Oh, that feeling when you pull a gorgeous prime rib from the oven? Pure culinary triumph! But let’s be honest, a perfect roast deserves a sauce that lifts it up, not weighs it down. Forget those heavy, flour-laden gravies; we want something light, savory, and intensely beefy. That’s why I swear by this Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY! It takes less than 20 minutes and tastes like you spent half the day crafting it. Restaurant quality? Absolutely!

I remember my first big holiday roast like it was yesterday. I was so nervous about getting the meat perfect for the whole family. When I finally carved into that pink roast, I felt that huge wave of excitement mixed with sheer terror about the sauce. But I used the drippings, just like my instincts suggested, and that simple au jus brought everything home. That night taught me that even the fanciest meals are accessible if you keep things simple but focus on real flavor. Trust me, making this simple au jus will turn your next roast into that cherished family centerpiece memory, too.
Why This Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY! Works Every Time
When you’re already focused on executing a perfect prime rib roast, the last thing you need is a fussy sauce slowing you down. That’s exactly why this Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY! is my go-to. It’s fast, it uses what you already have, and it tastes way better than anything from a packet. Seriously, it’s foolproof!
Here’s the deal on why home cooks absolutely love this method:
- Speed is King: We’re talking minimal active time—mostly just simmering—so the sauce is ready while your roast is resting.
- Flavor Foundation: We rely 100% on those beautiful, rendered beef drippings from your roast. That’s instant depth!
- Perfect Consistency: It’s a thin, savory sauce, not a heavy gravy, which lets the flavor of that amazing roast shine through.
You just can’t beat the results you get from such simple steps!
Ingredients for Your Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY!
Okay, gathering our ingredients list is super quick because we aren’t going to load this thing down with flour or cornstarch. The real goal here is enhancing the flavor that is already coming out of your amazing roast pan. We keep it simple so the beef flavor is the star of the show, which is why this Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY! is so effective.
You only need a handful of supporting actors to turn those drippings into liquid gold. Just make sure you have everything measured out before the roast comes off the heat so you can move fast!
For the Au Jus Components
- 1 cup beef broth (I usually go low-sodium so I can control the salt later.)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons dry red wine (Use your favorite kind, just remember a little goes a long way!)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (This adds that deep, umami base note.)
- 1 pinch kosher salt (Just start small!)
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
Essential Roast Drippings for Prime Rib Au Jus
This next part is non-negotiable for rich flavor: you absolutely must secure the drippings! You need about 1 cup of those glorious juices and browned bits from the bottom of your roasting pan. Whether you made your prime rib using a classic roast, smoked it low and slow, or even grilled it, make sure you scrape up every single bit stuck to that metal. Those little caramelized chunks are where all the magic flavor lives that makes this homemade au jus what it is!
How To Make Au Jus For Prime Rib Using This Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY!
Okay, now for the fun part! This process is so straightforward, I almost feel guilty calling it a recipe. We are taking the best parts of your roast and concentrating them down into the perfect dipping sauce. Remember, we are relying on the natural intensity of those drippings, so don’t rush the simmering step. You’ll find the full instructions below, but honestly, if you can boil water, you can rock this Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY!
Combining and Heating the Prime Rib Au Jus Base
Grab a small saucepan—that’s right, just one! Dump in your cup of beef broth, the splash of red wine, the Worcestershire sauce, and your pinches of salt and pepper. Now, here comes the crucial bit: carefully pour in those precious drippings you scraped from the bottom of your roasting pan. Make sure you get all those tasty, browned little bits in there. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the whole mixture to a rolling boil.
Simmering to Achieve Perfect Au Jus For Prime Rib Concentration
Once it’s boiling, immediately turn that heat down until you have a gentle simmer going. We aren’t cooking this for hours; we are just concentrating those flavors. Let it bubble happily for about 10 to 15 minutes. You want the liquid level to drop by about a quarter of what you started with. This reduction concentrates that beef flavor beautifully. My little trick? After about 10 minutes, I taste it—if it needs a tiny boost of salt or pepper, this is the moment to add it before moving on. You want that maximum punch of savory flavor for your Au Jus For Prime Rib!

