What is au jus?
Au jus, pronounced “oh-zhoo”, is a French culinary term that refers to meat juices or natural juices from food. It is commonly used to describe the savory brown juice that drips from a roasted beef as it rests. This flavorful juice is perfect for serving with slices of roast beef, as a sauce or gravy.
Au jus is typically made by braising beef or other meat in broth or stock, along with vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery. The natural juices from the meat combine with the braising liquid to form a rich, meaty sauce. Store-bought au jus mixes provide an easy shortcut to making au jus at home. But are these pre-made mixes gluten-free? Let’s take a closer look.
Gluten in Au Jus Mixes
Many store-bought au jus mixes do contain gluten. The most common sources of gluten in these mixes are:
– Wheat flour – Some au jus mixes use wheat flour as a thickener. Wheat contains the proteins glutenin and gliadin, which together form gluten.
– Hydrolyzed wheat protein – This is a common flavor enhancer derived from wheat. It contains gluten.
– Barley malt – Made from barley, which contains gluten. Used as a flavoring.
– Maltodextrin – Can be derived from wheat and barley. May contain gluten unless specifically labeled “gluten-free”.
So if you need to avoid gluten, be sure to read the ingredient labels carefully when purchasing au jus mixes. Look for the words “wheat”, “barley”, “rye” or ambiguous ingredients like “natural flavors.” Oats are also a potential source of gluten due to cross-contamination.
Gluten-Free Au Jus Mix Options
The good news is that there are some gluten-free au jus mix options on the market. Here are a few to look for:
Simply Organic Au Jus Gravy Mix
-Certified gluten-free
-Made with yeast extract, vegetables, sea salt
-No gluten-containing ingredients
-Easy to find online and in natural food stores
Stonewall Kitchen Gluten Free Au Jus Gravy Mix
-Certified gluten-free
-Uses potato starch and rice flour as thickeners
-Savory flavor from natural veggie and herb extracts
-Available on Amazon and in some grocery stores
Oregon Gourmet Au Jus Gravy Gluten-Free
-Naturally gluten-free
-No added thickeners, gums or preservatives
-Rich flavor from beef and chicken stock
-Can be found online or in specialty shops
Hormel Gluten-Free Beef Au Jus
-No gluten-containing ingredients
-Uses corn starch as a thickener
-Found in the gluten-free section of major grocers
-National brand that’s widely available
How to Make Gluten-Free Au Jus from Scratch
For the best control over ingredients, making homemade gluten-free au jus is easy. Here’s a simple recipe:
Ingredients
– 3 cups gluten-free beef broth or stock
– 1⁄4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp tamari or gluten-free soy sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine broth, vinegar, tamari, thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
- If desired, make a slurry by mixing cornstarch or arrowroot powder with a bit of water. Slowly stir into au jus to reach desired thickness.
- Serve warm over roasted meat.
This simple homemade recipe avoids all gluten-containing ingredients for a flavorful gluten-free au jus. Experiment with different herb combinations or use a vegan gluten-free broth for even more options.
Gluten-Free Substitutes for Au Jus
If you can’t find a gluten-free au jus mix or want an even easier option, there are a few suitable substitutes:
– Gluten-free beef or brown gravy – Most brands are made without wheat and barley.
– Gluten-free mushroom gravy – Provides rich, savory flavor.
– Jus from a gluten-free roast – Roast beef, pork or chicken in a gluten-free marinade or rub, then use the natural jus.
– Wine reduction – Simmer wine to reduce into a sauce consistency.
– Vegetable or meat broth – Enhance flavor with herbs and gluten-free tamari.
While these alternatives may not have the classic au jus flavor, they can still complement roasted meats nicely. And you’ll have peace of mind knowing your meal is 100% gluten-free.
Are There Potential Gluten Cross-Contamination Risks with Au Jus?
Even if you have confirmed that the au jus itself is gluten-free, there are some potential sources of cross-contamination to be aware of:
– Shared cooking equipment – Au jus prepared on cookware that also handles wheat-based foods may pick up traces of gluten. Use dedicated gluten-free pots and utensils.
– Shared serving utensils – Au jus served with ladles or gravy boats that also touch gluten containing foods can be cross-contaminated. Use separate serving spoons.
– Toasted bread as a thickener – Some restaurants add toasted wheat bread to thicken au jus. Request au jus without bread crumbs if dining out.
– Thickened with wheat flour – Some au jus recipes use wheat flour as a thickener. Make sure homemade au jus only uses gluten-free starches.
– Roasted with a marinade containing gluten – If the meat providing the jus was marinated or seasoned with a gluten-containing ingredient like soy sauce, cross-contact is possible.
By preparing au jus yourself using certified gluten-free ingredients and equipment, you can best control for potential contamination risks. When dining out, check with your server about how the au jus is prepared.
Should You Avoid Au Jus on a Gluten-Free Diet?
Au jus can absolutely be part of a gluten-free diet, as long as you take some precautions:
– Read ingredient lists carefully and only use mixes marked “gluten-free”
– Make your own homemade au jus with gluten-free broths and seasonings
– Use separate cookware and serving utensils to avoid cross-contamination
– Ask questions when ordering au jus in restaurants and avoid breadcrumb thickeners
– Opt for whole gluten-free meat juices or gravy substitutes when in doubt
While many standard au jus mixes do contain gluten, more gluten-free options are hitting the market all the time. With some extra care when selecting, preparing and serving au jus, you can safely incorporate this classic sauce into your gluten-free lifestyle. A well-made gluten-free au jus enhances the flavor of beef without compromising your diet or health.
The Bottom Line
Unfortunately, many commercial au jus mixes contain gluten from ingredients like wheat flour or hydrolyzed wheat protein. But there are several gluten-free pre-made mixes available from brands like Simply Organic, Stonewall Kitchen and Hormel. Making your own au jus with gluten-free broth and seasoning is also an easy option. Just take care to avoid cross-contamination by using separate cookware and utensils. With the right ingredients and precautions, au jus can be prepared gluten-free so you don’t have to miss out on this delicious accompaniment for roast beef and other meats when following a gluten-free diet.
