With this au jus gravy mix, it’s easy to make an easy au jus recipe without beef drippings. Whisk the mix with water to make the best au jus, then add the rich, savory flavor of a beef au jus recipe. This quick method makes a delicious au jus gravy that is great for roasts or sandwiches, whether you use au jus powder or make your own blend. Next time you wonder about au jus gravy mix substitutes, remember this straightforward solution. Learn how to make au jus and enjoy the smooth feel it gives to your food.
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Au Jus packets add rich, savory flavors to meals with a blend of beef bouillon, herbs, and spices. They make meats and dishes taste better, from prime rib to French dip sandwiches, and are great for traditional Au Jus sauce. Take your recipes to the next level with this easy to make Au jus Seasoning packet.
Au jus is a classic sauce served alongside prime rib that takes the flavor to new heights. While au jus is traditionally made from the natural juices of a roasted beef joint you can also easily make it using beef bouillon cubes. The bouillon cubes impart deep umami flavor for delicious homemade au jus.
What are Beef Bouillon Cubes?
Beef bouillon cubes are concentrated, dehydrated cubes of beef broth. They are made by simmering beef bones, meat, vegetables and seasonings to extract maximum flavor. The broth is then condensed down and shaped into cubes.
The cubes make a quick beef broth by simply dissolving one in hot water They add instant meaty flavor to everything from gravies to rice dishes, Beef bouillon is often used synonymously with beef stock cubes or beef OXO cubes,
Benefits of Bouillon Cubes for Au Jus
There are many benefits to using bouillon cubes rather than water or plain broth when making easy au jus:
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Concentrated flavor – The cubes add intense beefy, savory taste.
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Easy to use – No prep needed, just drop and stir.
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Long shelf life – Bouillon cubes keep for years in the pantry.
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Budget-friendly – Cubes are an affordable way to add big flavor.
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Portion control – Cubes allow precise flavor control.
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Emergency backups – Great to have on hand when you’re out of broth.
Tips for Making Au Jus with Bouillon
Follow these helpful tips for making foolproof au jus using beef bouillon cubes:
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Use low sodium cubes – They have cleaner flavor.
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Simmer the cubes – Don’t just dissolve in hot water.
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Layer in aromatics – Onion, garlic, thyme add complexity.
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Splash in some wine – Red wine contributes acidity.
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Whisk smoothly – Ensure cubes fully dissolve.
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Thicken if desired – A cornstarch slurry makes it gravy-like.
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Strain before serving – For silky smooth consistency.
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Season well – Add plenty of salt and pepper.
Easy Au Jus Recipe with Bouillon Cubes
This simple recipe uses OXO beef bouillon cubes to make delicious au jus for prime rib dinners or French dip sandwiches.
Ingredients:
- 2 beef OXO cubes
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup dry red wine
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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In a saucepan, combine beef cubes, water, wine, onion, garlic, bay leaf and thyme.
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Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook 10 minutes until cubes fully dissolve.
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Remove from heat and discard bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
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For silky consistency, strain sauce through a fine mesh strainer.
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Transfer to a bowl and serve au jus warm alongside prime rib or dipping sandwiches.
Notes:
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For richer flavor, use 1 cup water + 1 cup beef broth instead of just water.
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For a thicker gravy-like au jus, make a slurry with 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water. Whisk in once sauce is removed from heat.
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Tailor the au jus to your taste by adding extras like mushrooms, tomatoes or fresh herbs.
Serving Ideas for Bouillon Cube Au Jus
Richly flavored beef au jus made with bouillon cubes is extremely versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:
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Generously ladle over sliced prime rib or ribs for added moisture.
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Use as a thin, flavorful dipping sauce for French dip sandwiches.
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Drizzle over a pot roast or beef tenderloin before serving.
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Toss with roasted potatoes or root vegetables right before serving.
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Pour over steak frites or hamburger steak dinners.
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Mix into ground beef as a seasoning binder for burgers or meatloaf.
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Use as the base flavor for beef stews, chili or spaghetti sauce.
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Whisk in flour to make easy beef gravy for biscuits or mashed potatoes.
Handy Au Jus Tips and Tricks
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Add kitchen bouquet or gravy salts to amp up color and flavor.
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Let roasted beef rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute.
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If reheating and au jus accidentally over-reduces, thin out with water or wine.
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For the smoothest consistency, strain through a coffee filter instead of mesh strainer.
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Freeze au jus in ice cube trays for easy use whenever you need it.
Common Au Jus Questions
How long does au jus made with cubes keep?
About 4-5 days refrigerated. Freeze for longer storage.
What’s the difference between au jus and broth?
Au jus refers specifically to pan juices from roasted meat. Broth is a more generic stock.
Can I use other flavored bouillon cubes?
For best flavor, stick with beef cubes. Chicken or veggie work but lack richness.
Is flour necessary for thickening au jus?
No, flour just makes it into more of a gravy. Omit for a thin, natural au jus.
With just beef bouillon cubes, wine and some aromatics, you can make restaurant-caliber au jus easily at home. The finished sauce delivers full-bodied umami flavor and velvety texture for prime rib, French dips and any beef.
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Au Jus packets:
What is Au Jus?
- Au Jus is a French term that means “with juice. “It refers to a thin, tasty sauce made from the juices of roasted meat, usually beef.” Au Jus sauce is often served with roast beef to make it taste better.
What is an Au Jus Packet?