Finishing and Skimming Fat for a Clear Prime Rib Sauce Au Jus
When you think it’s reduced enough, take the saucepan off the burner. This sauce needs a moment to chill out, literally! Let the au jus cool down for about 5 minutes. What you will see happen is the fat naturally separating and floating to the top. Use a metal spoon to gently scrape off that floating fat layer. This step ensures your final Prime Rib Sauce Au Jus is crystal clear and not greasy. Then, just reheat gently, and you are ready to serve warm!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY!
It’s all about quality ingredients when you’re working with something this simple, but don’t panic if you’re missing one thing! Since this Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY! relies so heavily on the roast drippings, the other components are just there to balance and enhance. If you’re out of red wine, don’t reach for grape juice! Just use an extra splash of beef broth and add just a tiny bit (like half a teaspoon) of white wine vinegar or even regular distilled white vinegar. That tiny bit of acid brightens everything up without tasting sour.
When we talk beef broth, I highly recommend low-sodium. Why? Because your roast drippings are already super salty and concentrated! Using regular broth can make your final au jus way too salty and you can’t take salt out once it’s in there. Trust me on this one!
Tips for Success When Making Your Prime Rib Roast Au Jus Recipe
Even though this Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY! is designed to be simple, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years to handle those little “oops” moments that can happen when you’re rushing after taking a huge roast out of the oven. A little foresight goes a long way to making sure your sauce is perfect when you serve it.
Here are my top three insider tips for a flawless finish:
- If Your Drippings Are Too Thin: Sometimes, especially if you roasted your prime rib low and slow, you might not get that cup of thick, dark bits we talked about. If your drippings look watery? Don’t panic and don’t reach for flour! Instead, just simmer the sauce for an extra 5 to 7 minutes longer than I suggested. Reduction is your best friend here; heat will thicken it naturally by evaporating water.
- Keeping It Warm Without Over-Reducing: Au jus is lovely when warm, but if you leave it on the stove, it turns into soup concentrate! If you need to hold the sauce for a while before dinner, transfer it to a quality thermos or a double-boiler set *very* low. If you must hold it in a saucepan, keep the heat so low that you see maybe one tiny bubble every 30 seconds. Never boil it uncovered once you’ve already reduced it!
- Dealing with Too Much Fat: We talked about skimming after cooling, but what if you’re in a hurry? A good trick for quickly grabbing those last floating bits of fat is to slowly swirl a thick slice of bread or a few ice cubes into the saucepan right before you skim. The fat clings right to the bread or freezes slightly to the ice, making removal much cleaner. It feels a little wild, but trust me, it works for this Prime Rib Roast Au Jus Recipe!
Follow these little pointers, and you’ll serve up a professional-tasting sauce every single time!
Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY!
Look, I love prime rib more than anyone, obviously, but this amazing sauce shouldn’t be restricted to just the main event! Seriously, once you’ve mastered this Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY!, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything on your plate. It’s just that good and that versatile.
Think about it: the richness of the beef is perfectly cut by the slight tang from the wine and Worcestershire. It elevates simple starches to gourmet status almost instantly. Don’t be afraid to use that little gravy boat!

