How to Make Delicious Gravy from Turkey for Your Thanksgiving Dinner

Making gravy from turkey is a simple process that anybody can follow. It’s one of those things that looks difficult to do but actually isn’t. Gravy is a must-have sauce for anyone who cooks turkey. It’s what complements the bird and takes the turkey to a whole new level. Gravy adds flavor and moistness to the meat. Moreover, it keeps the turkey from being too dry and bland, which is not what anyone wants.

To make gravy from turkey, you’ll need some basic ingredients like turkey broth, flour, and butter. The broth is what gives the gravy its flavor and texture, and the flour and butter help thicken the sauce. The process may seem intimidating, but don’t worry. I’ll be sharing with you the step-by-step guide on how to make great gravy from turkey in relaxed English language. You don’t need to be a pro to make it!

Ingredients needed for making turkey gravy

Making gravy is an integral part of cooking turkey, and it’s the perfect accompaniment to our favorite holiday dishes. Whether you prefer to use the pan drippings from your roasted turkey or start from scratch, a flavorful turkey gravy is easy to make with the right ingredients. Here are the must-have ingredients for making the perfect turkey gravy.

Turkey drippings

Turkey drippings are the foundation for any great turkey gravy, and you want to make sure you have enough of them. Collect as many drippings as possible, and strain them into a measuring cup.

Flour

Flour is used for thickening the gravy. Depending on how thick you like your gravy to be, you may need to add more flour than the recipe calls for.

Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor to the gravy. For best results, use unsalted butter as you don’t want the salt to overpower the other flavors.

Onion

Onion is a classic ingredient in gravy, and it adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.

Celery

Celery pairs well with the savory flavor of turkey and adds a refreshing crunch to the gravy.

Carrots

Carrots are another classic ingredient in gravy and add a touch of sweetness and earthiness.

Chicken or turkey broth

Chicken or turkey broth adds a rich, meaty flavor to the gravy. You can use homemade broth or store-bought, but make sure it’s unsalted.

Herbs

Herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary elevate the flavor of the gravy and add a touch of freshness.

Salt and pepper

Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning the gravy and bringing out the other flavors.

Cornstarch

Cornstarch is an alternative thickener for gravy. It’s a gluten-free option and gives a glossy, translucent finish to the gravy.

Now that you know the must-have ingredients let’s dive into how to make turkey gravy from pan drippings or from scratch.

Ingredients needed for homemade Turkey Gravy

Turkey gravy, whether you’re getting ready for Thanksgiving or just want to add a touch of holiday cheer to your meals, is a perfect addition. And getting the perfect taste is easier than you think. Here are the ingredients you need to gather:

1. Turkey drippings

Without a little drippings, a turkey gravy just doesn’t taste authentic. The majority of the flavor comes from turkey drippings that are on hand. So remember to buy fresh turkey or defrost the turkey the day before Thanksgiving. Roast the turkey and reserve the liquid drippings that collects in the bottom of the roasting pan after roasting to make a drool-worthy gravy.

2. Flour

Flour is crucial to the foundation of the gravy. It acts as a thickening agent, and when used correctly, it will add a sumptuous and creamy consistency to your sauce.

3. Chicken or turkey broth

The broth not only contributes more flavor to the sauce but it also helps in the expansion of the gravy’s volume. Make the broth by boiling turkey or chicken stock with herbs, vegetables, and poultry.

4. Fresh herbs and spices

The desired taste of your homemade gravy depends on the combination of different spices and seasonings that you use. As a recommendation go minimalistic with the spices and herbs. Thyme, Rosemary, Sage, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper are the ideal herbs for a traditional Turkey gravy.

5. Butter or oil

Add butter or oil to the mix for added richness and a creamier gravy.

6. Salt and pepper

Salt and pepper are two key ingredients that provide the savory and spicy factor that makes the gravy taste perfect.

7. Cornstarch

If you don’t have flour on hand, cornstarch can be used as a substitute. Cornstarch can also make the gravy silky and add gloss to it.

8. Tomato paste or ketchup (Optional)

For those who want to go a bit further, tomato paste or ketchup can also give Turkey Gravy a tangy kick.

9. Onion

Onions play an essential role in a Thanksgiving dinner, so why not include them in your gravy as well? Just like using it as a base component for your broth, add sautéed onions to the gravy as well.

10. Wine (Optional)

Finally, if you want to add a little complexity to your Turkey gravy, add a splash of dry white wine or red wine. It’s a great way to add a slight hint of sophistication to your gravy.

5 Key Ingredients for the Perfect Turkey Gravy

When it comes to making the perfect gravy for your Thanksgiving turkey, there are a few key ingredients that you simply can’t do without. From the perfect roux to a rich turkey stock, each component plays an important role in creating a gravy that’s flavorful, smooth, and satisfying.

1. Turkey Stock
The star ingredient of any great turkey gravy is, of course, the turkey stock. This can be made by simmering the leftover turkey giblets, neck, and bones with vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, along with a few aromatics like bay leaves and thyme. Over the course of a few hours, all of the flavor and nutrients from the turkey will infuse the broth, creating a rich and delicious base for your gravy.

2. Roux
Another crucial component of a good gravy is the roux. This is a mixture of equal parts flour and fat (usually butter), which is cooked together over low heat until it turns a light golden brown color. Once the roux is ready, you can slowly whisk in the turkey stock, creating a smooth and thick sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over your roasted turkey.

3. Aromatics
To give your gravy an extra boost of flavor, you’ll want to add in a few aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs. Saute these ingredients in a bit of butter or oil before adding in the roux and stock. The flavors will infuse the sauce and create a complex, delicious flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.

4. Seasonings
A good turkey gravy also requires some key seasonings like salt, pepper, and thyme. Depending on your taste preferences, you may also want to add in some garlic powder, onion powder, or other herbs and spices. Be sure to taste your gravy as you go and adjust the seasonings as needed.

5. Butter
Finally, a pat or two of butter added at the end of the cooking process can help to round out the flavors of your gravy and give it a rich, velvety texture. Be sure to stir in the butter slowly, allowing it to melt and fully incorporate into the sauce.

With these key ingredients in mind, you can create a delicious and satisfying gravy that perfectly complements your Thanksgiving turkey. Experiment with different ratios and seasonings until you find a recipe that works best for your taste buds, and enjoy the delicious results!

That’s how you make delicious gravy from turkey!

I hope this article has been helpful in showing you how to make gravy from turkey, and that you can now confidently prepare this delicious condiment for your holiday or family dinner. Remember, the secret to a perfect gravy is in the preparation and care that goes into it. I would like to thank you for reading this article and for taking the time to learn with me today. I hope to see you again soon with more cooking tips and tricks that will help make your meals even more satisfying and authentic. Stay safe, and eat well!