A make-ahead turkey gravy without drippings. A silky smooth, flavorful giblet gravy, oozing with turkey flavor! Freezer instructions too!.
This has been my go-to easy gravy recipe for years. I love that it’s easy to make ahead of time for Thanksgiving gravy and comes together quickly to create a flavorful gravy from the neck and giblets without any drips!
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Are you looking for a simple, flavorful way to make the best turkey gravy without relying on drippings? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of creating a delicious gravy using just the turkey giblets, perfect for Thanksgiving or any other special occasion.
What are Giblets?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first understand what giblets are. These are the edible organs found inside a turkey, typically including the neck, heart, liver, and gizzard. While some people discard them, giblets are packed with flavor and can be used to create a rich, savory gravy.
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing turkey giblet gravy:
- Turkey giblets: These are the star of the show, providing the base flavor for the gravy.
- Water: Used for creating a flavorful giblet broth.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the gravy.
- All-purpose flour: Used as a thickening agent for the gravy.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Seasonings to enhance the flavor.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Giblet Broth
- Place the turkey giblets in a large saucepan and cover them with water.
- Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-4 hours. This allows the giblets to release their flavor into the broth.
- After simmering, remove the giblets from the broth and set them aside. You can use them for other dishes like stuffing or simply discard them.
Step 2: Create the Roux
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour gradually, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Continue cooking the roux for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden brown color. This step develops the flavor and removes the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Combine and Thicken the Gravy
- Slowly whisk the warm giblet broth into the roux, a little bit at a time. This prevents lumps from forming and ensures a smooth gravy.
- Continue whisking while gradually adding more broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
You can drizzle this flavorful giblet gravy over your roasted turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and other Thanksgiving staples. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that will surely impress your guests.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add chopped onion, celery, or fresh herbs to the water when simmering the giblets.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Leftovers: Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
- Reheating: To reheat leftover gravy, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat, whisking in a little broth or water if needed to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this gravy ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare the gravy as instructed, then cool it completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving.
- Can I freeze this gravy? Yes, you can freeze this gravy for up to 3 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How do I know if my gravy is thick enough? The gravy should coat the back of a spoon without being too runny. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken. If it’s too thick, whisk in a little broth or water to thin it out.
- What if I don’t have giblets? You can still make a delicious gravy using chicken or turkey stock. Simply follow the recipe instructions, substituting the giblet broth with your preferred stock.
This recipe for turkey giblet gravy is an easy yet delicious way to give your Thanksgiving or holiday meal a unique flair. You can make a delicious gravy that will wow your guests and leave them wanting more with just a few simple ingredients and simple instructions. So grab your giblets and get cooking!.
Easy Turkey and Wild Rice Casserole
This simple chicken and wild rice casserole is a creamy hot dish loaded with vegetables, long grain and wild rice, and slivered almonds. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey. It also includes easy instructions for making it vegetarian and gluten free.
Classic Turkey Gravy Ingredients
- On holidays and birthdays, we don’t track calories, so add creaminess and smoothness by using real butter—never blends. I’ve used salted and unsalted butter, but at the last minute, I add more salt to taste.
- All-Purpose Flour | Frequently utilized as a thickening agent, I make gluten-free turkey gravy with either organic AP flour or high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour.
- Apple Cider Vinegar | Regular vinegar or wine vinegar can be substituted if apple cider vinegar (ACV) is not available. Some people even use soy sauce. To balance out all of the flavors, it’s crucial to add some acidic flavor.
