Gravy is one of those sauces that isnt always necessary, but it definitely makes a Thanksgiving turkey or holiday roast even better. It adds a decadence that just elevates the whole meal. While homemade gravy is almost always better than store-bought varieties, sometimes we just dont have the time to make a thick, rich gravy.
Its during these times that well grab a packet of powder from the selection available at the store, and take it home to whip up a simple, easy gravy that ties the whole meal together. Theres just one problem: most of those powder-based gravies are either bland or thin or simply lack that extra kick of flavor we get when gravy is made from scratch. But that only holds true if you strictly follow the directions on the packet, or dont bother adding any flavor enhancers to pre-made gravy sold in jars.
While its easy to simply add water or stock to gravy powder and have a sufficiently fine sauce to serve with your favorite protein, its just as easy to add an extra ingredient or two and turn that plain gravy into something really special. Something youd love to slather all over your meat and potatoes. Something that no one would ever realize isnt homemade. The only question is, what is that extra ingredient? Turns out there isnt just one. We have 12 different ways to take your store-bought gravy from boring to amazing in a matter of minutes.
Turkey gravy is a staple at many holiday meals. When homemade, it can be rich, savory, and delicious. However, gravy made from a jar or carton often leaves much to be desired in terms of flavor. If you are reaching for a pre-made turkey gravy this holiday season, there are several easy ways to give it a boost so that it tastes like you spent hours simmering stock and drippings into a silky, scrumptious gravy.
Add Pan Drippings
One of the easiest ways to add more flavor to your gravy is to stir in some pan drippings from the roasted turkey. The drippings are full of browned bits of turkey skin and herbs that add tons of flavor. Skim off most of the fat from the top of the pan and add a few tablespoons of the concentrated drippings to your gravy. If you want to avoid the fat altogether, pour the drippings into a fat separator before adding the liquid to the gravy. The pan drippings instantly give the gravy more turkey essence.
Sauté Aromatic Vegetables
Sautéing some aromatic veggies like onions, carrots, celery, or shallots is another simple way to add a flavor boost to pre-made gravy. Cook the veggies over medium heat in a little butter or oil until they are softened and lightly browned. Then pour your gravy over top and let it simmer together for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld The sautéed veggies will provide a more complex, savory note to the gravy
Simmer with Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs can instantly brighten up the flavor of any gravy. Try adding a bundle of fresh thyme rosemary sage, parsley, or any other herbs you have on hand. Remove the tough stems, then tie the herbs together with kitchen twine. Add the herb bundle to your gravy and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes so the flavors infuse into the sauce. The fresh, vibrant herby flavor will liven up the taste.
Whisk in White Wine
For an extra layer of flavor, try whisking in some white wine. About 1/4 cup of a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc adds brightness and acidity to gravy. Just be sure to add it at the end, right before serving, so the alcohol cooks off and you’re left with just the aromatic flavor. The white wine gives the gravy a more complex profile.
Add Umami Flavor
Umami-rich condiments like Worcestershire, fish sauce, or soy sauce can be whisked into gravy to amp up the savory flavor. A teaspoon or two will lend the sauce more “meatiness” without altering the flavor profile too much. Soy sauce and Worcestershire both add deep, savory notes while fish sauce provides an incredible amount of umami. Be careful not to overdo it though, as the gravy can become too salty.
Thicken with Cornstarch Slurry
For gravy with a thicker, richer texture, use a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cool water until smooth. Slowly whisk the slurry into your simmering gravy until it reaches your desired thickness. The cornstarch gently thickens the gravy without dulling the flavor. Adding it at the end also prevents any raw starch taste.
Roast Garlic
Roasting garlic is an easy way to add sweet, nutty flavor to gravy. Simply drizzle some garlic cloves with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F until softened and golden brown. Then mash or finely mince the garlic and stir it into your gravy for a sweet, mellow kick. The roasted garlic offers another layer of savory flavor to make your gravy taste great.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy additions, it’s possible to take a basic pre-made turkey gravy from blah to brilliant this holiday season. Drippings, sautéed veggies, herbs, wine, umami boosters, thickeners, and roast garlic can all provide your gravy with more complexity, richness, and downright deliciousness. Use one or two tricks or go all out and do them all – any of these seven hacks will help make your turkey gravy taste amazing!
Savory drippings will elevate gravy
If youre roasting a turkey, the drippings that lurk in the bottom of the pan are a beneficial addition for that store-bought gravy, as they will add a ton of flavor. You may think drippings are only melted fat, but they also contain plenty of little roasted turkey pieces, as well. Each one of those small browned bits holds a pop of savory goodness that will only add more depth to your gravy, especially when left to simmer for several minutes over a low flame.
Not sure how to get all that yumminess into that shelf-stable jar? Its really very easy: Simply transfer the roasted turkey to a platter, pour the liquefied fat from the roasting pan, and then place the pan over a low flame to deglaze it with your favorite wine or chicken stock, all the while scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. After you save those pan drippings, stir them into your store-bought gravy, and voilà — you have delicious gravy that tastes like the product of spending hours over your hot stove.
Gravy gets better with Worcestershire
If youre looking for a secret ingredient to give gravy an umami boost, a couple tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce is the way to go. Often added to dips, sauces, and any good bloody mary, Worcestershire has a strong, savory flavor thanks to its intricate recipe featuring anchovies, vinegar, tamarind, sugar, spices, garlic, and molasses. This wide range of ingredients hits every part of the tongue. The saltiness of the anchovies pairs well with savory roasts and chicken, while the tart pops of vinegar and tamarind will enhance any citrus essences. Meanwhile, the sugar and molasses will compliment the savoriness of your store-bought gravy.
As with all other additions, the key to enhancing pre-made gravy is mixing it in and letting it simmer for a few minutes before serving. That way youre guaranteed that the indescribable Worcestershire flavor we cant get enough of will meld with the rest of the gravy, creating a finished sauce thats so outstanding, only you will know your gravy isnt homemade.
How To Make Turkey Gravy Packets TASTE BETTER!
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