Au Jus, which means ‘with juice,’ is probably one of the best concepts the French came up with. If not making it at home, au jus gravy mix can be one of the best replacements ever. But what about times when you run out? Then, look at some of the best au jus gravy mix substitutes!
The best au jus gravy mix substitutes are beef stock powder, bouillon cubes, chicken broth, demi-glace, brown gravy, beef broth, and vegetable stock.
Au Jus was a concept that was initially more limited to serving alongside meat and sure French sandwiches. But, now that the idea has gained popularity, rightfully so, people enjoy pairing au jus with everything possible, which is not necessarily a part of French cuisine.
This lovely dipping sauce works well with the most straightforward sandwiches, like regular grilled cheese, and amps up the flavor like anything. The rich flavor of the gravy made with beef drippings and more makes everything juicy and rich in flavor.
So, considering just how popular the concept of au jus is, many companies began making ready gravy mixes. It is the best alternative to a freshly made au jus, as all you have to do is mix the gravy mix with some water.
This gravy mix is the best for people who want to enjoy a side of au jus with their meat, potatoes, or sandwiches. However, if you ever happen to run out of the same, there are so many options you can use as substitutes instead! So, let’s take a look at what these substitutes are!
8 Best Au Jus Gravy Mix Substitutes
In this section, you will find all the substitutes you could use instead of au jus gravy mix. I have also mentioned the flavor profiles of these substitutes and what recipes they would work best in!
1. Beef Stock Powder
One of the most accessible and versatile substitutes that work well in place of au jus gravy mix is beef stock powder. However, just some of this regular stock powder won’t do it since an au jus gravy mix tends to have much more seasoning.
So, you will have to make a jus with this powder, which will have the same meaty flavor as an au jus. Mix the beef stock powder with water, garlic powder, onion powder, celery, and just a bit of cornstarch.
Heat them and ensure the consistency is smooth but not too thick. This gravy will work well with most meat and as a dipping side for sandwiches.
2. Bouillon Cubes
This is another easy substitute that can be used in place of au jus gravy mix. Here, I recommend using beef bouillon cubes as they have a rich flavor compared to others.
Crumble the bouillon cubes and mix them with water, then heat the mixture until it is thick. Here, you would not need to add additional ingredients, as bouillon cubes are usually packed with many flavors. This can work as a substitute for any recipe that needs au jus.
3. Beef Broth
This broth is made with beef bones, meat, veggies, and many seasonings. That proves that the broth is flavorful. The best part about beef broth is that it can easily be found in any store around you.
If not, making beef broth at home is also quite simple. You must mix beef bones, aromatic vegetables, herbs, salt, and water in a pressure cooker and let them all cook for one hour. Once it is cooked, strain the broth and use it as a substitute for au jus in any recipe you want.
4. Brown Gravy
If you are willing to work with something that has a slightly thicker consistency than au jus, but has a similar flavor, then brown gravy is a great option. Brown gravy is an excellent choice, primarily to serve on the side with meat dishes.
It is the same as au jus. However, it has a thicker consistency. Brown gravy can be made with brown gravy mix that you can find at the grocery store. Or you can even make a homemade brown gravy and use that if you would like.
To make homemade gravy, make a roux with butter and flour, then add some beef broth. Once it reaches the desired consistency, add some cream and seasonings. The best thing about homemade gravy is that you can make the consistency as thin as you like!
5. Chicken Broth
This can be a good substitute for au jus gravy mix if you want an alternative not made with beef. Since chicken broth is made with chicken bones and meat, the flavor will be slightly subtle compared to au jus gravy.
However, it still works well in a lot of recipes. You could add some extra seasonings and herbs to the broth to make it more flavorful. This substitute works as a side for roast, grilled chicken, and even chicken sandwiches.
6. Vegetable Stock
A vegetable stock is a good alternative if you like the concept of au jus but are off meat. Just like chicken stock, however, the flavor of a vegetable stock can be more subtle than au jus gravy.
