Au Jus Mix

Au Jus Mix Ingredients: beef bouillon granules, cornstarch, onion powder, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder

Ah, au jus mix! That savory, meaty concentrate is a fantastic shortcut to adding depth and richness to various dishes. Here are some delicious ideas beyond just dipping your French dip sandwich:

Classic Uses (Beyond the Dip):

• French Dip Sandwiches: Of course, this is the quintessential use! Prepare the au jus according to package directions and serve it warm for dipping thinly sliced roast beef sandwiches on crusty bread.
• Roast Beef Enhancement: Use prepared au jus to baste your roast beef while it cooks, adding moisture and flavor. You can also serve extra au jus alongside the sliced roast.
• Pot Roast Liquid: Instead of just broth or water, use prepared au jus as part of the liquid when slow-cooking or braising pot roast for an extra layer of beefy flavor.

Sauces and Gravies:

• Base for Beef Gravy: Use prepared au jus as the flavorful base for a richer beef gravy. Thicken it with a roux (butter and flour) or cornstarch slurry.
• Mushroom Sauce: Sauté mushrooms in butter and garlic, then deglaze the pan with prepared au jus and a touch of cream or wine for a savory mushroom sauce.
• Onion Gravy: Caramelize onions, then deglaze the pan with au jus and simmer until thickened for a delicious onion gravy.
• Steak Sauce: Reduce prepared au jus with a touch of red wine, balsamic vinegar, or herbs for a simple yet flavorful steak sauce.

Flavoring Other Dishes:

• Soups and Stews: Add a spoonful or two of the dry au jus mix or prepared au jus to beef-based soups and stews for a deeper, meatier flavor.
• Shepherd's Pie Filling: Incorporate prepared au jus into the ground meat filling for a more savory and moist base.
• Meatloaf and Meatballs: Add a teaspoon or two of the dry mix to your meatloaf or meatball mixture for enhanced beefiness.
• Pasta Sauces: A touch of au jus can add depth to beef-based pasta sauces like ragu.
• Rice and Grains: Use prepared au jus as part of the cooking liquid for rice, barley, or other grains for a savory side dish.
• Vegetables: Toss roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions with a little prepared au jus before serving.
• Marinades: Whisk the dry au jus mix with oil, garlic, and herbs for a simple marinade for beef or even chicken.

Creative Twists:

• Au Jus Braised Short Ribs: Use prepared au jus as the braising liquid for incredibly tender and flavorful short ribs.
• French Dip Pizza: Use au jus as a base sauce on a pizza topped with roast beef and mozzarella.
• Savory Pot Pies: Add prepared au jus to the filling of beef pot pies for extra richness.

Remember to taste as you go, as au jus mix can be quite salty. You can always add more, but it's harder to take away! Enjoy experimenting with this flavorful ingredient!