How to Make Au Jus Sauce at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide
Want to know the secret to a perfect au jus sauce? Look no further than this step-by-step guide that will have you making restaurant-quality sauce in no time.
Ingredients
- Beef
- Beef broth
- Red wine
- Garlic
- Onion
- Thyme
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Gather Your Ingredients.
The first step in making au jus sauce is to gather your ingredients.
You will need beef broth, red wine, garlic, onion, thyme, and black pepper.
You can use either homemade beef broth or store-bought, but make sure it is low-sodium so you can control the saltiness of the sauce.
For the red wine, choose a dry red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
The garlic and onion will add depth of flavour, while the thyme and black pepper will give the sauce a subtle herbal note and a bit of heat.
Once you have all your ingredients, you're ready to start cooking! - Brown Your Meat.
Before you start making the au jus sauce, you'll need to brown your meat.
This can be done with a roast, steak, or even beef mince/ground beef.
The key is to get a nice sear on the meat to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
Once the oil is hot, add your meat and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes depending on the thickness of your meat.
Once the meat is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. - Add Aromatics and Deglaze the Pan.
After browning your meat, it's time to add some aromatics to the skillet.
This can include onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
Cook the vegetables until they are softened and slightly browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once the vegetables are cooked, it's time to deglaze the pan.
This means adding a liquid, such as red wine or beef broth, to the skillet and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
This will add even more flavour to your au jus sauce. - Add Broth and Simmer.
After deglazing the pan, it's time to add the beef broth.
Pour in enough broth to cover the bottom of the skillet, usually about 1-2 cups.
Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened slightly.
This will intensify the flavour of the sauce and give it a rich, velvety texture.
Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids. - Strain and Serve.
After the au jus sauce has reduced and thickened to your liking, it's time to strain it and serve. Using a fine-mesh sieve, strain the sauce to remove any solids or impurities.
This will give your sauce a smooth and velvety texture.
Once strained, the sauce is ready to be served hot with your favourite meat dishes.
Whether it's a juicy steak or a tender roast, this homemade au jus sauce will take your meal to the next level.
Notes
When serving au jus, it’s important to keep it warm to maintain its flavour and consistency.
You can use a small saucepan or a gravy boat to serve it alongside your meal.
It is important to reheat it thoroughly before consuming.
When reheating, it is recommended to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the flavour to deteriorate. You can also reheat au jus in the microwave, but be sure to use a microwave-safe container and stir frequently to prevent hot spots.
However, it's important to check the ingredients of the specific brand or recipe you are using to ensure that it doesn't contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
Some recipes may use wheat flour or other gluten-containing thickeners, so it's always best to double-check.
It's typically made from beef broth and seasonings, which are low in carbs.
However, it's always important to check the ingredients and nutrition information to make sure it fits within your specific dietary needs.
You can use a small saucepan or a gravy boat to serve it alongside your meal.
How Long Does Au Jus Last in the Fridge?
Au jus can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days if stored properly in an airtight container.It is important to reheat it thoroughly before consuming.
Can Au Jus Be Frozen?
Yes, you can freeze au jus. It is best to freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag and use it within 2-3 months for best quality.When reheating, it is recommended to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How To Reheat Au Jus?
To reheat au jus, place it in a saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature.Be careful not to overheat it, as this can cause the flavour to deteriorate. You can also reheat au jus in the microwave, but be sure to use a microwave-safe container and stir frequently to prevent hot spots.
Is Au Jus Gluten Free?
Au jus is typically made from beef broth, which is usually gluten-free.However, it's important to check the ingredients of the specific brand or recipe you are using to ensure that it doesn't contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
Some recipes may use wheat flour or other gluten-containing thickeners, so it's always best to double-check.
Is Au Jus Keto?
Yes, au jus can be keto-friendly as long as it doesn't contain any added sugars or thickeners.It's typically made from beef broth and seasonings, which are low in carbs.
However, it's always important to check the ingredients and nutrition information to make sure it fits within your specific dietary needs.