Au jus sandwiches, a staple of French cuisine, have been tantalizing taste buds for centuries. The phrase “au jus” literally translates to “with juice,” which refers to the savory, meaty broth served alongside the sandwich. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of au jus sandwiches, exploring their history, the different types of meat and bread used, and most importantly, providing a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect au jus sandwich.
A Brief History of Au Jus Sandwiches
The origins of au jus sandwiches date back to 19th-century France, where they were served as a humble, comforting meal for the working class. The sandwich typically consisted of thinly sliced meat, served in a crusty baguette with a side of au jus for dipping. Over time, the popularity of au jus sandwiches spread throughout the world, with various regions adapting their own unique twists to the classic recipe.
Types of Meat Used in Au Jus Sandwiches
When it comes to au jus sandwiches, the type of meat used is crucial. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Roast Beef: Thinly sliced roast beef is a classic choice for au jus sandwiches. Look for a cut that’s tender and flavorful, such as prime rib or top round.
- French Dip: French dip is a type of roast beef that’s specifically designed for au jus sandwiches. It’s typically made from a tougher cut of meat, such as chuck or round, which is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth.
- Short Ribs: Short ribs are a popular choice for au jus sandwiches, particularly in French cuisine. They’re slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful broth until tender and falling off the bone.
Choosing the Right Bread for Your Au Jus Sandwich
The bread used in au jus sandwiches is just as important as the meat. Here are some popular options:
- Baguette: A crusty baguette is the classic choice for au jus sandwiches. Look for a bread that’s fresh and has a slightly crispy crust.
- Hoagie Roll: A hoagie roll is a great alternative to a baguette. It’s slightly softer and has a more subtle flavor.
- Ciabatta: Ciabatta is a type of Italian bread that’s perfect for au jus sandwiches. It’s light and airy, with a slightly crispy crust.
Assembling the Perfect Au Jus Sandwich
Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to assemble the perfect au jus sandwich. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start with a fresh, crusty bread: Slice the bread in half and toast it lightly. This will help bring out the flavors and textures of the bread.
- Add a generous helping of meat: Thinly slice the meat and add it to the bread. Make sure to pile it high, as the meat is the star of the show.
- Add some cheese (optional): If you’re feeling fancy, add some melted cheese to the sandwich. This will add an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
- Serve with a side of au jus: The au jus is the crowning glory of the sandwich. Serve it on the side, allowing the diner to dip the sandwich to their heart’s content.
Making the Perfect Au Jus
The au jus is the key to a great au jus sandwich. Here’s a recipe for making the perfect au jus:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine the broth, wine, and butter in a saucepan: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the garlic, thyme, and rosemary: Stir to combine and let simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together.
- Season with salt and pepper: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Strain the au jus: Strain the au jus through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean saucepan. Discard the solids.
- Serve the au jus: Serve the au jus hot, alongside the sandwich.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to take your au jus sandwiches to the next level:
- Use a slow cooker: If you’re short on time, use a slow cooker to make the au jus. Simply combine the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Add some acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can add a bright, tangy flavor to the au jus.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding some dried spices, such as paprika or cumin, to the au jus for added depth of flavor.
- Use different types of meat: Experiment with different types of meat, such as pork or lamb, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Au Jus Sandwich Variations
Here are some popular variations on the classic au jus sandwich:
- French Dip: A French dip is a type of au jus sandwich that’s made with thinly sliced roast beef and served in a crusty baguette.
- Italian Beef: An Italian beef sandwich is a type of au jus sandwich that’s made with thinly sliced roast beef and served in a crusty roll.
- Cuban Au Jus: A Cuban au jus sandwich is a type of au jus sandwich that’s made with roasted pork, ham, and Swiss cheese, served in a crusty baguette.
Conclusion
Au jus sandwiches are a deliciously savory delight that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich, meaty flavors and crispy, crunchy textures, it’s no wonder they’ve become a staple of French cuisine. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect au jus sandwich. So go ahead, get creative, and experiment with different types of meat and bread. Your taste buds will thank you!
