Are you craving a savory brown gravy but don’t have any turkey drippings on hand? Fear not, because the solution may already be in your pantry.
Basic beef bouillon cubes can be a great substitute for animal fat in any basic brown gravy recipe. Not only is it a quick and easy way to satisfy your cravings, but it’s also a great accompaniment for everyday dinners and office potlucks.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make delicious brown gravy using beef bouillon cubes and a few simple ingredients. So, let’s get started!
How To Make Brown Gravy With Beef Bouillon Cubes?
To make brown gravy with beef bouillon cubes, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 3-4 beef bouillon cubes
– 1 cup of hot water
– 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil
– 1-2 tablespoons of flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
Here’s how to make it:
1. Dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in a cup of hot water. If you’re using a powdered bouillon or a wet product like Better than Bouillon, start with a couple of tablespoons and add to taste.
2. Heat a tablespoon or two of butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add an equal amount of flour to the pan and whisk to incorporate.
3. Cook the flour and fat mixture for a bit, until it’s golden-brown, then slowly incorporate your bouillon broth into the roux. If you add a little liquid at a time, the gravy should start to thicken.
4. Keep whisking until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add more water or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
And that’s it! You now have a delicious brown gravy that’s perfect for any occasion.
Gathering The Ingredients
Before you start making brown gravy with beef bouillon cubes, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need 3-4 beef bouillon cubes, 1 cup of hot water, 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil, 1-2 tablespoons of flour, and salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients are likely already in your pantry, so there’s no need to make a special trip to the grocery store. Once you have everything, you’re ready to start making your delicious brown gravy!
Preparing The Beef Bouillon Cubes
Before you can make brown gravy with beef bouillon cubes, you need to prepare the cubes themselves. Beef bouillon cubes come in different brands and varieties, and each one may have a different composition of spices, meat type, and amounts of MSG and salt. However, they all dissolve in hot water and sauces in the same way.
To start, dissolve 3-4 beef bouillon cubes in a cup of hot water. If you’re using a powdered bouillon or a wet product like Better than Bouillon, start with a couple of tablespoons and add more to taste. Make sure that the cubes are fully dissolved before adding them to your gravy.
If you’re making your own beef bouillon from scratch, you’ll need to simmer beef bones, meat, and vegetables in water for several hours until you get a rich, flavorful broth. Once the broth is reduced to a syrup-like consistency, you can cool it overnight and cut it into cubes or store it in jars.
Whether you’re using store-bought or homemade beef bouillon cubes, they are a convenient way to add meatiness and umami-rich flavors to your dishes. They can be melted directly into sauces or used to make broths that can be added to stews, soups, and gravies. With just a few cubes and some basic pantry ingredients, you can whip up a delicious brown gravy that will elevate any meal.
Making The Roux
The roux is a crucial component in making brown gravy with beef bouillon cubes. It’s a mixture of fat and flour that serves as the base for the gravy. To make the roux, start by heating a tablespoon or two of butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add an equal amount of flour to the pan and whisk to incorporate.
Cook the flour and fat mixture for a bit, until it’s golden-brown. This process helps cook off any raw flour taste and also helps thicken the gravy. The roux should be cooked until it reaches a light brown color.
Once your roux is ready, slowly incorporate your bouillon broth into the roux. If you add a little liquid at a time, the gravy should start to thicken. Keep whisking until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add more water or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
Remember that the roux is the foundation of your gravy, so it’s important to get it right. A properly cooked roux will help thicken and flavor your gravy, giving it a rich and delicious taste that everyone will love.
Adding The Beef Bouillon Mixture
When making brown gravy with beef bouillon cubes, adding the beef bouillon mixture is a crucial step. To do this, dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in hot water or use a powdered or wet product like Better than Bouillon. Once you have your broth ready, heat a tablespoon or two of butter or oil in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add an equal amount of flour to the pan and whisk to incorporate. This mixture is called a roux and it will help thicken your gravy.
Cook the flour and fat mixture for a bit, until it’s golden-brown, then slowly incorporate your bouillon broth into the roux. If you add a little liquid at a time, the gravy should start to thicken. Keep whisking until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add more water or broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
It’s important to continuously whisk the mixture while adding the broth to avoid lumps in the gravy. Once you’ve added all of your broth and the gravy has thickened to your liking, season with salt and pepper to taste. The beef bouillon adds a rich umami flavor to the gravy that pairs well with beef dishes like roast beef or meatloaf.
Seasoning And Adjusting The Consistency
Once you’ve made your brown gravy with beef bouillon cubes, it’s time to season and adjust the consistency to your liking. Start by tasting the gravy and adding salt and pepper as needed. If you want to add more flavor, you can also try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder.
If your gravy is too thick, you can thin it out by adding more water or broth. Just be sure to add a little bit at a time and whisk thoroughly with each addition. If your gravy is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
Remember that the consistency of your gravy will continue to thicken as it cools, so keep that in mind when adjusting the thickness. And if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
With these tips, you can make sure your brown gravy with beef bouillon cubes is perfectly seasoned and has just the right consistency for your meal. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions And Storage Tips
Now that you’ve made your brown gravy with beef bouillon cubes, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are some serving suggestions:
– Serve over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or meat dishes like steak or pot roast.
– Use as a dip for french fries or chicken tenders.
– Pour over biscuits or toast for a savory breakfast.
– Add to casseroles or stews for extra flavor.
When it comes to storage, brown gravy can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the gravy has thickened too much, add a little water or broth to thin it out.
You can also freeze brown gravy for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove. If the gravy has separated during freezing, simply whisk it back together as it heats up.
With these serving suggestions and storage tips, you can enjoy your homemade brown gravy with beef bouillon cubes anytime you want!
