Description
This Perfect Turkey Gravy recipe delivers a rich, smooth, and flavorful sauce ideal for complementing your roasted turkey. Using pan drippings for depth, fresh herbs for aroma, and a classic roux for thickening, this gravy is easy to prepare in about 30 minutes and serves 8 guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Gravy Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 1 cup turkey pan drippings (or more if available)
- 1 cup (or more) low-sodium chicken broth or turkey stock
- 1 tsp. chopped fresh sage
- 1 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Create the Roux: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns golden and fragrant, about 1 minute. This step forms the roux, which will thicken the gravy nicely.
- Add Pan Drippings: Gradually whisk in the turkey pan drippings. If you have more than 1 cup of drippings, use all available and reduce the amount of broth later accordingly. Bring the mixture to a boil to activate the thickening properties of the roux, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer and Thicken: Allow the gravy to simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
- Incorporate Broth and Herbs: Whisk in the chicken broth (or turkey stock), fresh sage, and thyme. Return to a simmer and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking the gravy, stirring occasionally and gradually adding more broth if needed, until the flavors meld together and the gravy reaches your desired consistency, about 10 minutes more.
Notes
- If you have extra pan drippings, adjust broth quantity accordingly to maintain gravy consistency.
- Fresh herbs are preferred for best flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted at half the quantity.
- Use low-sodium broth to better control the saltiness of the gravy.
- Whisk constantly when making the roux to prevent burning and lumps.
- This gravy can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop, adding broth as needed to loosen.
