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+ servings
Pan sauce in a pan with a spoon.

Quick & Easy Pan Sauce Recipe

Pan sauce served with chicken, steak, pork or salmon is easy with this recipe. Learn how to add lemon, herbs, wine and juices to enhance flavor.
4 from 2 votes
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Course: Condiment, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: French
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 178kcal
Author: Carolyn Thomas

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons fat pan drippings are best
  • 1 small onion minced
  • 1/2 cup apple juice or wine, or stock
  • 1 1/2 cups broth
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  • After cooking your meat, pour off all but two tablespoons of leftover cooking oil or rendered fat from the pan. Homesteading Hack: If you are making your sauce in a new pan, melt your two tablespoons of fat in the pan.
  • Sauté the onion until golden brown, about 2 1⁄2 to 3 minutes.
  • With the pan on medium-high heat, pour in the juice (or wine or additional broth). 
  • As the liquid reaches a simmer, scrape any crispy browned bits from the bottom of the pan with the spatula.
  • Let simmer for about 3 minutes or until reduced by half.
  • Pour the remaining stock into it and stir until combined.
  • Let the sauce come to a rapid simmer.
  • Reduce the liquid by half to about 1 cup. This should take 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Once the liquid is reduced, lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the butter or cream. Whisk gently until the butter has completely melted.
  • Continue to simmer until slightly thickened.
  • Pour your sauce into a serving cup and add salt and pepper to taste. 
  • This sauce will be best when used right away.

Notes

  • You can substitute white or red wine for the juice, or use additional broth.
  • Feel free to add any of the following variations:
    • 1 Cup Thinly Sliced Mushrooms – Any popular type of mushroom, such as Button, Crimini, Oyster, Portobello, etc., works well.
    • 2 Tablespoons Finely Minced Herbs – Add herbs when cooking the onion for the best flavor.
    • 2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard – I add this with the butter or cream (great with pork!)
    • Squeeze of Lemon Juice – This adds a nice flavor finish to the sauce before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 491mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 718IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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