Au jus is a delicious sauce commonly served with various types of meat, such as beef, lamb, or pork. It is a French culinary term, which translates to “with juice.” Au jus sauce is rich, flavorful, and enhances the taste of the meat it accompanies. Although it may sound fancy, making au jus at home is a simple process that anyone can master. In this article, we will provide you with a simple guide on how to make au jus, ensuring that your sauce is perfectly flavored every time.
Gather the Ingredients
Before you can start making au jus, it is crucial to gather all the necessary ingredients. The key to a flavorful sauce lies in using quality components. Here’s what you will need:
1. Beef Broth:
Beef broth serves as the base of au jus sauce. It provides richness and depth of flavor. You can either use homemade beef broth or purchase a high-quality store-bought option.
2. Meat Drippings:
For an authentic au jus, incorporate the meat drippings from the roasted meat. These drippings carry the essence of the meat and add a distinct taste to the sauce. If you are preparing au jus without meat or want to make a vegetarian version, you can omit this ingredient.
3. Red Wine:
Red wine adds complexity and depth to the au jus sauce. Choose a dry red wine, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Pinot Noir. The alcohol will evaporate during the cooking process, leaving behind an excellent flavor.
4. Onion:
An onion adds a delightful sweetness and aroma to the au jus. You can use a yellow or white onion, thinly sliced or chopped.
5. Garlic:
Garlic provides a savory note to the sauce. Use fresh garlic cloves and crush or mince them before incorporating them into the sauce.
6. Thyme:
Thyme is a classic herb used in French cooking and pairs exceptionally well with beef. Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or use dried thyme if fresh is not available.
7. Butter:
Butter adds richness and a velvety texture to the au jus sauce. Use unsalted butter to have control over the saltiness of the final product.
8. Salt and Pepper:
Seasonings like salt and pepper are essential components in any dish. Add them to taste, ensuring they complement the flavor of the meat and the other ingredients.
Steps to Make Au Jus Sauce
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you are ready to begin the process of making au jus. Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly flavored sauce:
1. Prepare the Meat:
If you are using meat drippings, roast the meat of your choice as usual. Collect the drippings in a separate container while the meat rests.
2. Skim the Fat:
If there is excess fat in the meat drippings, use a spoon or a fat separator to remove it. Skimming the fat will result in a more balanced and less greasy au jus sauce.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced or chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent. This step enhances their flavors.
4. Deglaze with Red Wine:
Pour the red wine into the saucepan with the onions and garlic. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, which helps to evaporate the alcohol and infuses the sauce with the wine’s essence.
5. Add Beef Broth:
Now it’s time to add the beef broth to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring that all the flavors meld together.
6. Incorporate Thyme:
Add the sprigs of fresh thyme or the dried thyme to the saucepan. Thyme complements the beef broth and other ingredients, giving the au jus sauce a warm and herbaceous profile.
7. Simmer and Reduce:
Allow the sauce to simmer for around 15-20 minutes, or until it reduces slightly. Simmering helps intensify the flavors and ensures the sauce achieves the desired consistency.
8. Strain the Sauce:
Using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the sauce to remove any solids like onion, garlic, or thyme sprigs. The resulting sauce will be smooth and velvety.
9. Adjust the Seasoning:
Taste the au jus sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Add salt and pepper if needed, ensuring the flavors are well-balanced.
10. Serve:
Your homemade au jus sauce is now ready to be served. Pour it into a gravy boat or a small bowl to accompany your roasted meat. It pairs exceptionally well with prime rib, roasted beef tenderloin, or French dip sandwiches.
By following this simple guide, you can make a delicious au jus sauce that will elevate the flavor of any meat dish. Experiment with different variations by incorporating additional herbs or spices to suit your taste. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a special meal, homemade au jus is the perfect finishing touch to impress your guests or indulge in a culinary delight.