How to Make the Perfect Silky Homemade Turkey Gravy
American · Medium · 20 min · 10 servings
This rich and silky turkey gravy is made from scratch using the drippings from your roasted turkey and a smooth roux base that ensures a perfectly lump-free velvety sauce. It is the glue that holds the entire Thanksgiving plate together and takes just 15 minutes to make.
Why this recipe works
This Silky Homemade Turkey Gravy recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 95 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 0.5 cup turkey pan drippings
- 0.33 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low sodium turkey or chicken broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Drippings
After removing the turkey from the roasting pan, pour all the pan drippings into a fat separator or a large measuring cup. Allow the fat to rise to the top for about 5 minutes, then pour or spoon off and reserve approximately half a cup of the fat, discarding the excess or saving for another use.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Pour the reserved turkey fat and the butter into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the mixture is hot, sprinkle the flour over the fat all at once and whisk vigorously and continuously for 2 minutes. The roux should turn a light golden color and smell nutty.
Step 3: Add Broth and Whisk
While whisking constantly, slowly pour the warm turkey broth into the roux in a thin steady stream. Do not stop whisking as you add the liquid to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the gravy to a simmer over medium heat, continuing to whisk until it thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Add the fresh thyme leaves and freshly ground black pepper to the gravy. Taste and adjust salt as needed, keeping in mind the drippings may already be quite salty. If the gravy is too thick, whisk in additional broth a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- turkey pan drippings → all butter can be used to make the roux if drippings are not available
- all-purpose flour → cornstarch mixed with cold water creates a gluten-free gravy with a similar silky texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding cold broth to the roux which causes drastic temperature changes and can result in lumps
- Not cooking the roux long enough which leaves a raw floury taste in the finished gravy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 95 calories, 3g protein, 7g carbs, 6g fat, 0g fiber.
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