Gravy is a delicious and versatile condiment that can elevate any meal to the next level. But what if you don’t have any turkey drippings or homemade broth on hand?
Fear not, because beef bouillon cubes are here to save the day! With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a savory and satisfying gravy that will have your taste buds singing.
Whether you’re looking for a quick fix for your mashed potatoes or a flavorful accompaniment to your favorite meats, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
So grab your bouillon cubes and let’s get cooking!
How To Make Gravy Out Of Beef Bouillon Cubes?
To start, you’ll need to dissolve three or four 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.
Next, it’s time to make a roux. Heat a tablespoon or two of butter or oil on the stove, then 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, then slowly incorporate your bouillon broth into the roux.
If you add a little liquid at a time, the gravy should start to thicken, providing you with the much-desired savory topping. Keep stirring until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
Once your gravy is ready, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add salt and pepper to taste or even some garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before you begin making gravy out of beef bouillon cubes, it’s important to gather all of your ingredients. Luckily, most of the ingredients needed for this recipe are probably already in your pantry.
Here’s what you’ll need:
– 3-4 beef bouillon cubes
– 1 cup of hot water
– 1-2 tablespoons of butter or oil
– 1-2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor
Make sure that you have all of these ingredients on hand before starting the recipe. This will make the process much smoother and ensure that you don’t have to pause halfway through to grab something from the store.
Once you have everything you need, it’s time to start making your homemade beef gravy with bouillon cubes.
Preparing Your Bouillon Cubes
Before you can make gravy with beef bouillon cubes, you need to prepare them properly. Bouillon cubes are essentially dehydrated stock that needs to be dissolved in water before use. To start, you’ll need to have three or four beef bouillon cubes on hand.
The first step is to dissolve the cubes in hot water. Most bouillon cube brands recommend one cup of water per cube, but it’s always best to double-check the directions on the specific product you’re using. Simply heat the water in a saucepan and then add a couple of the cubes. Once dissolved, the liquid is ready to be used in your recipe.
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. Be careful not to add too much, as these products are highly concentrated and can easily overpower your dish.
Once your bouillon is prepared, you can use it to make gravy by combining it with a roux. A roux is simply a mixture of fat (usually butter or oil) and flour that is cooked together until golden-brown. This mixture serves as a thickening agent for the gravy.
To make a roux for beef bouillon gravy, heat a tablespoon or two of butter or oil on the stove, then 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, 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 stirring until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Once your gravy is ready, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add salt and pepper to taste or even some garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
Making The Roux
Making the roux is a crucial step in creating a delicious gravy out of beef bouillon cubes. It’s a simple process that involves heating up butter or oil in a saucepan and adding an equal amount of flour to create a paste-like mixture.
Whisk the flour and fat together until they are well combined and continue cooking until the roux turns golden-brown. This process will help cook off any raw flour taste and give your gravy a richer flavor.
Once your roux is ready, it’s time to slowly incorporate your prepared beef bouillon broth into the mixture. Adding the liquid in small amounts while constantly whisking will help prevent lumps and ensure a smooth gravy.
As you add the bouillon broth, the mixture will start to thicken. Keep stirring until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add more roux or simmer it for longer.
Remember to taste your gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add salt and pepper to taste or even some garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious beef bouillon gravy that’s perfect for any meal!
Adding The Bouillon Broth
Adding the bouillon broth is a crucial step in making beef gravy with bouillon cubes. The broth provides the meaty flavor that is essential for a delicious gravy.
To add the bouillon broth, start by pouring it into the roux slowly while whisking continuously. This will help prevent lumps from forming in the gravy. Keep adding the broth until you reach your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, you can always add more broth to thin it out.
It’s important to taste the gravy as you add the broth to ensure that you’re getting the desired flavor. If you find that the gravy is too salty or not flavorful enough, you can adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper to taste.
Adjusting The Consistency And Flavor
If you find that your gravy is too thick or gloppy, there’s an easy fix. Simply whisk in a little more broth or water until it’s thinned to the desired consistency. On the other hand, if your gravy is too thin, you can try simmering it for a bit longer to reduce and thicken it.
Additionally, if you feel that your gravy lacks flavor, you can try adding some herbs or spices to enhance the taste. For example, you can add some thyme, rosemary, or sage for a more earthy and aromatic flavor. You can also add some Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce for a deeper umami taste.
Remember to taste your gravy as you adjust the seasoning and flavor to avoid over-seasoning or under-seasoning. With a little practice and experimentation, you can make delicious and flavorful gravy out of beef bouillon cubes that will complement any meal.
Serving And Storing The Gravy
When it comes to serving and storing your homemade beef bouillon gravy, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that it stays safe and delicious.
Firstly, it’s important to serve the gravy hot. You can keep it warm on the stove or in a slow cooker until you’re ready to serve. If you need to hold the gravy for a longer period of time, consider using an insulated carafe or thermos to keep it hot for a couple of hours.
When it comes to storing leftover gravy, it’s important to refrigerate it promptly after use. Gravy can start to spoil quickly if left at room temperature for too long. Store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you need to store the gravy for longer than that, consider freezing it in manageable portions.
If you plan on reheating leftover gravy, be sure to bring it to a boil on the stove before serving. This will help kill any bacteria that may have grown while the gravy was stored.
Remember, when it comes to food safety, it’s important to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Keep your beef bouillon gravy hot when serving and store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator or freezer to ensure that it stays safe and delicious for as long as possible.
