If you’ve heard the French term “au jus” before and wondered what it means, it translates to “with juice”. This recipe for beef au jus is made with drippings from roast beef along with beef stock, beef broth paste, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper. It has a delicious beefy flavor and can be enjoyed in many ways.
This beef au jus can be transformed into a flavorful gravy or served as is with roast beef. It’s also delicious as a dipping sauce for sandwiches and can be used to add flavor to soups and stews.
What Is Beef Au Jus?
Au Jus is a French term that translates to “with juice”. Beef au jus is the juices released from roast beef as it cooks. Additional ingredients are added to make a delicious beef au jus. It can be served alongside roast beef or transformed into a rich and flavorful gravy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- beef drippings
- beef stock
- beef broth paste
- Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- salt and pepper
- all-purpose flour for the beef gravy
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make Beef Au Jus
- Over medium-high heat, heat a saucepan and add the beef drippings or butter.
- When the beef drippings are hot (or the butter has melted), add the beef stock, beef broth paste, and Worcestershire sauce, if using. Whisk well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes or until reduced.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from the heat and serve.
How to Make Beef Gravy
- Over medium-high heat, heat a saucepan and add the beef drippings or butter. When the beef drippings are hot (or the butter has melted), whisk in the flour, taking care to ensure the mixture is free of lumps.
- Pour in ½ cup of the beef stock. Stir to combine.
- Add the beef broth paste and the Worcestershire sauce, if using. Whisk thoroughly until combined.
- Pour in the remaining 1½ cups of beef broth and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer. Continue to whisk for about 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- You can make an au jus sauce without the drippings but it won’t have as much beefy flavor. Replace the beef drippings with an equal amount of melted butter instead.
- Beef au jus can be transformed into a rich and flavorful gravy, used as a dipping sauce for sandwiches, or to boost the flavor of other dishes like soups and stews.
How To Store Beef Au Jus
Beef au jus can be placed in an airtight container and refrigerated for 3-4 days. To freeze beef au jus, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
How To Reheat Beef Au Jus
Reheat beef au jus on the stovetop over medium heat or in a microwave. Stir occasionally and heat until hot.
Is Au Jus The Same As Beef Broth?
No. Au jus refers to the juices that are released when beef is cooking. Additional ingredients like beef stock, beef broth paste, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings are added for extra flavor. Beef broth is typically made by simmering together meaty beef bones, carrots, celery, onion, and a variety of seasonings.
Is Au Jus The Same As Gravy?
No. Gravy is made with beef drippings, seasonings, and a thickener like flour or cornstarch. Au jus is the juices that are naturally released from meat as it cooks and is seasoned with additional ingredients like beef stock, beef broth paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Au jus does not include thickeners.
Can I Use Brown Gravy Mix Instead Of Au Jus?
Yes. Brown gravy mix can be used in place of au jus sauce but the taste will differ as the seasoning and sodium amount in each differs.
Beef Au Jus Recipe
Ingredients
Beef Au Jus Ingredients
- ½ cup beef drippings or melted butter
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon beef broth paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- salt and pepper to taste
Beef Gravy Ingredients
- ½ cup beef drippings or melted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 tablespoon beef broth paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce optional
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions For Beef Au Jus:
- Over medium-high heat, heat a saucepan and add the beef drippings or butter.
- When the beef drippings are hot (or the butter has melted), add the beef stock, beef broth paste, and Worcestershire sauce, if using. Whisk well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes or until reduced.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from the heat and serve.
Instructions For Beef Gravy:
- Over medium-high heat, heat a saucepan and add the beef drippings or butter. When the beef drippings are hot (or the butter has melted), whisk in the flour, taking care to ensure the mixture is free of lumps.
- Pour in ½ cup of the beef stock. Stir to combine.
- Add the beef broth paste and the Worcestershire sauce, if using. Whisk thoroughly until combined.
- Pour in the remaining 1½ cups of beef broth and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer. Continue to whisk for about 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and enjoy!
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