Turkey Gravy Recipe with Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry

Name: turkey gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1/2 cup turkey fat from drippings; – 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; – 4 cups chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth; – Giblets and neck of uncooked turkey; – 2 to 3 tablespoons butter; – 1 shallot, finely chopped; – 3 cloves garlic, minced; – 1 teaspoon fresh sage or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage; – 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; – 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; – Salt and pepper, to taste

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Why You’ll Love This turkey gravy

Ease of preparation: This turkey gravy recipe is straightforward and quick, making it ideal for busy cooks who want delicious homemade gravy without spending hours. With just a few simple steps and using turkey drippings or broth, you can create rich and flavorful gravy in under 20 minutes.
Health benefits: Made from wholesome ingredients like turkey drippings, broth, and herbs, this gravy offers nutritional advantages including moderate protein content and minimal processed additives. Being lower in fat than many cream-based gravies, it supports balanced holiday meals.
Versatility: Easily tailored to different dietary needs, this turkey gravy can be adapted for vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie diets by substituting broth, fats, and thickeners without sacrificing its savory taste and smooth texture.
Distinctive flavor: Combining the deep, roasted richness of turkey drippings with fragrant herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary delivers a uniquely savory and aromatic gravy. The option to include giblets enhances complexity, making this turkey gravy stand out at any hearty holiday meal.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This turkey gravy
2. Essential Ingredients for turkey gravy
3. How to Prepare the Perfect turkey gravy: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your turkey gravy
5. Mastering turkey gravy: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store turkey gravy: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About turkey gravy
8. turkey gravy

Essential Ingredients for turkey gravy

1/2 cup turkey fat (from drippings) – provides the rich, savory base flavor
1/2 cup all-purpose flour – thickens the gravy to a smooth, luscious consistency
4 cups chicken, turkey, or vegetable broth – adds moisture and depth
Giblets and neck of uncooked turkey (optional; neck, heart, liver, gizzards) – for enhanced flavor and texture
2 to 3 tablespoons butter (optional if no drippings) – imparts richness
1 shallot, finely chopped – adds mild sweetness and aroma
3 cloves garlic, minced – deepens savory notes
1 teaspoon fresh sage or ½ teaspoon dried sage – herbaceous flavor
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme – earthy aroma
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or ½ teaspoon dried rosemary – pine-like freshness
Salt and pepper, to taste – balances and enhances flavors

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Use vegetable broth and olive oil or vegan butter in place of drippings and butter.
Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch to thicken.
Low-calorie: Choose low-sodium broth, reduce or omit butter, or replace with light oil alternatives for a lighter gravy.

How to Prepare the Perfect turkey gravy: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prepare the giblets (optional)

Remove the neck, heart, liver, and gizzards from the turkey cavity before roasting. Rinse with cold water and refrigerate until use. Place giblets and neck in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Simmer gently for about one hour. Remove giblets, chop finely, discard liver if preferred, and set aside.

Second Step: Collect and skim drippings

After roasting turkey, carefully pour drippings into a bowl or measuring cup. Let sit briefly so fat rises to the top. Skim off and reserve about 1/2 cup of the fat for the gravy base; discard or save excess for other uses. Set aside remaining pan juices.

Third Step: Make the roux

In a large saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of reserved fat or butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour constantly to create a roux. Cook until golden brown and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes, ensuring no raw flour taste remains.

Fourth Step: Add liquids

Slowly whisk in 4 cups broth combined with 1 cup additional drippings or pan juices. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent lumps. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes until thickened to desired consistency.

Fifth Step: Sauté aromatics and herbs (optional)

For extra flavor, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped shallot and minced garlic until soft and fragrant (about 5 and 1 minute respectively). Add fresh or dried sage, thyme, and rosemary; cook 1 more minute. Stir this mixture into your gravy base.

Final Step: Finish and adjust seasoning

Fold chopped giblets into the gravy if used. Adjust thickness by adding broth if too thick or cooking longer if too thin. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve warm alongside your turkey and side dishes.

Tip: To prevent a film from forming when reheating, whisk the turkey gravy gently over low heat to restore smoothness.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your turkey gravy

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Replace turkey drippings with mushroom or vegetable stock for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly gravy.
Omit giblets or substitute with cooked mushrooms to maintain savory complexity without animal products.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Add sautéed shallots, garlic, or onions to enrich the flavor naturally without adding fat.
Use herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage fresh or dried to match cooking preferences and seasonality.
For gluten-free diets, swap flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blends for thickening reliably.
Incorporate low-sodium broth and lighter fats to suit low-calorie needs while preserving richness.

Mastering turkey gravy: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking techniques: Deglaze the roasting pan with wine or sherry before adding broth to infuse extra depth into your turkey gravy.
Flavor variations: Boost texture and taste by adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions stirred into the gravy.
Presentation tips: Serve turkey gravy in a warmed gravy boat garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an inviting holiday display.
Make-ahead options: Prepare the gravy base ahead and gently reheat, whisking before serving to bring back silky consistency.

How to Store turkey gravy: Best Practices

Storage Method	Guidelines	Duration
Refrigeration	Store turkey gravy in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.	3-4 days
Freezing	Freeze gravy in freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. Use within 3 months for best quality.	Up to 3 months
Reheating	Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add additional broth or water if the gravy thickens excessively.	As needed
Meal prep considerations	Portion gravy into individual servings before freezing to simplify reheating and reduce waste.	Varies

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About turkey gravy

What are giblets and should I use them in turkey gravy?

Giblets include the turkey’s neck, heart, liver, and gizzards, usually found inside the bird’s cavity. You can remove and rinse them before cooking. Many recipes recommend boiling giblets to make a flavorful broth or chopping the cooked giblet meat to add into your turkey gravy, enhancing its taste and texture. However, using giblets is optional, and you can still make rich gravy using just the drippings.

How do I make turkey gravy using drippings from the roasting pan?

After roasting your turkey, carefully pour the drippings into a container and let the fat separate. Skim off most of the fat but reserve about 1/4 cup for flavor. Heat the fat in a saucepan and whisk in an equal amount of flour to form a roux. Cook until golden, then gradually whisk in broth and reserved drippings. Stir constantly until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add chopped giblets if desired.

Can I make turkey gravy without giblets or drippings?

Yes, turkey gravy can be made without giblets or drippings. Start by making a roux with butter and flour, then add store-bought turkey or chicken broth. For extra flavor, sauté aromatics like shallots or garlic before adding broth. Simmer until the gravy thickens, and season with herbs and spices. This method is helpful if you have a pre-cooked turkey or limited drippings.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftover turkey gravy?

Store leftover turkey gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. If the gravy is too thick, add a small amount of chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause uneven heating.

How can I safely collect drippings from the roasting pan without making a mess?

After removing the turkey to rest on a cutting board, carefully tilt the roasting pan and pour the drippings into a heatproof container or fat separator using a ladle. This helps you control the flow and prevents spills. Allow the fat to rise to the top for easy removal before making gravy. Using oven mitts and a steady surface will keep this process safe and clean.

Turkey Gravy Recipe with Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry for a Hearty Holiday Meal