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Au Jus Recipe – Easy French Dip & Prime Rib Au Jus brings deep beef flavor to your plate in a thin, savory sauce you can pour or dip into. This simple sauce uses pan drippings, stock, and a few common seasonings to make a clean and rich cup of sauce. Start with warm beef drippings so you catch all the browned bits and build a full base. Softened shallot and crushed garlic add sweet, gentle aroma without taking over. A short simmer with thyme, bay leaf, and whole peppercorns draws out more flavor and keeps the sauce clear. A touch of Worcestershire and soy sauce rounds the taste and deepens the color. After a brief simmer, strain the liquid so it stays smooth, then skim any excess fat for a lighter finish. The result is a beef-forward au jus that lifts roast beef, dip sandwiches, and simple sides. You can make it from fresh drippings or from good stock. It takes little time and gives a big boost to any meal. Keep pans hot and work calmly today.
Why You’ll Love This Au Jus Recipe – Easy French Dip & Prime Rib Au Jus
Simple, rich, and fast, this Au Jus Recipe – Easy French Dip & Prime Rib Au Jus makes beef taste fuller. It takes little time and few ingredients. You get a clear, savory sauce that brings out the roast beef flavor without heaviness. Use real pan drippings for the best depth, or use good stock when you do not have drippings. The sauce stays thin enough for dipping and pouring. It lifts sandwiches, plates, and sides with a warm, meaty boost. You can make it ahead and warm it up before serving for quick dinner help and simple family meals.
How to Make Au Jus Recipe – Easy French Dip & Prime Rib Au Jus
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beef drippings from a roast: 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted beef stock: 2 cups
- Water: 1 cup
- Garlic cloves, lightly crushed: 2
- Shallot, finely sliced: 1 small
- Fresh thyme sprigs: 2
- Bay leaf: 1
- Black peppercorns: 1 teaspoon
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
Step-by-Step Directions
Place a saucepan over medium heat and add the beef drippings. Allow them to warm gently until fluid and aromatic. This step forms the flavor foundation of your au jus recipe, especially if the drippings come from a Prime Rib Roast or Rib Roast Recipe. Add the sliced shallot and crushed garlic to the pan. Cook slowly for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. The goal is to soften them and release aroma, not to brown them. Pour in the beef stock and water. Stir gently to combine and loosen any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. This mixture becomes the backbone of your Au Jus Sauce Recipe. Add the thyme sprigs, bay leaf, and black peppercorns. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Avoid boiling, as aggressive heat can make the au jus cloudy and harsh. Once simmering, add the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. These ingredients deepen color and savoriness, essential for a balanced Aju Sauce. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. The liquid should reduce slightly and develop a richer aroma. Skim any excess fat or foam from the surface to keep the au jus clean. Remove the pan from heat. Strain the au jus through a fine mesh strainer into a clean container, discarding the solids. Taste and season lightly with salt if needed. The finished au jus recipe should taste beef-forward, savory, and smooth, without heaviness.
How to Serve Au Jus Recipe – Easy French Dip & Prime Rib Au Jus
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Serve hot in small bowls for dipping or pour it lightly over sliced roast beef. It works great with thin sandwich slices or thick carved pieces. Offer a small ladle at the table so guests can dip as they wish. For a simple meal, pair au jus with a soft roll and a side of roasted vegetables or fries. Keep the sauce warm but not boiling to keep the texture clear and smooth.
How to Store Au Jus Recipe – Easy French Dip & Prime Rib Au Jus
Let the au jus cool to near room temperature before storing. Move it into a covered container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. If the sauce firms or a layer of fat forms, skim the fat away after warming for a leaner result. You can freeze au jus in a sealed container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for the Best Au Jus Recipe – Easy French Dip & Prime Rib Au Jus
- Use real pan drippings when you can for the richest flavor.
- Warm the drippings gently so they stay fluid and mix well.
- Do not boil the sauce; keep a gentle simmer to stay clear.
- Strain well to remove solids for a smooth au jus.
- Taste before adding salt since Worcestershire and soy add saltiness.
- Serve immediately for best aroma and warmth.
Recipe Variations (if any)
- Add a splash of strong beef stock concentrate for more depth.
- Stir in a small amount of reduced mushroom stock for an earthier note.
- Blend in a small pat of cold butter right before serving for a silkier finish.
- Make a lighter version by using low-sodium stock and less soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make au jus without pan drippings?
A: Yes. Use good quality beef stock and a bit of browned butter or seared beef pieces to add depth. The result will still be savory and satisfying.
Q: How long does au jus keep in the fridge?
A: Stored in a covered container, it will stay good for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently and skim any fat before serving.
Q: Can I freeze au jus?
A: Yes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slowly before use.
Conclusion
For a full guide on prime rib au jus and tips for a perfect roast, see Prime Rib Au Jus – The Ultimate Holiday Roast – Sip and Feast. For a clear how-to on a French dip sandwich and au jus pairing, try Sandwich Recipe: French Dip Au Jus | The Kitchn.
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Au Jus Recipe – Easy French Dip & Prime Rib Au Jus
A simple and rich au jus recipe using pan drippings, stock, and seasonings for a savory sauce perfect for dipping.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Beef drippings from a roast: 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted beef stock: 2 cups
- Water: 1 cup
- Garlic cloves, lightly crushed: 2
- Shallot, finely sliced: 1 small
- Fresh thyme sprigs: 2
- Bay leaf: 1
- Black peppercorns: 1 teaspoon
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Soy sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
Instructions
- Place a saucepan over medium heat and add the beef drippings. Warm gently until fluid.
- Add the sliced shallot and crushed garlic, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the beef stock and water, stirring to combine.
- Add the thyme, bay leaf, and black peppercorns; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Worcestershire and soy sauce, simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes.
- Skim any excess fat or foam from the surface.
- Remove from heat, strain through a fine mesh strainer, and taste, adding salt if needed.
Notes
Use real pan drippings for the best flavor. Store cooled au jus in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
