Q: What is au jus?
A: Au jus is a thin, savory beef sauce traditionally served with roasted meats. The French phrase “au jus” means “with juice,” referring to meat served with its flavorful cooking juices. It is commonly served with French dip sandwiches, prime rib, roast beef, pot roast, and other beef dishes.
Q: What makes Clean Au Jus different?
A: Clean Au Jus was developed to deliver deep, savory, beefy flavor using real, recognizable ingredients. Instead of relying on highly processed fillers and artificial-tasting flavor systems, we build layers of flavor with beef stock powder, mushroom powder, tomato powder, nutritional yeast, cocoa powder, herbs, spices, and our own custom Worcestershire Powder.
Q: What does Clean Au Jus taste like?
A: It has a rich, full-bodied beef flavor with layers of savory, roasted, tangy, and slightly smoky depth. It tastes like it has been simmering alongside a roast for hours, while still being quick and easy to prepare.
Q: How do I prepare Clean Au Jus?
A: Whisk 2 tablespoons of Clean Au Jus powder into 1 cup of water. Heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until hot and completely combined.
Q: Can I make a smaller amount?
A: Yes. Use 1 tablespoon of powder with ½ cup of water. You can adjust the amount as needed while keeping the same ratio.
Q: Can I make the flavor stronger or lighter?
A: Yes. For a stronger, more concentrated flavor, use slightly less water or add a little more powder. For a lighter au jus, simply add additional water until it reaches your preferred strength.
Q: Is au jus the same as gravy?
A: No. Au jus is thinner and more broth-like than traditional gravy. It is designed to complement meat without covering it in a thick sauce. Gravy is typically thickened more heavily and has a richer, creamier consistency.
Q: Can I turn Clean Au Jus into gravy?
A: Yes. Prepare the au jus as directed, then thicken it with your preferred gluten-free thickener. A small slurry made with arrowroot powder or cornstarch and cold water can be whisked into the hot au jus until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Is Clean Au Jus gluten-free?
A: Yes. Clean Au Jus is made without gluten and was created specifically with gluten-free and allergy-conscious families in mind.
Q: Is Clean Au Jus dairy-free and soy-free?
A: Yes. Clean Au Jus is made without gluten, dairy, or soy. Always review the complete ingredient list and allergen statement on the package when purchasing for someone with a severe food allergy.
Q: Is Clean Au Jus made without corn, nuts, sesame, and seed oils?
A: Yes. It is made without corn ingredients, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, or seed oils. Please review the package allergen statement for the most current manufacturing information.
Q: Does Clean Au Jus contain MSG?
A: We do not add monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, to Clean Au Jus. Its naturally savory flavor comes from real ingredients such as beef stock, mushrooms, tomatoes, nutritional yeast, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices.
Q: Why does Clean Au Jus contain nutritional yeast?
A: Nutritional yeast adds natural savory depth and helps create the rich, satisfying flavor people expect from a traditional au jus. It works alongside the beef stock, mushrooms, tomato, herbs, and spices to make the flavor fuller and more complex.
Q: Why is there cocoa powder in the blend?
A: A small amount of cocoa powder adds roasted depth, warmth, and richness. It does not make the au jus taste sweet or like chocolate. Instead, it helps deepen and round out the beef flavor.
Q: Does the cocoa powder make it taste like chocolate?
A: No. The cocoa powder is used in a very small amount as a savory flavor-building ingredient. You will not taste chocolate in the finished au jus.
Q: What is special about the Worcestershire Powder in this blend?
A: While developing Clean Au Jus, we could not find a Worcestershire powder that met both our flavor and ingredient standards. Instead of compromising, we created our own custom Worcestershire Powder using real ingredients such as tamarind, molasses, tomato, mushroom, vinegar, onion, garlic, mustard, and spices. It gives Clean Au Jus its signature tangy, savory complexity.
Q: Does Clean Au Jus contain beef?