But that being said, homemade vegetable stock can be made thicker to give it a denser and more refined flavor. Moreover, you could also add in some extra herbs and spices, again, for a more concentrated flavor.
Lastly, if you think the stock is too thin, add some roux to give it a consistency similar to au jus gravy. This substitute is a great option to serve alongside vegan meat and grilled cheese sandwiches.
7. Demi-Glace
This French sauce is more similar to au jus than you may think, making it one of the best substitutes, especially for a meaty flavor. Demi-glace has several of the same ingredients as an au jus gravy.
However, the process of making a demi-glace is much longer. It usually takes about 8 hours to make one, which is also why it has a highly concentrated flavor. This flavor works very well with beef and other meat roasts.
Making a demi-glace is not challenging, but you need to give it some time. So, if you are willing to provide it with as much time as it needs and aren’t in a hurry, I would consider a demi-glace one of the most appropriate substitutes for au jus gravy mix.
8. Homemade Au Jus
The best alternative to an au jus gravy mix is a homemade version. If you are someone who loves experimenting with recipes, then this substitute should top your list for sure!
A homemade au jus can be made in less than 15 minutes if you have all the ingredients in your pantry. Here is a recipe you could try which works wonders.
Ingredients For Homemade Au Jus:
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- One tablespoon of All-purpose Flour
- Two tablespoons Butter
- Three tablespoons of Red Wine
- ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions For Homemade Au Jus Recipe:
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat till it melts.
- Add flour to it and whisk thoroughly until it forms a roux.
- Add the red wine, cook for a few minutes, then add the beef broth.
- Now, add the Worcestershire sauce, and let the mixture cook for roughly 5 minutes, till it gets slightly thick, but not too much.
- Season and serve!
Short Recap For Au Jus Gravy Mix Substitutes
Here is a short recap of the substitutes for au jus gravy mix. These are the best substitutes you can use from the list given based on a few factors.
Best Au Jus Gravy Mix Substitutes As Per Flavor and Texture:
- Homemade Au Jus
- Demi Glace
- Brown Gravy
Best Au Jus Gravy Mix Substitutes As Per Availability:
- Bouillon Cubes
- Beef Stock Powder
Substitutes For Au Jus Gravy Mix You Should Consider Using Last:
- Chicken Broth
- Vegetable Stock.
How To Use Au Jus Gravy Mix Substitutes
8 Best Au Jus Gravy Mix Substitutes That You Need To Try
Ingredients
- Beef Stock Powder
- Bouillon Cubes
- Beef Broth
- Brown Gravy
- Chicken Broth
- Vegetable Stock
- Demi-Glace
- Homemade Au Jus
Instructions
- Go through the substitutes and see which one seems fit for the recipe.
- Collect your ingredients and use your preferred substitute.
- Use the substitute in the required amount and make the dish according to the recipe.
Conclusion
To add a juicy flavor and texture to meat and sandwiches, au has to be the best accompaniment. It has the perfect consistency of not being too thick or thin and also being equally flavorful. It is a boon that a gravy mix for au jus is readily available in the market.
But when you run out, you wouldn’t have to go about looking for it at the last moment! Plenty of lovely substitutes work just as well in their place. Granted, not all of them have the same texture as au jus.
However, if you go about with a few tweaks in the recipe for each of the substitutes, you can very quickly achieve something similar to what you would get with an au jus gravy mix. Which of these would work best for your recipe? Let me know in the comments below and Bonne cuisine!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cuisine is au jus a part of?
Au jus is an integral part of French cuisine.
What is au jus usually served alongside?
Au jus is served alongside meat, and even sandwiches, to give them an extra rich flavor.
Is au jus gravy mix traditionally made with beef?
Yes, au jus gravy mix is traditionally made with beef broth.
Is it necessary to add red wine to homemade au jus?
Red wine does add a lot to the flavor of the au jus. But, if you dislike it, you can skip it as well.
Is there a way to make brown gravy thinner and consistent with au jus?
Yes, add in more of the liquid, and you should be able to get a much thinner gravy.
