Pork gravy is a staple in many classic American dishes like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy, and more. But what if you need to avoid pork for dietary reasons or just don’t have any pork gravy on hand? Not to worry – there are plenty of tasty substitutes you can use to make vegetarian, vegan, or pork-free gravy with ease.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a variety of ingredients you can use in place of pork gravy to suit different diets and tastes. Whether you want quick convenience or to create your own customized gravy from scratch, you’ll find plenty of ideas here. Let’s dive in!
Why Use a Pork Gravy Substitute?
There are a few reasons you may need or want to use an alternative to traditional pork gravy:
- Don’t have any pork gravy on hand
- Accommodating vegetarian, vegan, or pork-free diets
- Looking for lower-sodium options
- Want to avoid MSG often found in store-bought mixes
- Personal taste preferences
- Food allergies or sensitivities
The good news is there are lots of ways to mimic the rich, savory flavor of pork gravy using ingredients you likely have in your pantry already Let’s look at some simple swap-ins
1. Chicken Gravy
Chicken gravy is probably the most convenient and readily available substitute for pork gravy. It provides a similar meaty flavor and can be used in just about any recipe calling for pork gravy. Look for ready-to-use chicken gravy mixes or cans/jars of prepared chicken gravy at your grocery store. You can also easily make homemade chicken gravy using drippings from roasted chicken.
2. Beef Gravy
Like chicken gravy, beef gravy makes an effortless swap for pork gravy, delivering that rich, brown meaty flavor. Beef and pork are very close in taste and texture, so beef gravy will integrate seamlessly into any dish. Purchase prepared beef gravy or craft your own using beef drippings or broth.
3. Turkey Gravy
Don’t just save that turkey gravy for holiday meals! Turkey gravy can substitute for pork gravy any time of year when you want a neutral meaty flavor. And it can be made vegetarian by using veggie broth instead of turkey drippings. Keep jars of turkey gravy on hand for quick and easy meals.
4. Mushroom Gravy
For a vegetarian/vegan alternative, mushroom gravy provides plenty of savory umami flavor. Sauté mushrooms onions garlic, and herbs, then add broth and thickeners to make a hearty mushroom gravy from scratch. There are also store-bought mushroom gravy options to keep stocked in your pantry.
5. Onion Gravy
Onion gravy is another flavorful vegetarian choice. Cooked down onions develop a rich, sweet flavor that gives gravy depth and complexity. Make your own by sautéing onions, adding veggie broth, herbs, and thickening agents. You can also find ready-made onion gravy mixes and jars.
6. Vegetable Broth or Stock
Plain vegetable broth lends a savory flavor and can be used as the liquid when making homemade gravy. Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth and enhance it with herbs, spices, vegetables, or wine. Maggi seasoning added to vegetable broth offers an extra savory, meaty flavor.
7. Soy Sauce or Tamari
A small amount of soy sauce or tamari stirred into vegetable broth gives gravy an extra savory umami boost. Be careful not to add too much or the gravy may end up overly salty. Always taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8. Miso Paste
Like soy sauce, miso paste adds savory depth and umami flavor to vegetarian gravy when used judiciously. Whisk a teaspoon at a time into your gravy until the flavor develops. Opt for a mellow white or yellow miso instead of intensely salty red miso.
9. Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast offers a cheese-like flavor that enhances vegetarian gravies. Whisk in a tablespoon or two when making the roux for extra richness. You can also stir yeast flakes into finished gravy for a flavor boost.
10. Tomato Paste/Sauce
Tomato paste or sauce contributes a sweet, tangy flavor and savory depth to vegetarian gravies. Just a tablespoon or two mixed into simmering broth and thickeners creates a tasty flavor foundation.
11. Wine or Beer
For extra flavor complexity, deglaze the pan with a splash of wine or beer when making your roux. The alcohol will cook off leaving behind delicious notes. Red wine, sherry, and stout beer work particularly well.
12. Dried Mushrooms
Soak dried porcini, shiitake, or morel mushrooms in hot water for 20-30 minutes to rehydrate them. Use the flavorful soaking liquid as a broth for your gravy and dice mushrooms for texture.
Tips for Using Gravy Substitutes
- For store-bought gravies, go with low-sodium options and avoid MSG.
- When making your own, allow meat, veggies, and aromatics to caramelize for maximum flavor.
- Thickeners like cornstarch, arrowroot, or flour help give the gravy body.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors and reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – add herbs, spices, salt, and pepper to taste.
- For a silky texture, strain through a mesh sieve before serving.
Gravy Substitution Ratio
As a general rule of thumb, substitute:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot = 1 tablespoon flour to thicken
- 1 cup broth, stock or water = 1 cup milk or cream as the base
- 1-2 tablespoons soy sauce, miso or tomato paste = 1 chicken or beef bouillon cube for flavor
Make Flavorful Pork-Free Gravies with Ease
With so many diverse ingredients to experiment with, you can create customized gravies to perfectly suit any recipe, palate, or dietary need. Get creative with vegetables, spices, aromatics, and thickeners to whip up flavorful vegetarian and vegan gravies worthy of any pork gravy recipe.
So next time a recipe calls for pork gravy but it just won’t work for you, don’t stress – just turn to this guide for a dozen delicious and satisfying substitutes you can make in a snap. Your taste buds will never feel deprived again!
How to Make Pork Gravy
FAQ
What is pork gravy mix?
What can you substitute gravy with?
Why is there no pork gravy?
Can you buy pork gravy?
What can I use instead of pork gravy?
Another option for a pork gravy substitute is a reduction of red wine and meat broth. You can use any kind of meat broth, either canned broth or homemade broth. Just simmer the mixture of seasoned meat broth and red wine until it is more concentrated. Red wine will help provide a dark color and also a richer taste to the liquid.
What are the best substitutes for butter?
The substitute that you might want to use depends on what you are using butter for. In baking you can use any fat such as olive oil, nut butters, or even avocados. In baking you can also substitute non-fats for butter such as Greek yogurt, mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, or even applesauce. For replacing butter as a spread, you can use any fat, hummus, avocado, nut butter, or cheese. For cooking, canola oil can be a great sub, or avocado oil is also good because it has a high smoke point.
What can I substitute for chicken gravy?
If you prefer a lighter taste, substitute low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Dried spice and herbs – Classic poultry seasonings, like onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried sage, give the gravy a well-rounded, rich, and herbaceous flavor. Feel free to experiment with even more dried herbs, like parsley, rosemary, and tarragon.
Can you use canned gravy as a substitute for regular gravy?
Canned gravy can be used as a substitute for regular gravy when convenience is a priority. While it may not offer the same depth of flavor and homemade taste as freshly made gravy, canned gravy can still provide a decent option for adding moisture and flavor to dishes.