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A close-up shot of a perfectly rich and flavorful au jus recipe in a glass gravy boat.

Perfect Au Jus

Learn the secrets to making a rich and flavorful au jus.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Simmering 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: French
Calories: 40
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Au Jus
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 large Onion chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 4 cups Beef broth low sodium
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 sprig Fresh thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Fine-mesh sieve

Method
 

  1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Pour in beef broth and water. Add thyme sprig, bay leaf, and black pepper.
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Remove the thyme sprig and bay leaf. Stir in Worcestershire sauce.
  6. If you prefer a thicker au jus, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
  7. Strain the au jus through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard the solids.

Nutrition

Calories: 40kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 2gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 100mgSugar: 1gCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

For an even richer flavor, you can add beef bones or a piece of roasted beef carcass to the simmering liquid. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.

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