What Can I Make With Leftover Au Jus? 5 Delectable Dishes You’ll Crave
What To Know
- Brown a beef roast in a Dutch oven, then add vegetables, au jus, and herbs.
- Braise in the oven until the roast is tender and the liquid has reduced to a flavorful sauce.
- Use au jus as the base for your pizza sauce, adding tomato paste, herbs, and spices to create a unique and savory topping.
Au jus, the savory liquid gold that accompanies roasts and other meaty dishes, often ends up forgotten in the fridge. However, this culinary gem holds immense potential for transforming leftovers into extraordinary creations. From soups and stews to sauces and marinades, au jus can elevate your dishes to new heights of flavor.
Soups and Stews
- French Onion Soup: Sauté onions in butter until caramelized, then add leftover au jus, thyme, and bay leaves. Simmer until the flavors meld and the soup thickens.
- Beef Stew: Brown beef cubes in a Dutch oven, then add vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes. Pour in au jus, add herbs, and simmer until the meat is tender and the stew is rich.
Sauces
- Pan Sauce: Deglaze the pan used to roast meat with a few spoonfuls of au jus. Add butter, herbs, and any desired seasonings to create a flavorful sauce for your main dish.
- Mushroom Sauce: Sauté mushrooms in butter, then add au jus, white wine, and cream. Simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.
- Gravy: Combine au jus with flour or cornstarch and whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens. Perfect for topping roasts, mashed potatoes, or biscuits.
Marinades
- Beef Marinade: Combine au jus with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices. Marinate beef for several hours or overnight for tender and flavorful steaks.
- Chicken Marinade: Mix au jus with lemon juice, honey, and rosemary. Marinate chicken breasts or thighs for a juicy and savory dish.
Braises and Roasts
- Pot Roast: Brown a beef roast in a Dutch oven, then add vegetables, au jus, and herbs. Braise in the oven until the roast is tender and the liquid has reduced to a flavorful sauce.
- French Dip Sandwiches: Thinly slice leftover roast beef and dip it in a bowl of warmed au jus. Serve on French bread with melted cheese for a classic and comforting meal.
Casseroles
- Shepherd’s Pie: Layer cooked ground beef, vegetables, and mashed potatoes in a casserole dish. Pour over au jus and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
- Chicken and Rice Casserole: Combine cooked chicken, rice, vegetables, and au jus in a casserole dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until the casserole is heated through.
Other Creative Uses
- Risotto: Cook arborio rice in au jus instead of broth for a rich and flavorful risotto.
- Pizza Sauce: Use au jus as the base for your pizza sauce, adding tomato paste, herbs, and spices to create a unique and savory topping.
- Au Jus Gravy: Reduce au jus by simmering until it thickens, then add to your favorite gravy recipe for an extra boost of flavor.
In a nutshell: Unleashing the Culinary Potential of Au Jus
Leftover au jus is not just a byproduct of a roasted meal; it is a culinary treasure waiting to be unlocked. By incorporating it into soups, stews, sauces, marinades, braises, roasts, casseroles, and other creative dishes, you can transform your leftovers into extraordinary culinary experiences. So next time you have leftover au jus, don’t let it go to waste. Embrace its transformative power and explore the endless possibilities it holds.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I freeze leftover au jus?
A: Yes, you can freeze au jus for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Q: How can I reduce the sodium content of au jus?
A: You can dilute au jus with water or beef broth to reduce the sodium content.
Q: What herbs and spices pair well with au jus?
A: Common herbs and spices that complement au jus include thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, black pepper, and garlic.