If you’ve ever had a French dip sandwich or a perfectly roasted prime rib, you’ve probably dipped it into au jus — that wonderfully flavorful, silky beef sauce that adds depth and moisture to every bite.
The good news? You don’t need hours of simmering bones or fancy ingredients to make it at home. This quick & tasty au jus recipe is simple, fast, and unbelievably delicious — ready in just 15 minutes!
So grab your whisk and let’s learn how to make this restaurant-style au jus recipe right in your own kitchen.
🍖 What Is Au Jus?
“Au jus” (pronounced oh-zhoo) is a French term meaning “with juice.” It refers to a light beef broth or pan sauce made from the natural drippings of roasted meat.
Unlike gravy, au jus isn’t thickened with flour or cornstarch — it’s thinner, glossier, and more intensely flavored. It’s traditionally served alongside roast beef, prime rib, or French dip sandwiches for dipping or drizzling.
🍷 Ingredients You’ll Need
This easy au jus recipe comes together with basic pantry staples:
🧂 Ingredients:
2 tablespoons beef drippings (or butter if you don’t have drippings)
2 cups beef broth (preferably low-sodium)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for umami depth)
1 teaspoon minced garlic (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dijon mustard (optional but adds rich flavor)
¼ cup red wine (optional for a gourmet touch)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
🍖 Pro Tip: If you’ve just roasted beef or steak, use the brown bits (fond) from your pan — they add unbeatable flavor!
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these quick and easy steps to create your perfect au jus sauce:
Step 1: Deglaze the Pan
After cooking your roast or steak, remove the meat and set it aside to rest.
Place the same pan over medium heat.
Add beef drippings or butter to the pan.
Pour in the red wine (if using) and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon — that’s where the flavor lives!
🍷 No wine? Substitute with extra broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasonings
Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic, onion powder, and mustard.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until slightly reduced.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 3: Strain and Serve
If desired, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth, restaurant-style finish.
Serve hot alongside your roast, steak, or French dip sandwich.
🥣 Optional: Whisk in a teaspoon of butter right before serving for a glossy, velvety texture.
🍞 How to Use Au Jus
This quick & tasty au jus recipe is versatile — here are some delicious ways to use it:
🥪 French Dip Sandwiches
Dip your roast beef sandwiches into warm au jus for that classic, juicy bite.
🍖 Roast Beef or Prime Rib
Drizzle it over thinly sliced roast beef for a rich, flavorful finish.
🥔 Mashed Potatoes
Pour it over creamy mashed potatoes as a lighter alternative to gravy.
🍔 Steaks and Burgers
Serve alongside grilled or pan-seared steak for dipping — simple yet gourmet!
🧄 Tips for the Perfect Au Jus
✅ Use quality beef broth — since it’s the base, it determines the final flavor.
✅ Don’t skip deglazing — the fond (brown bits) give you restaurant-level depth.
✅ Simmer gently — avoid boiling to keep your au jus clear and smooth.
✅ Balance flavors — adjust sweetness (Worcestershire) and saltiness (soy) to taste.
✅ Make it ahead — au jus stores beautifully for later use!
🧊 Storage and Reheating
Store leftover au jus in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat — don’t boil.
You can also freeze au jus for up to 3 months in small portions or ice cube trays.
💡 Meal prep tip: Freeze in cubes and use later to elevate sandwiches, soups, or pan sauces.
🍽️ Quick Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these simple variations on your au jus recipe:
🌿 Herb Au Jus
Add a sprig of rosemary, thyme, or bay leaf while simmering.
🍄 Mushroom Au Jus
Sauté mushrooms in the pan before adding the broth for extra umami richness.
🌶️ Spicy Au Jus
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bold kick.
🧅 Caramelized Onion Au Jus
Cook finely sliced onions until golden before deglazing the pan — perfect for French dips!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Quick Au Jus Recipe
Ready in under 15 minutes
Made with simple ingredients
Packed with deep, rich beef flavor
Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or dressing up any roast
Stores and reheats easily for busy nights
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort — the kind of sauce that turns a simple meal into something extraordinary.
🌟 Conclusion
Whether you’re serving a juicy prime rib, tender roast beef, or a classic French dip sandwich, this quick & tasty au jus recipe is the secret that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s rich, savory, and so simple to make that you’ll wonder why you ever bought store-bought versions.
So next time you cook up a roast or steak, don’t let those pan drippings go to waste — turn them into this flavorful, elegant sauce. Try this quick & tasty au jus recipe today and elevate your next meal to five-star perfection!