French dip sandwiches are a classic American dish that has been a staple in many restaurants and households for decades. The combination of tender beef, crispy bread, and savory au jus is a match made in heaven. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of making French dip sandwiches, from preparing the beef to assembling the final product.
Understanding the History of French Dip Sandwiches
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the history of French dip sandwiches. The origins of this dish are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. One story behind the creation of the French dip sandwich is that it was invented by a Los Angeles restaurant owner named Philippe Mathieu in the 1920s. Mathieu, who owned a restaurant called Philippe’s, began serving sandwiches made with roast beef and served with a side of au jus, which was made from the juices of the roasted beef.
The Key Components of a French Dip Sandwich
A traditional French dip sandwich consists of three main components: the beef, the bread, and the au jus.
- Beef: The beef used in a French dip sandwich is typically a tougher cut of meat, such as top round or rump roast. This type of meat is perfect for slow-cooking, which makes it tender and flavorful.
- Bread: The bread used in a French dip sandwich is typically a crusty bread, such as a baguette or ciabatta. The bread is toasted or grilled to give it a crispy texture.
- Au Jus: The au jus is the savory broth that is served with the sandwich. It is made from the juices of the roasted beef and is flavored with herbs and spices.
Preparing the Beef
The first step in making a French dip sandwich is to prepare the beef. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing the beef:
Step 1: Seasoning the Beef
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the beef, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Let the beef sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Roasting the Beef
- Place the beef in a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot.
- Roast the beef in the preheated oven for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beef. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be at least 130°F (54°C).
Step 3: Slicing the Beef
- Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the beef, as this will help to prevent the meat from tearing.
Preparing the Au Jus
While the beef is cooking, you can start preparing the au jus. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the au jus:
Step 1: Deglazing the Pot
- Remove the pot from the oven and place it on the stovetop over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pot and let it melt.
- Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Step 2: Adding the Broth and Herbs
- Add 2 cups of beef broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
- Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary to the pot.
- Let the au jus simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded together.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now that the beef and au jus are ready, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assembling the sandwich:
Step 1: Toasting the Bread
- Slice the bread into 1-inch thick slices.
- Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are lightly browned.
Step 2: Assembling the Sandwich
- Place a few slices of the beef onto each bread slice.
- Spoon some of the au jus over the beef.
- Top the beef with a slice of cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar.
- Place the other bread slice on top of the cheese to complete the sandwich.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your French dip sandwich to the next level:
- Use a high-quality bread: The bread is an essential component of a French dip sandwich, so make sure to use a high-quality bread that is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Add some cheese: Cheese can add a rich and creamy element to the sandwich. Try using a combination of cheeses, such as Swiss and cheddar.
- Add some sautéed onions: Sautéed onions can add a sweet and savory element to the sandwich. Simply sauté some onions in butter until they are softened and caramelized.
Conclusion
Making a French dip sandwich is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and authentic French dip sandwich that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
What is a French Dip Sandwich?
A French Dip Sandwich is a type of sandwich that consists of a crusty bread roll filled with thinly sliced roast beef, which is typically served with a side of au jus, a savory beef broth, for dipping. The sandwich is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century and has since become a popular dish in many restaurants and households.
The key to a great French Dip Sandwich is the quality of the ingredients, particularly the roast beef and the au jus. The roast beef should be tender and flavorful, while the au jus should be rich and savory. When combined with a crusty bread roll, the result is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
What type of bread is best for a French Dip Sandwich?
The best type of bread for a French Dip Sandwich is a crusty bread roll, such as a baguette or a hoagie roll. This type of bread is ideal because it is sturdy enough to hold up to the juices of the au jus without becoming soggy or falling apart. Additionally, the crusty texture of the bread provides a nice contrast to the tender roast beef and the savory au jus.
Some popular options for bread include a French baguette, an Italian hoagie roll, or a crusty sub roll. Avoid using a soft or fluffy bread, such as white bread or whole wheat bread, as it may become soggy or fall apart when dipped in the au jus.
How do I make the au jus for a French Dip Sandwich?
The au jus for a French Dip Sandwich is typically made by simmering the juices of the roast beef in a flavorful broth. To make the au jus, start by roasting a beef roast in the oven until it is tender and flavorful. Then, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
While the roast is resting, pour the juices from the roasting pan into a saucepan and add some beef broth, wine, or other flavorful liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until it has reduced slightly and intensified in flavor. Strain the au jus through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids and serve it hot alongside the French Dip Sandwich.
Can I use store-bought roast beef for a French Dip Sandwich?
While it is possible to use store-bought roast beef for a French Dip Sandwich, it is generally recommended to use a homemade roast beef for the best flavor and texture. Store-bought roast beef may be pre-cooked and sliced, which can make it dry and less flavorful than a homemade roast beef.
However, if you are short on time or prefer the convenience of store-bought roast beef, look for a high-quality product that is made from tender and flavorful beef. Avoid using deli roast beef or other pre-sliced meats, as they may be too thinly sliced and lack the texture and flavor of a homemade roast beef.
How do I assemble a French Dip Sandwich?
To assemble a French Dip Sandwich, start by slicing the roast beef thinly against the grain. Then, place a few slices of the roast beef onto a crusty bread roll, leaving a small border around the edges of the bread. Place the bread roll onto a baking sheet or oven-safe plate and place it under the broiler for a few minutes until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the oven and place it onto a serving plate or tray. Serve the French Dip Sandwich hot, with a side of au jus for dipping. You can also add some cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar, to the sandwich for extra flavor and creaminess.
Can I make French Dip Sandwiches ahead of time?
While it is possible to make some components of a French Dip Sandwich ahead of time, such as the roast beef and the au jus, it is generally recommended to assemble the sandwiches just before serving. This is because the bread may become soggy or stale if it is assembled too far in advance, and the flavors of the sandwich may not be as fresh and vibrant.
However, if you need to make the sandwiches ahead of time, consider assembling the components of the sandwich, such as the roast beef and the au jus, and storing them in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the sandwiches. Then, simply assemble the sandwiches and serve them hot, with a side of au jus for dipping.
What are some variations on the classic French Dip Sandwich?
There are many variations on the classic French Dip Sandwich that you can try to mix things up and add some new flavors to the dish. Some popular variations include adding cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar, to the sandwich for extra flavor and creaminess. You can also add some sautéed onions or bell peppers to the sandwich for extra flavor and texture.
Another variation is to use a different type of meat, such as prime rib or pastrami, instead of roast beef. You can also add some spicy peppers or hot sauce to the au jus for an extra kick of heat. Finally, consider serving the French Dip Sandwich with a side of fries or a salad for a more filling and satisfying meal.