When it comes to roast beef sandwiches, there’s one thing that sets the truly great ones apart from the rest: a rich, savory au jus. Au jus, which is French for “in its own juice,” is a flavorful liquid made from the pan drippings of a roasted piece of meat, typically beef. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a roast beef sandwich, adding a depth of flavor and moisture that elevates the dish to new heights. In this article, we’ll explore the art of making au jus for roast beef sandwiches, including the basics of au jus, the different types of au jus, and a step-by-step guide to making the perfect au jus.
Understanding Au Jus
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of making au jus, it’s essential to understand what it is and how it’s used. Au jus is a type of sauce made from the pan drippings of a roasted piece of meat. These drippings are rich in flavor and contain a high concentration of collagen, which is broken down during the cooking process to create a smooth, velvety texture. Au jus is typically served alongside roast beef sandwiches, where it’s used to dip the sandwich and add extra flavor.
The Benefits of Au Jus
So, why is au jus such an essential component of a great roast beef sandwich? Here are just a few reasons:
- Added flavor: Au jus is packed with flavor, which it absorbs from the roasted meat and any aromatics used in the cooking process. This flavor is then transferred to the sandwich, adding a rich, savory taste that elevates the dish.
- Moisture: Au jus helps to keep the sandwich moist and juicy, which is especially important when working with a lean cut of meat like roast beef.
- Texture: The smooth, velvety texture of au jus provides a pleasant contrast to the rough, chewy texture of the bread and meat.
Types of Au Jus
While traditional au jus is made with the pan drippings of a roasted piece of meat, there are several variations that can be used to add extra flavor and interest to your roast beef sandwiches. Here are a few examples:
- Red wine au jus: This type of au jus is made by adding red wine to the pan drippings, which adds a rich, fruity flavor to the sauce.
- Beef broth au jus: This type of au jus is made by adding beef broth to the pan drippings, which adds a light, beefy flavor to the sauce.
- Mushroom au jus: This type of au jus is made by adding sautéed mushrooms to the pan drippings, which adds an earthy, umami flavor to the sauce.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to making au jus, the type of meat you use is crucial. You’ll want to choose a cut of meat that’s rich in connective tissue, as this will break down during the cooking process to create a smooth, velvety texture. Here are a few options:
- Prime rib: This is a classic choice for au jus, as it’s rich in connective tissue and has a robust, beefy flavor.
- Top round: This is another popular choice for au jus, as it’s lean and has a mild flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients.
- Rump roast: This is a great choice for au jus, as it’s rich in connective tissue and has a robust, beefy flavor.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Au Jus
Now that we’ve covered the basics of au jus and the different types of au jus, it’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty of making it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the perfect au jus:
Step 1: Roast the Meat
The first step in making au jus is to roast the meat. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C), then season the meat with salt, pepper, and any other desired aromatics (such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic). Place the meat in a roasting pan and put it in the oven, where it will roast for 2-3 hours, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Roasting Times and Temperatures
Here’s a rough guide to roasting times and temperatures for different cuts of meat:
| Cut of Meat | Roasting Time | Internal Temperature |
| — | — | — |
| Prime rib | 2-3 hours | 130-135°F (54-57°C) |
| Top round | 2-3 hours | 140-145°F (60-63°C) |
| Rump roast | 2-3 hours | 145-150°F (63-66°C) |
Step 2: Deglaze the Pan
Once the meat is done roasting, remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest. Leave the pan drippings in the pan, then place the pan over medium heat on your stovetop. Add a small amount of liquid to the pan (such as red wine, beef broth, or water), then use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This process is called deglazing, and it helps to release all the flavorful compounds from the pan.
Step 3: Simmer the Au Jus
Once you’ve deglazed the pan, add any additional aromatics you like (such as onions, carrots, or celery), then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the au jus has reduced slightly and developed a rich, velvety texture.
Step 4: Strain the Au Jus
Once the au jus has finished simmering, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Strain the au jus through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan, discarding any solids. This will help to remove any impurities and leave you with a smooth, velvety texture.
Step 5: Serve the Au Jus
Finally, it’s time to serve the au jus. Slice the roasted meat thinly, then serve it on a bun with a side of au jus for dipping. You can also use the au jus as a sauce, spooning it over the top of the sandwich for added flavor and moisture.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your au jus to the next level:
- Use a high-quality broth: If you’re using beef broth as a base for your au jus, make sure to use a high-quality broth that’s rich in flavor.