A: Yes. Clean Au Jus contains real beef stock powder and is not vegetarian or vegan.
Q: What can I make with Clean Au Jus?
A: Clean Au Jus can be used with:
• French dip sandwiches
• Prime rib
• Roast beef
• Pot roast
• Mississippi pot roast
• Beef tenderloin
• Steak and steak tips
• Mashed potatoes
• Open-faced roast beef sandwiches
• Beef and gluten-free noodles
• Soups and stews
• Meatloaf
• Burgers
• Rice and roasted vegetables
Use it as a dipping sauce, spoon it over cooked meat and potatoes, or add it directly to slow-cooker and pressure-cooker recipes.
Q: Can I use Clean Au Jus in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Add the powder and water directly to your slow cooker with a beef roast, or sprinkle the powder over the meat before adding your other ingredients. It is an easy way to add deeper beef flavor to pot roast, Mississippi roast, shredded beef, and French dip filling.
Q: Can I use it in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?
A: Yes. Mix the powder with water and use it as part of the cooking liquid for beef roasts, shredded beef, soups, and stews. Be sure to follow your pressure cooker’s minimum liquid requirements.
Q: Can I use Clean Au Jus as a dry seasoning?
A: Yes. Although it is designed to be mixed with water, you can also sprinkle a small amount directly onto beef, burgers, meatloaf, roasted potatoes, or vegetables. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Q: Can I use beef drippings instead of water?
A: Yes. For even richer flavor, replace part of the water with pan juices or drippings from roast beef, prime rib, or steak. Because drippings may already contain salt, taste the prepared au jus before adding any additional seasoning.
Q: Can I use beef broth instead of water?
A: Yes, but it will create a stronger and potentially saltier finished au jus. We recommend preparing it with water first, then experimenting with unsalted or low-sodium beef broth if you prefer an even richer flavor.
Q: Can I use it for French dip sandwiches?
A: Absolutely. French dip sandwiches are one of the best ways to use Clean Au Jus. Prepare it as directed and serve it warm alongside sliced roast beef on a gluten-free roll for dipping.
Q: Can I use it for Mississippi pot roast?
A: Yes. Clean Au Jus is a flavorful alternative to conventional au jus packets in Mississippi pot roast recipes. Pair it with Clean Monday Meals Ranch Seasoning, pepperoncini peppers, and your preferred roast ingredients for an allergy-friendly version of the classic dish.
Q: Is Clean Au Jus spicy?
A: No. It is deeply savory and flavorful but not hot or spicy. The smoked paprika and other spices add warmth and complexity rather than noticeable heat.
Q: Is Clean Au Jus sweet?
A: No. Coconut sugar and molasses powder are used in small amounts to balance the savory, tangy, and roasted flavors. The finished au jus is rich and savory, not sweet.
Q: How can I prevent the powder from clumping?
A: Whisk the powder into cool or room-temperature water before heating. Continue whisking as it warms until completely blended. Avoid adding the powder directly to boiling water, as that can make it harder to dissolve evenly.
Q: How should I store the dry mix?
A: Keep the container tightly closed and store it in a cool, dry place away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Always use a clean, dry measuring spoon to help protect the quality of the powder.
Q: How should I store prepared au jus?
A: Refrigerate prepared au jus promptly in a covered, airtight container. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. Reheat only the amount you plan to serve.
Q: Can prepared au jus be frozen?
A: Yes. Let it cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and leave room for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator and whisk while reheating to restore an even consistency.
Q: What should I do if the prepared au jus is too salty?
A: Add more water a little at a time until the flavor reaches your preference. When using pan drippings, broth, or other seasoned ingredients, prepare the au jus with less powder initially and adjust after tasting.
Q: Is this only for people with food allergies?
A: Not at all. Clean Au Jus was created with allergy-conscious families in mind, but it is for anyone who wants convenient, deeply savory beef flavor made from real, recognizable ingredients.