- There is a ready-made mix of seasonings and flavors called an Au Jus packet that can be used to make Au Jus sauce quickly and easily. You can find these packets in most grocery stores. They have a mix of things in them, like beef bouillon, herbs, and spices.
How Do I Use an Au Jus Packet?
- To use an Au Jus packet, you usually need to mix the contents of the packet with a certain amount of water, which is usually written on the packet’s instructions. Then, you let the mixture cook over low heat until it gets a little thicker and the flavors blend. This sauce is often used to dip roast beef in or to make gravy for beef dishes.
Can I Customize the Flavor of an Au Jus Packet?
- Yes, you can change the taste of an Au Jus packet by adding extra ingredients if you want to. Red wine, black pepper, minced garlic, and herbs like thyme or rosemary are common additions.
Are Au Jus Packets Gluten-Free?
- Different brands of Au Jus may have different amounts of gluten. Some packets may have gluten because they have wheat-based thickeners in them. If you need gluten-free Au Jus sauce, make sure to read the label and pick a packet that says it’s gluten-free, or use gluten-free ingredients to make your own.
What Dishes Can I Use Au Jus Sauce For?
- Most of the time, au jus sauce is served with roast beef, but it can also go well with prime rib, beef tenderloin, and steak. It’s flexible and can be used in many recipes, like beef stews, French dip sandwiches, and as a gravy for mashed potatoes.
How Do I Store Au Jus Packets?
- Keep Au Jus packets in a cool, dry place, out of the sun and away from water. Make sure the package is properly sealed so that moisture doesn’t get inside and clump the contents. If stored correctly, they can have a long shelf life.
Can I Use Au Jus Sauce with Other Meats Besides Beef?
- There is a lot of beef that goes with au jus sauce, but it can also be used with lamb or pork to make them taste rich and savory. Do keep in mind, though, that this traditional pairing and flavor profile works best with beef dishes.
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Make Your Own Seasonings
This recipe for dry Au Jus seasoning mix should make about 8 ounces of seasoning mix, or one cup. One packet of store-bought Au Jus seasoning has about 1 ounce of seasoning mix, so this homemade recipe would make about 8 packets of store-bought seasoning. This recipe will provide you with a good amount of seasoning mix to have on hand.
Instructions:
Prepare the Beef Bouillon:
Either a mortar and pestle or a food processor can be used to turn bouillon cubes into a fine powder. Alternatively, you can use pre-made beef bouillon granules.
Combine Ingredients:
Put the onion powder, dried parsley flakes, white pepper, garlic powder, celery salt, and beef bouillon granules (or cubes that have been broken up) in a mixing bowl. Use a whisk or a fork to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Store the Seasoning Mix:
Transfer the homemade Au Jus seasoning mix to an airtight container or a small glass jar. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep the seasoning mix fresh.
To Use:
When youre ready to make Au Jus sauce, use this homemade seasoning mix as follows:
- Put 2 tablespoons of the homemade Au Jus seasoning mix and 2 cups of hot water in a saucepan.
- Whisk the mixture well to ensure the seasoning dissolves completely.
- Put the pan on medium heat and slowly bring the mixture to a rest.
- Stir it every so often for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors blend.
- Taste it and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it.
- Take it off the heat when it reaches the consistency and taste you want.
- If you want the sauce to be smoother, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
- You can eat the au jus sauce with roast beef or other foods.
This homemade Au Jus seasoning mix can be stored in a cool, dry place for several months. Its a convenient way to make delicious Au Jus sauce whenever you need it.
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Here are some common uses for Au Jus seasoning packets:
Au Jus Sauce for Roast Beef:
- The most common use is to make a tasty Au Jus sauce to go with roast beef. Simply mix the seasoning packet with water, simmer, and serve.
French Dip Sandwiches:
- Au Jus can be used to dip French dip sandwiches in. The sandwich, which is usually made with roast beef, tastes better when dipped in the au jus.
Gravy:
- You can make a tasty beef gravy with Au Jus seasoning. You can add a roux (butter and flour mixture) to make it thicker if you want, and then use the seasoning on top of mashed potatoes, meatloaf, or other foods.
Marinades:
- Mix the seasoning with vinegar, oil, and other flavors to make a marinade for beef. Before you grill or roast the meat, let it sit for a few hours.
Flavoring for Stews and Soups:
Add Au Jus seasoning to beef stews and soups for an extra depth of flavor.
Enhancing Rice or Pasta Dishes:
- Add a little Au Jus seasoning to beef-based rice or pasta dishes to make them taste even better.
Seasoning for Beef Stir-Fries:
- Add it to beef stir-fry along with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor that tastes great.
Seasoning for Beef Rubs:
- When you mix Au Jus seasoning with other spices, you can make a dry rub that you can put on beef steaks or roasts before you grill or roast them.
Meatloaf and Meatball Seasoning:
- Au Jus seasoning can be added to meatloaf or meatball mixtures to make them taste more like savory beef.
Beef Pot Pies:
- Au Jus seasoning can be added to the filling of beef pot pies to make them taste and look better.
Keep in mind that the amount of seasoning you use can change how strong the flavor is, so you can change the amount to suit your taste preferences and the dish you’re making.
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How to Make Au Jus
FAQ
Can I use beef bouillon instead of au jus mix?
Can I use beef bouillon instead of beef broth?
What is au jus sauce made of?
How to make beef broth with bouillon cubes?