All right, fellow humans of the internet. Brace yourselves for some serious irony. I’ve been going on this personal development and self-improvement kick lately – you know, the type where you devour podcasts, scroll through countless quotes on Pinterest, and get lost in a sea of self-help books? The idea was to emerge as a shiny new version of myself, ready to take on the world! But it turns out that, in a sitcom-worthy twist, I accidentally discovered the secret to personal fulfillment in the kitchen! Who would’ve thought, huh?
Anyway, that marvelous epiphany came in the form of (drumroll, please) Red Wine Jus. Stay with me, adventurous taste-testers — it may sound fancier than my kitchen usually gets, but all great personal development ultimately needs a touch of fancy, right?
So, we’ve established that this feels like a master class in self-improvement, but, trust me, it’s easier than trying to find your chakras or keeping up with the latest meditation fads. Grab your aprons and roll up your sleeves, because this Red Wine Jus is about to change your culinary journey for the better, if not your life!
Spoiler alert: by the time you’re done reading this, you’ll know how to whip up a swoon-worthy sauce that elevates any dinner to a gourmet, IG-worthy affair. It’s the perfect example of what can happen when we take a little extra time and focus on personal growth, both in the kitchen and beyond. Here’s to continued development and levelling up, one delectable sauce at a time!
Ingredients
- Freshly cooked steak drippings – The rich flavor that only steak drippings can provide, and a tablespoon of butter can do the trick if you don’t have any on hand.
- Garlic – A classic ingredient that adds depth to the sauce.
- Shallots – A sweeter and milder version of onions that adds depth to the sauce.
- Red wine of your choice – A full-bodied wine that is the star of the show and should be a wine you enjoy drinking.
- Balsamic vinegar – A splash that adds a nice acidity to balance out the flavors.
- Fresh thyme sprigs – A classic herb for any savory dish.
- Beef stock – To add depth of flavor and richness to the sauce.
- Roughly chopped parsley leaves – A pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Butter – Rich, decadent creaminess that adds depth to the sauce.
Instructions
- Alright, let’s get started on this mouthwatering red wine jus. First things first, if you’ve just cooked a steak, save those juicy drippings. If not, grab a saucepan and melt some butter in it over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, throw in some minced garlic and shallots. Give it a quick stir for about a minute, until they’re nice and softened.
- Now, pour in a cup of your favorite red wine. I personally prefer a nice drinking wine over a cooking wine, trust me you’ll taste the difference. Add in a cup of beef stock, a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and some fresh thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer on medium-high heat.
- Let the wine reduce for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until it thickens. Remove the thyme sprigs and turn the heat to low. Whisk in some butter for a richer taste. Finally, throw in some chopped parsley leaves and season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve it up and enjoy! A couple of things to keep in mind – If you don’t have steak drippings, no worries! Just add a tablespoon of butter before adding the garlic and shallots. Also, when making a pan sauce like this, always monitor your heat. If the sauce starts to break, it’s likely because the smoking point of the fat was too high when you added the wine. So, if you notice it happening, immediately remove it from heat and whisk it vigorously.
Serving Suggestions for Best Red Wine Jus
This red wine jus is a delicious sauce to accompany any steak! Its rich and robust flavor will elevate your steak game to the next level. Serve it over a juicy grilled ribeye or a perfectly pan-seared filet mignon. If you’re looking for a unique twist, try it with a venison steak for a gamey twist. Pair it with some roasted potatoes and steamed asparagus for a complete meal.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! This sauce is versatile enough to use as a base for a savory sauce for your pasta dishes. Toss it with some cooked fettuccine noodles and top with grilled chicken for a comforting meal. Or add some sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for a vegetarian pasta dish.
And if you happen to have any leftovers, use it as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
FAQ’s
Can I use a different type of wine?
Of course! The recipe calls for a red wine of your choice, so feel free to use any type of red wine that you prefer. Just keep in mind that a drinking wine rather than a cooking wine will work best for the sauce, as you’ll be able to taste the difference in flavor. And if you have to use a cooking wine, use the best one available, it will make a difference.
Can I make this recipe without steak drippings?
Absolutely. If you don’t have steak drippings, you can melt butter in a cast iron skillet instead before adding the garlic and shallots.
What if my sauce breaks?
A broken sauce can be frustrating. But don’t worry, if this happens it’s likely because the smoking point of the fat was too high when the wine was added. Just remove it from heat and whisk it vigorously, and it should come back together. If not, no worries, you can also add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water and whisk it in until you get the desired consistency.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of chopped parsley leaves?
Sure thing! Fresh parsley would work just as well in this recipe. You can also use cilantro or basil for a change in flavor.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of beef stock?
You bet! Using vegetable stock instead of beef stock is a great alternative for vegetarians or for those who are looking for a lighter option.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Unfortunately, the butter and steak drippings would make this recipe non-vegan, but you can easily substitute those with a vegan butter or vegetable oil, and vegan bouillon instead of beef stock.
Red Wine Jus with Steak Drippings
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons high-quality steak drippings
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup minced shallots
- 1 cup high-quality red wine of your choice
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 cup high-quality beef stock
- 4 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of steak drippings. If you do not have steak drippings, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the pan and let it melt.
- Add minced garlic and shallots to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute until softened.
- Pour in the red wine, beef stock, balsamic vinegar, and thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat.
- Allow the liquid to reduce for 3-5 minutes until it has thickened to a sauce consistency.
- Remove the thyme sprigs from the sauce and turn the heat to low. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the jus over your favorite steak dish and enjoy!
Notes
If you notice the sauce starting to break, immediately remove it from heat and whisk vigorously to help incorporate the ingredients.
For a more intense flavor, use a high-quality beef stock.
Nutrition
