Homemade Au Jus (and Au Jus Substitutes)

It’s easy to make homemade Au Jus with just a few simple ingredients! Whether you are making beef stew or French dip sandwiches, au jus maxes out the flavor.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about indulging in a juicy roast beef sandwich or dipping a tender slice of prime rib into a rich, flavorful au jus sauce.

But if you find yourself craving that savory accompaniment but don’t have any au jus mix on hand, you’ll need a tasty au jus substitute. I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to the best au jus substitutes that will take your meat dishes to the next level.

What is Au Jus?

Au jus, a French term meaning “with juice,” is a light sauce usually made from the natural juices of meat combined with beef broth, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and various seasonings.

You can also go the easy route and use au jus packets for an instant sauce. It’s the perfect complement to roast beef sandwiches, French dip sandwiches, prime rib roast, and other beef dishes, enhancing their savory flavor with its thin gravy consistency.

Traditional Au Jus Ingredients

• beef broth
• pan meat drippings
• red wine
• Worcestershire sauce
• black pepper
• onion powder (optional)
• garlic powder (optional)

Easy Au Jus Sauce Recipe

If you have the ingredients and want to make a homemade Au Jus, it’s a really easy process. 

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine beef broth, pan drippings (if available), a splash of red wine, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.

2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm as a dipping sauce for your meat dishes.

Best Au Jus Substitute Options

1. Homemade Au Jus (full recipe below)

If you have some time on your hands, making au jus from scratch is a great way to ensure a flavorful sauce. Simply follow the easy au jus recipe outlined below, using simple ingredients like beef broth, red wine, and seasonings.

2. Beef Boullion

For a quick fix, mix a beef bouillon cube with water to create a savory broth that closely mimics the flavor of au jus. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder to enhance the taste.

3. Brown Gravy

While not exactly the same, brown gravy can serve as a decent substitute for au jus. Simply combine brown gravy mix with beef broth and a splash of red wine for added depth of flavor.

4. Soy Sauce-Based Au Jus

Combine soy sauce with beef broth, garlic powder, and a touch of red wine for a unique twist on traditional au jus. The umami-rich flavor of soy sauce adds depth to the sauce.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just craving a delicious pot roast, having the perfect accompaniment can elevate your meal to new heights.

Storage

Store leftover au jus in an airtight container up to 3 days.

You can freeze au jus as well. I like to pour the au jus gravy into an ice cube tray, freeze, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag so I always have single-serve portions on hand.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!