Homemade Au Jus Recipe With Drippings
This homemade Au Jus recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a savory sauce to add to the top of their favorite meats and side dishes. Not only is it easy to make, but it also uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Au Jus is a favorite for many dishes, especially when served with roast beef or Herb Crusted Prime Rib. However, it can also be used as a dipping sauce for sandwiches or mixed with mashed potatoes for added flavor.
Are you a fan of beef for dinner? If so, then next time, you will want to give this Crockpot Pot Roast or this Slow Cooker Indian Beef recipe a try!
Table of Contents
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy To Make: It’s simple and quick to prepare, and it goes well with all your favorite beef meals!
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples, so there’s no need for a special trip to the store.
- Flavorful: It’s rich and flavorful and goes well with so many different meals.
- Gourmet: Perfect for impressing guests with a homemade touch that feels gourmet without the extra effort.
Recipe Ingredients
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Ingredient Notes:
- Beef broth: You can use either beef broth or beef stock. Both will work well in this recipe.
- Beef drippings: If you don’t have beef drippings, you can substitute them with butter or olive oil.
- Red wine: You can use any type of red wine you prefer, but make sure it’s not sweet wine. Dry red wines work best for this recipe.
- Worcestershire sauce: This adds a nice depth of flavor to the Au Jus. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce as a substitute.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley work exceptionally well in this recipe. Dried herbs are a convenient alternative, but fresh ones provide a more robust flavor.
Substitutions and Additions
- Butter or oil: If you’re out of beef drippings, butter or olive oil can be used to provide a similar flavor.
- Garlic: For a more robust flavor, feel free to add minced fresh garlic or garlic powder.
- Onions: Adding caramelized onions or even sliced raw onions to the mixture can enhance the flavor and add a subtle sweetness.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms are a fantastic addition to this recipe. They pair beautifully with the rich, savory flavors of the Au Jus.
How to Make Au Jus With Drippings (step-by-step directions)
Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the beef broth, drippings, wine, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.
Step 2: Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce to a low simmer. Simmer for 5-10 minutes or until the desired consistency.
Step 3: Add black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Pour the au jus into a serving bowl or gravy boat.
Recipe Tips
- Thicker Au Jus: If you want your au jus to be thicker, just simmer it longer. Or, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the au jus and cook for 3-5 more minutes, stirring often, until it thickens.
- No Drippings? No Problem! If you don’t have beef drippings, you can still make au jus. Use an extra ½ cup of beef broth and add a bit of fat, like 2-3 tablespoons of butter. For more flavor, mix in seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, or parsley. Start with ¼ teaspoon of each and adjust to your taste.
- Wine Alternative: Don’t have red wine? Use red wine vinegar instead. It has less alcohol and still gives that tangy flavor. If it’s too strong, you can add some extra beef broth to tone it down.
Storing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover au jus in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze au jus for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.
- Reheating: To reheat, heat the au jus in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it for 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Serving Suggestions
I always serve this homemade au jus recipe with my Herb Crusted Prime Rib for a holiday dinner. But, if you ask me, it’s even better when you use it as gravy on a bed of Garlic Mashed Potatoes With Sour Cream. You can dip these Green Beans Almondine in them for an extra special treat.
Recipe FAQs
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch or flour into a small amount of cold water to make a slurry, then slowly stir it into the simmering au jus.
Au jus is typically thinner and made from the natural juices of the meat, along with a few added seasonings. Gravy, on the other hand, is thicker and often made with a roux (a mixture of fat and flour) to create a creamy and hearty sauce.
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Homemade Au Jus With Drippings
Equipment
- Mesh Strainer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (354 ⅞ ml) beef broth
- ½ cup (118 2/7 g) beef drippings
- ¼ cup (59 ⅐ ml) red wine like cabernet or pinot noir
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium high heat, whisk together the beef broth, drippings, wine, and Worcestershire sauce until combined.1 ½ cups beef broth,½ cup beef drippings,¼ cup red wine,1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Bring the pot to a boil and then reduce to a low simmer.
- Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the desired consistency.
- Add black pepper, to taste.Black pepper
- Pour the au jus into a serving bowl or gravy boat.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.Fresh herbs for garnish
Notes
- Thicker Au Jus: If you want your au jus to be thicker, just simmer it longer. Or, mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the au jus and cook for 3-5 more minutes, stirring often, until it thickens.
- No Drippings? No Problem! If you don’t have beef drippings, you can still make au jus. Use an extra ½ cup of beef broth and add a bit of fat, like 2-3 tablespoons of butter. For more flavor, mix in seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, or fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, or parsley. Start with ¼ teaspoon of each and adjust to your taste.
- Wine Alternative: Don’t have red wine? Use red wine vinegar instead. It has less alcohol and still gives that tangy flavor. If it’s too strong, you can add some extra beef broth to tone it down.
Nutrition Information
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