Here are some of my favorite ways to use every last drop of this sauce:
- Mashed Potatoes or Potato Puree: Forget butter—drench your potatoes with this rich, thin broth. It soaks in beautifully, making them incredibly flavorful.
- Yorkshire Puddings: If you’re making savory puddings, they practically exist to soak up au jus. They cup the sauce perfectly!
- Leftover Roast Sandwich Melt: Next day, pile that leftover prime rib on some good crusty bread. Dip the entire sandwich into a warmed bowl of this Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY! for lunch. You won’t regret adding this extra step!
- Dipping Fries: Yes, I said it! If you make crispy oven fries, use this instead of ketchup for an intensely savory dipping experience.
Honestly, once you taste how potent and savory this sauce is, you’ll find tons of ways to use it. When you nail this recipe, it feels like you’ve unlocked a secret, easy way to make any meal feel special!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Homemade Au Jus
We love making extra of this amazing sauce because it’s just so simple! If you happen to have any leftover Homemade Au Jus after your big dinner, don’t let it go to waste. Just pop it into any airtight container—a little mason jar works perfectly—and stick it in the refrigerator. It lasts great for up to three days.
When you are ready for seconds, you need to be gentle when reheating. NEVER just blast it on high heat! Boiling it again can change the delicate flavor profile we worked so hard to build. Just put the saucepan on medium-low heat and let it warm up slowly, stirring occasionally until it’s perfectly warm through. If it seems a little too reduced, just stir in a tiny splash of water or broth to get that perfect consistency back!
Frequently Asked Questions About Prime Rib Au Jus
It’s totally normal to have a few questions pop up when you are trying a new technique, especially when you’re aiming for that perfect roast dinner. I get so many messages asking about technique, and I’m happy to clear up the most common ones right here. Getting these details right is what separates a good meal from an unforgettable one, even when you’re using this super simple Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY!
Can I make this Au Jus For Prime Rib without red wine?
Yes, you absolutely can! If you aren’t using wine, which I totally understand sometimes, you need small amount of acid to give the sauce brightness, otherwise it tastes a little flat. Simply use the extra one tablespoon of beef broth where the wine would go, and add about half a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or even good quality balsamic vinegar, but taste as you go! This keeps the flavor profile deep for your Au Jus For Prime Rib.
What is the difference between Au Jus and Gravy?
This is such a great question that trips up so many people! Think thin versus thick. Au jus, which means ‘with juice’ in French, is thin and light; it’s made primarily from the natural, diluted pan drippings. Gravy, on the other hand, is thickened with a roux (flour and fat) or a slurry (like cornstarch), making it opaque and heavy. We are keeping ours light and naturally flavorful, perfect for soaking into your meat without masking it!
Can I use store-bought beef broth for the Prime Rib Roast Au Jus Recipe?
You certainly can, and often you should, especially if you are using a leaner roast that didn’t give you a ton of fatty drippings! The key is quality. If you can find a high-quality, low-sodium broth, that’s ideal for this Prime Rib Roast Au Jus Recipe. Since the broth balances out the intensity of your roast drippings, using a weak, overly salty store-bought broth can really throw off the flavor balance we worked to achieve during the reduction step.
Estimated Nutritional Data for This Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe
Now, I have to give you the standard disclaimer here, because while I know this sauce is light, the exact numbers are going to bounce around depending on how much fat rendered out of your specific prime rib! We are dealing with roasted beef fat here, which is glorious, but it’s not steady like using butter in a cake, you know?
This information below is just an estimate based on standard commercial ingredient calculations for the broth, wine, and seasonings listed—it *does not* and *cannot* accurately account for the variables in your roast drippings. So, take this as a fun guideline, not a strict dietary mandate for your amazing Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY!
If you divide the base sauce ingredients (minus the drippings) across the 4 servings, you are looking at something incredibly low-impact:
- Calories: Approximately 4 per serving
- Fat: Barely 0.04g (Again, this skips the roast fat!)
- Protein: Around 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: Less than half a gram (0.3g)
- Sodium: About 93mg (This is where your roast drippings can really change things, so taste first!)

See? It’s practically calorie-free flavor enhancement! Because the sauce mostly comes from natural beef juices and broth, it keeps things light and lets the main star—that beautiful roast—do all the heavy lifting at the dinner table. Cook with confidence, my friends!
Share Your Success with This Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY!
Honestly, after all that work getting that gorgeous roast ready, seeing someone enjoy that perfect plate of meat dipped into this simple au jus is the best part of my whole week! I truly hope this Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY! has simplified your dinner prep and made your whole meal feel a little more special. It’s proof that easy dishes are often the most impressive!
If you loved this recipe, please do me a huge favor and come back here to leave a rating! Five stars means the world to me and helps other home cooks feel confident trying it out for themselves. I always peek at the comments to see what adjustments folks made or what they served it with—did you try it with roasted asparagus? Tell me everything!
If you shared a picture of your incredible prime rib moment on Instagram or Facebook, please tag me! Seeing your beautiful plating and watching you enjoy the fruits of your labor (and my ridiculously simple sauce!) is why I love sharing these kitchen adventures. I can’t wait to hear how this Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY! elevated your dinner table!

Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe – So EASY!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Make sure to include all the bits and juices from the bottom of your roasting pan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has reduced by about one-quarter.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the au jus cool. Once cooled, scrape off any floating bits of fat.
- Serve warm with your favorite prime rib recipe.
Nutrition
Notes
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Gluten-Free Chef & Latin Cuisine Innovation Specialist
My youngest son’s celiac diagnosis at four changed everything. Suddenly, all those traditional Brazilian and Portuguese recipes from my avó needed to be completely reimagined without losing their soul.
After graduating from Johnson & Wales and working Miami’s Latin fusion scene, my son’s diagnosis became my calling. How do you make gluten-free empanadas that taste like childhood? Over eight years, I’ve developed 320+ gluten-free recipes celebrating authentic Latin flavors using cassava flour and plantain alternatives.
My gluten-free empanada recipe won “Best Appetizer” at the 2023 Miami Gluten-Free Food Festival. I ran “Sabores Sin Gluten,” a catering business serving Miami’s Latino community—quinceañeras, family gatherings, all the celebrations that matter.
Food is culture, and everyone deserves to experience the joy of sharing traditional family meals, regardless of dietary restrictions.