Craving prime rib au jus? here’s the hidden trick to nail it without drippings

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of prime rib au jus without the need for drippings. This culinary guide will unveil the secrets to crafting this delectable sauce that perfectly complements your prime rib.

The Art of Creating Au Jus

Au jus, meaning “with juice” in French, is a rich and flavorful sauce that elevates the taste of prime rib. Traditionally made from beef drippings, this guide offers an alternative approach that achieves the same savory perfection without relying on drippings.

Ingredients

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a medium saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.

2. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance its flavor.

3. Deglaze with Wine (Optional): If desired, deglaze the pan with red wine. Let it simmer until reduced by half.

4. Add Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.

5. Season and Simmer: Add the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

6. Strain and Serve: Strain the au jus through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids. Serve immediately over prime rib.

Variations

• Red Wine Au Jus: Increase the amount of red wine to 1 cup for a more robust flavor.
• Herb-Infused Au Jus: Add additional herbs such as parsley, sage, or bay leaves to infuse the sauce with extra aromatics.
• Roasted Vegetable Au Jus: Roast vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions before adding them to the sauce for a deeper flavor profile.

Tips for a Perfect Au Jus

• Use a High-Quality Beef Broth: The quality of the beef broth will greatly impact the taste of the au jus. Opt for a broth with a rich and flavorful base.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the au jus to simmer slowly to develop its full flavor and thicken naturally.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Taste the au jus and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
• Serve Hot: Au jus is best served hot. Reheat it if necessary before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your prime rib au jus with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal:

• Roasted potatoes
• Grilled asparagus
• Creamy horseradish
• Yorkshire pudding
• Crusty bread

The Perfect Pairing: Prime Rib and Au Jus

The combination of tender, succulent prime rib and rich, savory au jus is a culinary masterpiece. The au jus enhances the flavors of the prime rib, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make au jus ahead of time? Yes, au jus can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating for up to 3 days.
• Why is my au jus too thin? If your au jus is too thin, simmer it for a longer period of time to allow it to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water) to thicken the sauce.
• What can I use instead of beef broth? If you don’t have beef broth, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth. However, beef broth will provide the most robust flavor.