A beautiful roast beef deserves an equally delicious sauce, and au jus is a classic choice. This thin, concentrated beefy sauce adds moisture and big flavor to sliced roast beef. Learning how to make your own au jus sauce at home is surprisingly easy. With just a few ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a rich, savory jus that pairs perfectly with beef.
What is Au Jus Sauce?
Au jus (pronounced oh-ZHOO) is a French term meaning “with juice”. It refers to a sauce made from the natural juices that are released when cooking meat. For roast beef this sauce captures all the meaty essence and drippings.
Traditional au jus sauce consists of:
- Beef broth – for rich, meaty flavor
- Beef drippings – adds richness from rendered fat/juices
- Aromatics like onion, garlic, herbs – for depth
- Red wine or balsamic vinegar – for acidity
- Butter or cream – for body
The sauce is strained for a thin, clear appearance The concentrated flavor coats each slice of roast beef beautifully.
Tips for Making Au Jus for Roast Beef
Follow these tips for getting maximum flavor in your homemade beef au jus:
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Use drippings – The flavor can’t be beat. Chill to separate fat, then skim off fat layer before using.
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Sauté vegetables – Onions, garlic, carrots add sweetness when browned.
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Deglaze pan – Scrape up cooked-on bits after searing roast beef with wine or broth.
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Simmer – Gently simmer broth with drippings to meld flavors.
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Strain – For clear sauce, strain out solids after simmering.
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Finish with butter – Swirl in butter or cream for richness and body.
How to Make Au Jus Sauce from Scratch
Making your own au jus sauce is simple with these steps:
Ingredients Needed
- Roast beef drippings
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1⁄4 cup red wine or balsamic vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh thyme and rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp butter (optional)
Instructions
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Chill drippings to separate fat. Skim off fat layer on top.
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Sauté onion and garlic in a bit of drippings or oil until softened.
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Add skimmed drippings, beef broth, vinegar, and herbs to the pan.
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
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Remove bay leaf. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
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For a richer sauce, swirl in a tablespoon or two of butter.
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Strain sauce through a fine mesh sieve.
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Serve sauce warm over sliced roast beef.
And your homemade au jus is ready for your perfectly roasted beef!
Serving Suggestions
Au jus sauce dresses up any beef dish:
- Prime rib
- Roast beef sandwiches
- Beef tenderloin
- Steak frites
- Beef tenderloin tips
- French dip sandwiches
Drizzle it over the top or serve it on the side for dipping sliced meat into. Beef lovers will devour this tasty sauce!
Make-Ahead Au Jus
Prepare your au jus ahead of time so it’s ready when the roast beef comes out of the oven.
- Make 1-2 days in advance.
- Cool completely before refrigerating.
- Skim solidified fat before reheating.
- Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs
What can I use instead of drippings?
If you don’t have drippings, increase the broth to 3 cups. Sauté onion and garlic in oil before adding broth for flavor.
Can I use gravy mix?
Yes, use 1 packet of brown gravy mix whisked into 2 cups beef broth.
What kind of broth is best?
Look for a high-quality beef broth for the most flavor. Or make your own beef broth by simmering bones.
Can I freeze au jus sauce?
Yes, au jus freezes very well for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before using.
With this easy homemade recipe, you can create rich, flavorful au jus sauce for your roasted beef. Simmering the broth with drippings, wine and aromatics yields a concentrate of beefy essence. Learning how to make your own allows you to avoid stabilizers, salt and mystery ingredients found in canned versions. So next time you roast beef, take it over the top with this delicious homemade au jus!