
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to start making your au jus with beef consomme. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a delicious and flavorful sauce:
Step 1: Heat Your Saucepan
Place a saucepan over medium-high heat and add the beef consomme. If you have pan drippings from cooking a roast or steak, add them to the saucepan as well for extra flavor.
Step 2: Add Water
Pour in 1/2 cup of water to the saucepan. This will help thin out the beef consomme and create a more liquid consistency.
Step 3: Add Worcestershire Sauce (Optional)
For an extra kick of flavor, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the saucepan. This is optional, but highly recommended for a more complex taste.
Step 4: Simmer and Stir
Stir the mixture together and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
Taste test your au jus and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add salt and pepper to taste, or even a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your au jus is ready, serve it alongside your favorite beef dishes. It’s perfect for dipping roast beef sandwiches or drizzling over prime rib.
Making au jus with beef consomme is easy and delicious. With these simple steps, you can elevate any beef dish to new heights of flavor. Give it a try and enjoy!
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Au Jus Every Time
Making the perfect au jus can take some practice, but with these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create a delicious sauce every time.
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: The key to any great dish is using high-quality ingredients. When making au jus, use the best beef consomme you can find and fresh herbs for added flavor.
2. Add Pan Drippings: If you have pan drippings from cooking a roast or steak, add them to your au jus for extra flavor. This will give your sauce a rich, meaty taste that can’t be beat.
3. Simmer Slowly: When cooking your au jus, make sure to simmer it slowly over medium heat. This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more concentrated sauce.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste test your au jus and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add salt and pepper to taste, or even a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
5. Strain Your Au Jus: Once your au jus is ready, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids or impurities. This will give your sauce a smooth, velvety texture.
6. Serve Hot: Au jus is best served hot, so make sure to heat it up before serving. You can keep it warm in a small saucepan over low heat or in a double boiler.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create the perfect au jus every time. Whether you’re serving it with roast beef or using it as a dipping sauce for French dip sandwiches, this flavorful sauce is sure to impress.
Serving Suggestions For Beef Au Jus
Now that you know how to make a delicious beef au jus, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Here are some serving suggestions that will take your beef dishes to the next level:
1. French Dip Sandwiches
The most popular way to enjoy beef au jus is by serving it alongside a French dip sandwich. Simply dip your sandwich in the au jus and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.
2. Prime Rib
Beef au jus is the perfect accompaniment to a juicy prime rib. Drizzle it over the meat for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Beef and Noodles
If you’re looking for a heartier dish, try serving beef au jus over beef and noodles. The rich and flavorful sauce will take this classic dish to new heights.
4. Caramelized Onions
For a sweet and savory side dish, try serving caramelized onions alongside your beef dishes. The tender onions will provide a delicious contrast to the umami flavor of the beef.
5. Onion Rings
If you’re looking for a crunchy side dish, try serving onion rings with your beef au jus. The crispy texture of the onion rings pairs perfectly with the rich and flavorful sauce.
No matter how you choose to serve it, beef au jus is sure to add an extra layer of flavor to any beef dish. So go ahead and get creative in the kitchen – your taste buds will thank you!