What is an Au Jus Sandwich?
An Au Jus sandwich is a type of sandwich that originated in France and consists of thinly sliced roast beef served on a crusty bread roll, typically a baguette, and dipped in a savory au jus sauce. The au jus sauce is made from the juices of the roast beef and is served on the side for dipping. This type of sandwich is often associated with French cuisine and is a popular dish in many restaurants.
The key to a great Au Jus sandwich is the quality of the ingredients, particularly the roast beef and the au jus sauce. The roast beef should be tender and flavorful, while the au jus sauce should be rich and savory. When combined, these ingredients create a deliciously savory delight that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
What is Au Jus Sauce?
Au jus sauce is a type of sauce made from the juices of roast beef. It is typically made by deglazing the pan in which the roast beef was cooked, scraping up all the browned bits and juices, and then simmering them in a liquid such as beef broth or wine. The resulting sauce is rich, savory, and full of flavor, with a deep, meaty taste that is perfect for dipping sandwiches.
Au jus sauce is a key component of an Au Jus sandwich, and it’s what sets this type of sandwich apart from others. The sauce is served on the side, allowing the diner to dip their sandwich to their heart’s content. This not only adds flavor to the sandwich but also helps to keep the bread moist and tender.
What Type of Bread is Best for an Au Jus Sandwich?
The best type of bread for an Au Jus sandwich is a crusty bread roll, such as a baguette. This type of bread is perfect for sopping up the au jus sauce without becoming too soggy or falling apart. The crusty exterior and soft interior of the bread provide a nice textural contrast to the tender roast beef and savory sauce.
When choosing a bread for an Au Jus sandwich, look for a bread that is fresh and has a good balance of crust and crumb. A day-old bread can also work well, as it will be firmer and less likely to fall apart when dipped in the sauce. Avoid using a bread that is too dense or heavy, as it can overpower the other ingredients in the sandwich.
How Do I Make the Perfect Roast Beef for an Au Jus Sandwich?
To make the perfect roast beef for an Au Jus sandwich, start by choosing a high-quality cut of beef, such as prime rib or top round. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs or spices, and then roast it in the oven until it reaches the desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the beef is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Once the beef is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This will help to ensure that the beef is tender and easy to slice. Use a sharp knife to slice the beef, and try to slice it as thinly as possible to maximize the flavor and texture of the sandwich.
Can I Make Au Jus Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make au jus sauce ahead of time. In fact, making the sauce ahead of time can help to intensify the flavors and make it even more delicious. To make the sauce ahead of time, simply deglaze the pan in which the roast beef was cooked, scraping up all the browned bits and juices, and then simmer them in a liquid such as beef broth or wine.
Let the sauce cool to room temperature, and then refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to use it. When you’re ready to serve the sauce, simply reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, whisking constantly to prevent it from becoming too thick. You can also make the sauce a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to use it.
How Do I Assemble an Au Jus Sandwich?
To assemble an Au Jus sandwich, start by slicing the roast beef thinly against the grain. Place a few slices of the beef onto a crusty bread roll, such as a baguette. Spoon some of the au jus sauce over the beef, and then top with any desired toppings, such as cheese, horseradish, or arugula.
Place the other half of the bread roll on top of the sandwich, and serve immediately. You can also serve the sandwich with a side of au jus sauce for dipping, allowing the diner to customize the amount of sauce to their liking. This not only adds flavor to the sandwich but also helps to keep the bread moist and tender.
Can I Customize an Au Jus Sandwich to My Taste?
Yes, you can customize an Au Jus sandwich to your taste. While the traditional ingredients of roast beef, au jus sauce, and crusty bread are a great starting point, you can add or substitute other ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Some popular toppings for an Au Jus sandwich include cheese, horseradish, arugula, and caramelized onions.
You can also experiment with different types of bread or sauces to create a unique flavor profile. For example, you could try using a different type of cheese or adding some diced herbs to the au jus sauce. The key is to find a combination of ingredients that you enjoy and that complement the flavors of the roast beef and au jus sauce.