How To Make Beef Broth Slurry? (Fully Explained)

Are you tired of lumpy gravies and sauces? Do you want to know how to make a smooth and delicious beef broth slurry?

Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a slurry using simple ingredients like flour or cornstarch and warm beef broth.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this technique is easy to master and can elevate your dishes to the next level.

So, let’s get started and learn how to make a perfect beef broth slurry every time!

How To Make Beef Broth Slurry?

To make a beef broth slurry, you will need warm beef broth and either flour or cornstarch. The first step is to mix equal parts of flour or cornstarch with water or broth (depending on the recipe).

If you’re using flour, measure the amount you need and add it to a small mixing bowl. Use a ladle or large spoon to add about 1 cup of hot cooking broth to the bowl with the flour. Immediately stir the mixture with a whisk until it is completely combined.

If you’re using cornstarch, put 2 tbsp. cornstarch and 1 cup warm beef broth into a jar. Place the lid on the jar and begin shaking it. Shake the mixture until the cornstarch has dissolved into the broth. This mixture is called a slurry.

Next, pour the slurry into a saucepan filled with 2 cups warm beef broth. Stir the mixture the entire time you are combining the slurry and broth. Adjust the heat to medium-high and let cook for a couple of minutes. The broth will thicken into a gravy.

Depending on the amount of food you’re cooking and how thick you’d like it to be, use 1 to 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch. For a small amount of sauce use 1 tablespoon and for a large stew or soup use up to 4 tablespoons.

What Is A Beef Broth Slurry?

A beef broth slurry is a mixture of beef broth, water, and either flour or cornstarch. It is commonly used as a thickener or emulsifier for different foods, whether animal or human. The slurry is made by mixing equal parts of flour or cornstarch with warm beef broth. Once the mixture is combined, it is poured into a saucepan filled with warm beef broth and stirred continuously while cooking on medium-high heat for a couple of minutes. The result is a thick and luxurious gravy that can be used to enhance the flavor and texture of various dishes. A beef broth slurry is an easy and effective way to thicken soups, stews, and sauces without the need for a roux. It can also be added to pan drippings or broth from cooked meat for a flavorful sauce or gravy. Whether you’re an aspiring cook or an experienced chef, knowing how to make a beef broth slurry is an essential skill that can elevate your cooking game.

Why Use A Slurry Instead Of A Roux?

There are a few reasons why you might choose to use a slurry instead of a roux when thickening your beef broth. For starters, a slurry is much quicker and easier to make. While a roux requires you to patiently simmer flour and fat into a paste, a slurry can be made by simply mixing equal parts of cornstarch or flour with liquid. This makes it a great option for those who are short on time or don’t want to spend too much effort on their cooking.

Another advantage of using a slurry is that it results in a cleaner and purer flavor. A roux adds richness and milk protein flavor to your sauce, which may not be desirable for certain dishes. In contrast, a slurry allows the flavors of the other ingredients in your dish to shine through without any added richness.

Lastly, a slurry is particularly well-suited for Asian-inspired dishes or those that contain more acid. Cornstarch slurries are neutral in flavor and stay translucent, making them perfect for dishes where bright spices and seasonings are the focus. They also work better for more acidic sauces compared to roux-based sauces.

Ingredients Needed To Make A Beef Broth Slurry

To make a beef broth slurry, you will need the following ingredients:

– Warm beef broth

– Flour or cornstarch (depending on your preference)

If you’re using flour, you’ll also need a small mixing bowl and a whisk. For cornstarch, you’ll need a jar with a lid for shaking.

Make sure to measure the amount of flour or cornstarch based on the amount of food you’re cooking and how thick you’d like the sauce to be. For smaller amounts of sauce, use 1 tablespoon of flour or 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. For larger stews or soups, use up to 4 tablespoons.

Once you have your ingredients ready, mix equal parts of flour or cornstarch with water or broth (depending on the recipe). If using flour, add about 1 cup of hot cooking broth to the bowl with the flour and whisk until completely combined. If using cornstarch, put 2 tbsp. cornstarch and 1 cup warm beef broth into a jar and shake until dissolved.

Finally, pour the slurry into a saucepan filled with 2 cups warm beef broth. Stir the mixture continuously while combining the slurry and broth. Adjust the heat to medium-high and let cook for a couple of minutes until the broth thickens into a gravy.

Step-by-step Instructions For Making A Beef Broth Slurry

1. Measure out the amount of flour or cornstarch needed for your recipe. For flour, use equal parts of flour and water or broth. For cornstarch, mix 2 tbsp. cornstarch with 1 cup warm beef broth in a jar and shake until dissolved.

2. Pour the slurry into a saucepan filled with 2 cups warm beef broth.

3. Stir the mixture continuously while combining the slurry and broth.

4. Adjust the heat to medium-high and let cook for a couple of minutes.

5. The broth will thicken into a gravy. If you want it thicker, add more flour or cornstarch slurry a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

6. Let the gravy boil for at least 1 minute to ensure that all the flour or cornstarch is cooked.

7. If you’re using flour, make sure to whisk it immediately after adding the hot cooking broth to prevent lumps from forming.

8. If you’re using cornstarch, make sure to shake the mixture until fully dissolved before pouring it into the saucepan.

9. If you’re not sure how much flour or cornstarch to use, start with a small amount and add more as needed.

10. Remember to stir constantly while adding the slurry to prevent lumps from forming.

By following these simple steps, you can easily make a delicious beef broth slurry that’s perfect for thickening soups, stews, and gravies. Experiment with different amounts of flour or cornstarch to find the perfect consistency for your recipe.

Tips For Using And Storing Beef Broth Slurry

Here are some tips for using and storing beef broth slurry:

1. Whisk Constantly: When adding the slurry to a hot liquid, it’s important to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. This will ensure that the slurry is evenly distributed throughout the liquid and that the broth thickens properly.

2. Adjust Consistency: If the broth is too thick, you can add more warm beef broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, you can add more slurry to thicken it up. Just remember to whisk constantly while making any adjustments.

3. Store Properly: If you have leftover slurry, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. When you’re ready to use it again, give it a good stir or shake before adding it to your recipe.

4. Make-Ahead: You can make the slurry 2 to 3 hours before using it. However, it may clump up again and must be remixed until combined and emulsified.

5. Cornstarch vs Flour: Cornstarch slurry imparts a glossy sheen to the liquids it thickens, so it tends to be used more in sweet sauces and pie fillings than in savory sauces and gravies. Flour, on the other hand, is better suited for savory dishes like stews and soups.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make and use beef broth slurry with ease and confidence in your cooking skills.

Recipes That Use Beef Broth Slurry As A Thickener

Beef broth slurry can be used as a thickener in a variety of dishes. Here are some recipes that use beef broth slurry:

1. Beef Stew: Add the slurry to your beef stew to thicken up the broth and make it more hearty. Simply add the slurry to the pot and stir well. Let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens up.

2. Gravy: Beef broth slurry is perfect for making gravy. After cooking your meat, use the drippings to make a flavorful sauce. Add the slurry to the pan and stir well. Let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens up.

3. Meatloaf: Use beef broth slurry as a binder in your meatloaf recipe. Mix the slurry with your ground beef, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients before baking.

4. Shepherd’s Pie: Add the slurry to your shepherd’s pie filling to thicken it up and give it a richer flavor. Simply add the slurry to the pan and stir well.

5. Beef Pot Roast: Use beef broth slurry to make a delicious gravy for your pot roast. After cooking the roast, add the slurry to the pan and stir well. Let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens up.