What is Au Jus?
Au jus is a flavorful sauce made from the natural juices of roasted beef, veal, lamb, or pork. It's also known as 'beef jus' or 'pan gravy'. It's a classic French preparation that's perfect for a variety of dishes. Au jus has a full-bodied flavor with a hint of sweetness that compliments the richness of the meat. And the best part is that it's incredibly easy to make. All you need are some beef or veal stock, butter, and a few other ingredients.
Ingredients
For this delicious au jus recipe, you'll need:
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of beef or veal stock
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Making this au jus is incredibly simple. Here's what you need to do:
- First, melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk together until it forms a paste.
- Gradually add the beef or veal stock, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and continue to whisk until everything is blended together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finally, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Au jus is a versatile sauce that can be used with a variety of dishes. Here are just a few suggestions:
- Use it as a dipping sauce for steak, prime rib, or roast beef sandwiches.
- Pour it over grilled steaks, chops, or roasts.
- Mix it into mashed potatoes or other mashed vegetables.
- Stir it into risotto for a rich, flavorful dish.
- Serve it alongside french fries or roasted potatoes.
Storing and Reheating
Once your au jus is cooked, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply place it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches the desired temperature. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Au jus is a classic French sauce that adds a delicious flavor to a variety of dishes. It's incredibly easy to make and can be used as a dipping sauce or an accompaniment to steak, prime rib, or roast beef. Plus, it can be stored and reheated for future use. So, if you're looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make sauce, this au jus recipe is sure to please.
