The Best Gravy You'll Ever Make | Epicurious 101, by Epicurious on YouTube. 7 min 15 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 15 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Pour the roast drippings into a jug or fat separator and let them settle. Leave the browned bits in the pan and spoon 2 tbsp of the fat back in.
Set the pan over medium heat. If you have less than 2 tbsp fat, add butter to reach 2 tbsp, then sprinkle in 2 tbsp flour.
Whisk the flour and fat constantly. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes for a pale roux, or 3 to 5 minutes for a darker, nuttier roux.
Add 2 cups stock or broth a splash at a time, whisking well after each addition. Scrape up the browned bits from the pan.
Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, whisking often, until it coats the back of a spoon.
If it gets too thick, whisk in more stock a little at a time. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
For extra-smooth gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. Serve hot, and keep the remaining gravy warm.
Tips and common mistakes
Use equal amounts of fat and flour by volume for a roux that thickens reliably.
Whisk into the corners of the pan so no dry flour escapes and burns.
Do not let the roux burn. If it smells acrid or turns black, start again.
Season at the end because pan drippings and stock can already be salty.
Hot fat can spit when stock goes in, so add it slowly and keep your face and hands back.
Questions
Can I make gravy without pan drippings?
Yes. Use 2 tbsp butter as the fat and 2 cups stock or broth. The gravy will be lighter but still smooth.
How do I fix lumpy gravy?
Pour it through a fine-mesh sieve or whisk hard. Add stock slowly next time and whisk after every splash.
Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
Yes. Cool it quickly, keep it covered in the fridge, and reheat gently with a splash of stock or water.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
