Recipes for a great Au Jus

CORNSTARCH ALERT: Cornstarch is used to thicken a traditional Au Jus. If you prefer ( like I do) a thinner Au Jus, reduce the amount of cornstarch or eliminate the steps involving the cornstarch.

Recipe for a classic Au Jus from pan drippings

Ingredients:

2 cups beef stock
1/2 cup red wine
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup of water

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Roast a beef roast until it reaches your desired doneness.
Remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Place the roasting pan over medium heat.
Add the red wine to the pan and scrape up any brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
Add the beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the pan.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth.
Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the pan while whisking constantly.
Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any solids.

Recipe for Quick Au Jus

Ingredients:

2 cups of beef broth
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
2 tablespoons of cornstarch
1/4 cup of water

Instructions:

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients together until they are fully mixed.
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it comes to a simmer.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering beef broth mixture, whisking constantly.
Continue to whisk the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the au jus cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the au jus hot with your favorite meat dish, such as roast beef, steak, or prime rib.

WHAT IS AU JUS?

Au jus is a thin sauce or gravy that typically accompanies beef, lamb, or chicken dishes. It's typically made from the natural drippings or juices that come from cooking meat, hence its origin from the French term "with juice".