When it comes to serving prime rib, nothing complements its rich, juicy flavor quite like au jus sauce. This light, flavorful sauce enhances every bite, making your prime rib experience even more memorable. If you’ve ever wondered how to make au jus sauce for prime rib at home, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into a straightforward, delicious recipe that will elevate your roast to restaurant-quality perfection.
What Is Au Jus?
Au jus, which means “with juice” in French, is a thin sauce made from the natural juices released by meat as it cooks. Unlike heavier gravies, au jus is light and broth-like, designed to enhance the meat’s flavor without overpowering it. For prime rib, au jus captures the essence of the roast’s savory, beefy goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Prime Rib Au Jus
Making au jus is surprisingly simple and requires just a few key ingredients:
– Pan drippings from your prime rib roast (these are the flavorful juices left in the roasting pan)
– Beef broth or beef stock (low-sodium is best to control saltiness)
– Worcestershire sauce for a boost of umami flavor
– Red wine (optional, but highly recommended for depth and acidity; choose a good quality drinking wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir)
– Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a sauce that’s rich, savory, and perfectly balanced.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Au Jus for Prime Rib
1. Collect the Pan Drippings
After roasting your prime rib, carefully pour the drippings from the roasting pan into a small saucepan. These drippings are packed with flavor and form the base of your au jus.
2. Add Broth, Wine, and Worcestershire Sauce
Pour in about 1 ½ cups of beef broth and ½ cup of red wine. Add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the savory notes.
3. Heat and Simmer
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly, intensifying the taste.
4. Season to Taste
Add ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Taste your au jus and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Optional: Strain or Keep It Rustic
You can strain the sauce to remove any bits for a clear au jus, or leave it unstrained for a thicker, more rustic texture with extra flavor from the pan bits.
Tips for the Best Au Jus
– Don’t discard the fat: The fat in the pan drippings adds silkiness and richness to your sauce. Skim off only excess fat if it’s overwhelming, but keep some for flavor.
– Skip the wine? No problem! If you prefer not to use red wine, simply replace it with an equal amount of beef broth.
– Add aromatics for extra flavor: Some cooks sauté onions, garlic, or herbs like thyme and bay leaf in the pan before adding liquids to deepen the flavor.
– Make ahead and store: Au jus keeps well in the fridge for up to three days or can be frozen in ice cube trays for convenient future use.
Why Make Your Own Au Jus?
While you can find au jus mixes or pre-made sauces, homemade au jus is fresher, more flavorful, and customizable. Using your prime rib’s own pan drippings ensures the sauce perfectly complements your roast’s unique seasoning and cooking style. Plus, it’s quick and easy, requiring minimal ingredients and effort.
Serving Suggestions
Au jus is traditionally served alongside prime rib as a dipping sauce. It also works wonderfully drizzled over the meat or even poured over mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to add a burst of savory flavor.
Making au jus sauce for prime rib is a simple but game-changing step in your roast preparation. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a luscious, beefy sauce that makes every bite of prime rib even more delightful.
Enjoy your perfectly paired prime rib and au jus!
Au jus sauce is the perfect finishing touch for prime rib, bringing out the best in every slice with its rich, savory flavor.