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Close-up of a spoonful of rich, dark brown liquid from the perfect Au Jus Recipe in a small ceramic bowl.

5 Secrets to Make the Perfect Au Jus Recipe

Learn how to make a rich and savory homemade au jus sauce that will elevate your roasts and steaks. This recipe provides a flavorful dipping sauce perfect for meat lovers.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Simmer Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 62

Ingredients
  

For the Au Jus

Equipment

  • Large rondeau pot or regular pot
  • Medium-sized saucepot

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, roast the onions, celery, carrots, and garlic in 2 tablespoons of fat, butter, or oil over medium heat, stirring frequently, until well browned. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Deglaze with the red wine and cook until almost gone.
  3. Add the stock and pan drippings and bring to a boil.
  4. Simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the liquid is reduced by about 1/3.
  5. Strain the au jus and return the sauce to a pot over low heat.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of butter or chilled rendered fat. Keep warm before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 62kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 221mgPotassium: 253mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1144IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

This au jus can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 6 to 7 days or frozen for up to 6 months. To reheat, add the desired amount to a saucepot and cook over low heat until hot. Yellow, sweet, or white onions, or shallots, can be used. Cool pan drippings quickly to solidify and separate fat for finishing the au jus. Finishing a sauce with chilled fat is called "monter."

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