Are you tired of serving up bland pork roasts with lackluster gravy?
Perhaps you’re wondering if you can use chicken gravy on pork instead. After all, the ingredients are almost identical, with the only difference being the type of drippings used.
But will it affect the flavor of your pork?
In this article, we’ll explore whether or not chicken gravy is a suitable pairing for your succulent pork roast. Plus, we’ll share some tips and tricks for making delicious pork gravy from scratch, so you can elevate your next dinner party or family meal.
So, let’s dive in and find out if chicken gravy goes with pork!
Does Chicken Gravy Go With Pork?
The short answer is yes, you can use chicken gravy on pork. The ingredients used in both chicken and pork gravy are almost identical, with the only difference being the type of drippings used.
Chicken gravy is made using flour, butter, bone broth, and salt, while pork gravy uses pork drippings instead of bone broth. However, the flavors of both gravies are quite similar, making chicken gravy a suitable substitute for pork gravy if you don’t have any pork drippings on hand.
That being said, using chicken gravy on pork may affect the overall flavor of your dish. Pork has a distinct flavor that may be overpowered by the taste of chicken gravy. So, if you’re looking to highlight the flavor of your succulent pork roast, it’s best to stick with pork gravy.
The Differences Between Chicken And Pork Gravy
While chicken and pork gravy share many of the same ingredients, there are some key differences that can affect the taste and texture of the final product.
Firstly, chicken gravy typically uses bone broth as a base, while pork gravy uses pork drippings. Bone broth is made by simmering chicken bones with vegetables and herbs, which gives it a more subtle flavor than pork drippings. Pork drippings, on the other hand, are the fat and juices that are released when cooking a pork roast. This gives pork gravy a richer, more savory taste that complements the flavor of pork.
Another difference between chicken and pork gravy is the color. Pork gravy tends to be darker in color than chicken gravy due to the use of pork drippings, which have a deeper hue than bone broth.
Lastly, the thickness of the gravy can vary depending on the type of drippings used. Pork drippings tend to be thicker than bone broth, which means that pork gravy may be thicker and more velvety in texture than chicken gravy.
Can You Use Chicken Gravy On Pork?
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any pork gravy, using chicken gravy on pork is a viable option. The process of making both gravies is almost identical, with the only difference being the type of drippings used. Chicken gravy is made using bone broth, while pork gravy uses pork drippings.
However, it’s important to note that the flavors of both gravies are quite similar. Using chicken gravy on pork may affect the overall taste of your dish. Pork has a distinct flavor that may be overpowered by the taste of chicken gravy. So, if you’re looking to highlight the flavor of your succulent pork roast, it’s best to stick with pork gravy.
One way to use chicken gravy on pork is by making Crockpot Pork Tenderloin and Gravy. This recipe involves placing pork tenderloins in a slow cooker and pouring a mixture of chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and packets of pork gravy over them. Adding fresh mushrooms to the mixture can enhance the flavor even more.
To make chicken gravy suitable for pork, you can scrape out all the drippings from your pork roast and add in chicken broth. Bring it to a boil in a saucepan and let it simmer for 5 minutes or until it’s as strong as you like it. Slowly whisk in cornstarch to increase the thickness to your desired consistency.
How Chicken Gravy Affects The Flavor Of Pork
When it comes to using chicken gravy on pork, the taste can be affected by the chicken stock used in the gravy. Chicken stock has a lighter taste compared to pork, which means that it won’t overpower the flavor of the pork. So, if you’re looking for a subtle gravy that won’t mask the taste of your pork, chicken gravy is a good option.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a beefier taste, using beef stock in your pork gravy can give it a more intense flavor. However, it’s important to note that beef has a bolder taste than pork, which means that the pork flavor may be suppressed by the beef taste.
Tips For Making Delicious Pork Gravy From Scratch
If you’re looking to make delicious pork gravy from scratch, there are a few tips and tricks you can follow to ensure your gravy is rich, flavorful, and perfectly thickened. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Use Pork Drippings: The key to making flavorful pork gravy is to use pork drippings. When roasting your pork, be sure to collect the drippings and use them as the base for your gravy. This will give your gravy a rich, meaty flavor that can’t be replicated with any other ingredient.
2. Make a Roux: A roux is a mixture of flour and fat that is used to thicken sauces and gravies. To make a roux for your pork gravy, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in flour until it forms a smooth paste. Cook the roux for a few minutes until it turns a light brown color, then slowly whisk in your pork drippings until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Add Broth: If you don’t have enough pork drippings to make your gravy, you can add beef broth to make up the difference. This will give your gravy a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious.
4. Season to Taste: Once your gravy is thickened, be sure to taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Depending on how salty your pork drippings and broth are, you may need to add more salt or other seasonings to bring out the flavors of your gravy.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious pork gravy from scratch that will take your pork roast dinner to the next level.
Other Gravy Options For Pork Roasts
While pork gravy is the go-to option for topping off your pork roasts, there are other flavorful sauces that can be used to add a unique twist to your dish. Salsa verde is a tangy and zesty sauce that pairs well with pork, while homemade applesauce can add a touch of sweetness to your dish.
If you’re looking for a more savory option, try a mustard and apple cider vinegar sauce or your favorite barbeque sauce. These sauces can add a bold and smoky flavor to your pork roast.
Another option is to season your pork roast with your favorite spices before cooking it. This will infuse the drippings with flavors that can be used to make a delicious gravy. A simple gravy made with only the drippings from your pork roast, some broth, and a bit of cornstarch for thickening can highlight the natural flavor of your pork roast without overwhelming your palate.
For an easy and no-fail option, you can also try the Roast Pork Gravy Recipe mentioned above. This recipe uses a time-saving make-ahead gravy base that can be mixed with pork drippings for a perfect gravy every time.