- Add aromatics: Onions, carrots, and celery are all great additions to au jus, as they add a depth of flavor and aroma.
- Use red wine: Red wine adds a rich, fruity flavor to au jus that’s perfect for roast beef sandwiches.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding different spices to your au jus, such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic, to give it a unique flavor.
By following these tips and variations, you can create a delicious au jus that will elevate your roast beef sandwiches to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, making au jus is a simple and rewarding process that’s sure to impress.
What is Au Jus and Why is it Important for Roast Beef Sandwiches?
Au Jus is a French culinary term that translates to “with juice.” It refers to a savory broth or sauce made from the pan drippings of a roasted meat, typically beef. Au Jus is essential for roast beef sandwiches as it adds flavor, tenderness, and moisture to the dish. The rich, meaty flavor of the Au Jus complements the roast beef perfectly, making it a crucial component of a delicious roast beef sandwich.
When making Au Jus for roast beef sandwiches, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the broth slowly to extract all the flavors from the meat and bones. This process may take some time, but the end result is well worth the effort. A good Au Jus can elevate a roast beef sandwich from a simple, everyday meal to a gourmet dish that’s sure to impress.
What are the Key Ingredients for Making Au Jus?
The key ingredients for making Au Jus are the pan drippings from a roasted beef, beef broth, red wine, and aromatics such as onions, carrots, and celery. The pan drippings provide the rich, meaty flavor, while the beef broth and red wine add depth and complexity to the sauce. The aromatics add a subtle sweetness and freshness to the Au Jus.
It’s also essential to use high-quality beef broth and red wine, as they can make a significant difference in the flavor of the Au Jus. You can use store-bought broth and wine, but homemade broth and a good-quality red wine will give you a more authentic flavor. Additionally, you can also add other ingredients such as thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to give the Au Jus a more herbaceous flavor.
How Do I Make Au Jus from Scratch?
To make Au Jus from scratch, start by roasting a beef in the oven until it’s browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside to rest. Then, deglaze the pan with a small amount of red wine, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add some aromatics such as onions, carrots, and celery to the pan and cook until they’re softened.
Next, add beef broth to the pan and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the Au Jus cook slowly for at least an hour, skimming off any impurities that rise to the surface. You can also add other ingredients such as thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to the Au Jus for added flavor. Once the Au Jus has finished cooking, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the solids.
Can I Make Au Jus Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make Au Jus ahead of time. In fact, making it ahead of time can be beneficial, as it allows the flavors to meld together and intensify. You can make the Au Jus up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Then, simply reheat it before serving.
When reheating the Au Jus, make sure to heat it slowly over low heat, whisking constantly to prevent it from breaking. You can also add a little more beef broth or red wine to the Au Jus if it’s too thick. Additionally, you can also freeze the Au Jus for up to a month and thaw it when you’re ready to use it.
How Do I Serve Au Jus with Roast Beef Sandwiches?
Au Jus is typically served on the side of roast beef sandwiches, allowing each person to dip their sandwich in the savory broth. You can serve the Au Jus in small bowls or ramekins, or even in a large serving bowl for everyone to share.
When serving Au Jus with roast beef sandwiches, make sure to slice the roast beef thinly and serve it on a crusty bread roll. You can also add some melted cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss, to the sandwich for added flavor. Additionally, you can also serve the Au Jus with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Store-Bought Au Jus or Broth?
While it’s possible to use store-bought Au Jus or broth, it’s not recommended. Store-bought Au Jus and broth can be high in sodium and preservatives, and they often lack the rich, meaty flavor of homemade Au Jus.
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought broth as a substitute, but make sure to add some aromatics and spices to give it more flavor. However, if you want the best flavor, it’s worth taking the time to make your own Au Jus from scratch. The end result is well worth the effort, and you can be sure that your roast beef sandwiches will be delicious and authentic.
How Do I Store Leftover Au Jus?
Leftover Au Jus can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to a month. When storing Au Jus in the refrigerator, make sure to cool it to room temperature first, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it.
When freezing Au Jus, make sure to cool it to room temperature first, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and label it. Frozen Au Jus can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator or reheated straight from the freezer. When reheating frozen Au Jus, make sure to heat it slowly over low heat, whisking constantly to prevent it from breaking.