Are you a fan of roast beef sandwiches or prime rib? Then you’ve probably heard of au jus, the light sauce made from the pan drippings of beef.
But did you know that you can easily make it at home with just a few ingredients, including beef stock?
In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious and flavorful au jus that will take your meals to the next level.
Whether you’re dipping your sandwich or pouring it over your steak, this au jus recipe is sure to impress.
So, grab your saucepan and let’s get started!
How To Make Au Jus With Beef Stock?
To make au jus with beef stock, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups of beef stock
– 1/4 cup of red wine
– 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Here are the steps to follow:
1. In a medium saucepan, bring the beef stock to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add in strained pan drippings without the fat (if also preparing a roast).
4. For gravy, thicken with cornstarch.
5. Once the mixture is well combined, add in the red wine and continue to whisk until everything is fully incorporated.
6. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it has thickened up a bit.
7. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
That’s it! Your homemade au jus is now ready to be served.
Gathering The Ingredients
Before you start making your au jus with beef stock, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need 2 cups of beef stock, which can be either store-bought or homemade. If you’re preparing a roast, you can also add in strained pan drippings without the fat for extra flavor.
Next, you’ll need 1/4 cup of red wine, which will add a rich depth of flavor to your au jus. Make sure to choose a red wine that you enjoy drinking, since the taste will come through in the final product.
To enhance the savory flavor of your au jus, you’ll also need 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. This classic sauce is made from vinegar, molasses, and spices, and is often used to add a tangy kick to beef dishes.
For added depth of flavor, you’ll also need 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. This will give your au jus a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Finally, don’t forget to have salt and pepper on hand to season your au jus to taste. With these simple ingredients, you’ll be able to make a delicious and flavorful au jus with beef stock.
Preparing The Beef Stock
Before making au jus with beef stock, it’s important to properly prepare the stock itself. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Start by roasting the beef bones in the oven until they are well browned, turning occasionally. This will help to give the stock a caramelized flavor.
2. In a large stockpot, add the roasted bones, beef scraps or stew meat, and aromatic vegetables such as onion, celery, and carrot. You can also add other herbs and spices such as coriander seeds for added complexity.
3. Pour in enough water to cover the bones and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-12 hours, skimming any foam or fat from the top of the liquid as needed.
5. After simmering for several hours, strain the beef stock through a fine-mesh strainer and allow it to cool slightly.
6. Skim off any excess fat from the top of the chilled stock before using it to make au jus.
By following these steps, you’ll have a rich and flavorful beef stock that is perfect for making homemade au jus.
Making The Roux
To make the roux for your au jus, you will need butter (or beef drippings, if using) and flour. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Add 2 tablespoons of butter (or beef drippings) to a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat.
2. Once the butter has melted, add in 2 tablespoons of flour and stir with a whisk to combine.
3. Allow the mixture to cook for several minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour has slightly browned.
4. The roux should be a light golden color and have a nutty aroma.
5. Once the roux is ready, you can proceed with adding the wine and remaining ingredients to make your homemade au jus.
Remember that roux is an important ingredient in many sauces and gravies, as it helps to thicken them up and give them a rich flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can easily make your own roux at home for all your favorite recipes.
Combining The Roux And Beef Stock
If you prefer a thicker consistency for your au jus, you can use a roux instead of cornstarch to thicken the mixture. To do this, start by making a roux with equal parts flour and butter in a separate saucepan. Cook the roux over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown in color. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Next, slowly pour in the beef stock while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue to whisk until the mixture comes to a boil and starts to thicken. Once it has thickened to your desired consistency, add in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
If you have any pan drippings from a roast, strain them and add them into the mixture for added flavor. Make sure to remove any fat before adding them in.
Finally, add in the red wine and continue to whisk until everything is fully incorporated. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it has thickened up a bit.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving. The combination of beef stock and roux creates a rich and savory au jus that pairs perfectly with roast beef or prime rib.
Adding Flavor With Aromatics
To take your au jus to the next level, you can add some aromatics to enhance the flavor. Aromatics are ingredients that add a depth of flavor and aroma to your dish. In this case, we recommend adding onions, carrots, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary.
To do so, start by sautéing chopped onions and carrots in a pan with a little bit of butter until they are soft and caramelized. Then, add them to the beef stock mixture and let them simmer together for a few minutes. The natural sweetness of the vegetables will complement the richness of the beef stock and add a layer of complexity to your au jus.
Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary are also great additions to au jus. Simply tie them together with kitchen twine and add them to the beef stock mixture while it simmers. The herbs will infuse their flavors into the sauce, giving it an earthy and aromatic taste.
By adding these aromatics, you’ll create a flavorful homemade au jus that perfectly complements your roast beef or prime rib. Plus, it’s a simple way to elevate your dish and impress your guests.
Straining And Serving The Au Jus
After simmering the au jus for a few minutes, it’s time to strain it. Straining will remove any solids or impurities that may have formed during the cooking process. To do this, place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl or container and pour the au jus through it. Use a spoon or spatula to press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible.
Once strained, your au jus is ready to be served. It can be served alongside prime rib or used as a dipping sauce for French dip sandwiches. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mix equal parts cornstarch and water and slowly add it to the au jus while whisking continuously until it reaches your desired thickness.
When serving, make sure to heat the au jus before pouring it into a serving dish. This will ensure that it’s at the optimal temperature for your guests to enjoy. And don’t forget to garnish with some fresh herbs or chopped green onions for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
