Learn how to make turkey gravy from drippings the easy way. Don’t let all the seasonings and juicy pan drippings from your turkey go to waste!.
Don’t let all the seasonings and juicy pan drippings from your turkey go to waste. The best turkey gravy recipe ever can be made with all those delicious brown bits from the bottom of your roasting pan!
I don’t know about you, but you can bet that I enjoy drizzling good gravy—not just on the meat—all over my plate whenever it’s available at the dinner table. When there’s gravy everywhere—on mashed potatoes, green beans, Brussels sprouts, and more—you know it’s good.
One of the simplest and best ways to create a rich, flavorful gravy that brings out the flavor of the Thanksgiving turkey you worked so hard to prepare is to use the drippings from the turkey. The best part is that you can prepare it while your turkey is cooling down and resting, ready for carving.
Ah, turkey drippings. Those golden, flavorful jewels that pool at the bottom of the roasting pan after a succulent turkey has been cooked to perfection They may seem like mere remnants, but within those glistening drops lies the secret to an unforgettable gravy, capable of elevating your Thanksgiving feast to legendary status
But what exactly are turkey drippings, and how do we harness their magic to create a gravy that will have your guests singing your praises? Let’s delve into the world of turkey drippings and uncover the secrets to crafting the ultimate gravy.
Unveiling the Mystery: What are Turkey Drippings?
In essence, turkey drippings are the liquid gold that accumulates during the roasting process. As the turkey cooks, its natural juices, fat, and seasonings melt and drip down, forming a flavorful pool at the bottom of the pan. This liquid treasure is more than just fat; it’s a concentrated essence of turkey goodness, infused with the aromas of herbs, spices, and the essence of a perfectly roasted bird.
The Alchemy of Gravy: Transforming Drippings into Culinary Gold
Now that we understand the nature of turkey drippings, let’s explore how to transform them into a gravy that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. The key lies in a process called “roux,” a French culinary technique that involves cooking flour in fat to create a thickener
Here’s how the magic unfolds:
- Separate the Fat: Begin by carefully separating the fat from the drippings. You can use a spoon to skim off the top layer of fat, leaving the flavorful juices beneath. Don’t discard the fat entirely, as some of it will be used later to add richness to the gravy.
- The Power of Roux: In a saucepan, melt some butter and whisk in flour, creating a smooth paste. This is your roux, the foundation of your gravy’s thickness. Cook the roux for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until it reaches a light golden color.
- Whisking in the Drippings: Slowly whisk the reserved turkey drippings into the roux, incorporating them gradually to avoid lumps. As you whisk, the roux will thicken, creating a smooth and flavorful gravy.
- Seasoning to Perfection: Taste your gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed. A pinch of salt, a dash of pepper, and perhaps a hint of thyme or sage can elevate the flavor to new heights.
- The Final Touch: Allow the gravy to simmer for a few minutes to ensure it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more turkey broth or water. If it’s too thin, cook it down a bit longer or whisk in a cornstarch slurry for extra thickening power.
Frequently Asked Questions: Unraveling the Mysteries of Turkey Drippings
Q: Can I use turkey drippings if I haven’t seasoned my turkey?
A: Absolutely! Even unseasoned turkey drippings will yield a flavorful gravy. The natural juices and fat of the turkey provide a delicious base, and you can always enhance the flavor with additional herbs and spices during the gravy-making process.
Q: What if I don’t have enough turkey drippings?
A: No worries! You can supplement the drippings with turkey or chicken broth to achieve the desired amount of liquid for your gravy.
Q: Can I make gravy ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Make the gravy as instructed, then cool it completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Q: What are some creative ways to use turkey drippings?
A: Beyond gravy, turkey drippings can be used to add flavor to countless dishes. Try adding them to soups, stews, mashed potatoes, or even scrambled eggs for an extra burst of turkey goodness.
Additional Resources: Delving Deeper into the World of Turkey Drippings
- My Kitchen Escapades: This website offers a comprehensive guide on how to make gravy from turkey drippings, complete with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.
- Plays Well With Butter: This recipe website features an easy turkey gravy recipe that utilizes turkey drippings to create a rich and flavorful sauce.
- The Spruce Eats: This online resource provides a detailed guide on how to make gravy from turkey drippings, including troubleshooting tips and variations.
Turkey drippings are more than just leftover juices; they are the foundation for an exceptional gravy that will elevate your Thanksgiving feast to new heights. By understanding the process of making gravy and utilizing the tips provided, you can transform those golden drippings into a culinary masterpiece that will leave your guests in awe. So, embrace the magic of turkey drippings and create a gravy that will become a cherished tradition for years to come.
What to Serve with Turkey Gravy
If you’re making this gravy for an upcoming Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration, here are a few serving suggestions:
- Medium saucepan. Perfect for making the gravy. This saucepan lessens the possibility of burning by dispersing heat evenly.
- Strainer. helpful for creating a smoother gravy by straining out any bits from the drippings. This one comes in three different sizes.
- Whisk. Essential for ensuring a smooth and lump-free gravy. This comes in a set of three different sizes.
Leftover gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
To reheat, heat the gravy in a saucepan over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until warmed. You may need to whisk in a splash of broth or water to thin it out. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute.
How to make turkey gravy from drippings
- Pour the turkey drippings slowly through a strainer into one or more large glass containers. To allow the fat to solidify and rise to the top, chill them for fifteen minutes.
- Take the drippings out of the refrigerator, remove 2 tablespoons of the fat, and dispose of the rest (or store the fat in a container for later use). You should now have only the liquid turkey drippings remaining.
- Mix the all-purpose flour and the two tablespoons of reserved fat in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until bubbly and light to golden brown.
- Add one cup of turkey drippings and one cup of stock, whisking until smooth. Once the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency, bring it to a boil and then lower the heat to a simmer. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Should your turkey drippings not yield two tablespoons of fat, you may substitute two tablespoons of butter for the fat.
- Use unsalted, low-sodium turkey or chicken broth if possible. If you can locate it, I suggest using low-sodium or unsalted stock because the pan drippings may already be salty. After that, you can taste the finished gravy and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- One tablespoon at a time, whisk in additional turkey or chicken stock until the gravy is the desired consistency if it has thickened too much.
- A simple solution to stop your gravy from thickening is to whisk in a small amount of cornstarch.
- Your gravy’s hue can range from pale to deep brown, contingent upon the spices and seasonings that you use to prepare your turkey.