Are you tired of using store-bought gravy for your pork dishes? Why not try making your own homemade pork gravy from scratch?
It may seem intimidating, but with just a few simple steps, you can have a smooth and flavorful gravy that will take your pork dishes to the next level.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of making pork gravy from scratch, including tips and tricks to ensure your gravy turns out perfectly every time.
So, grab your saucepan and whisk, and let’s get started!
How To Make Pork Gravy From Scratch?
Step 1: Collect Your Drippings
The first step in making pork gravy from scratch is to collect the drippings from your pork roast. Let the drippings sit for a few minutes to allow the fat to settle at the top. Then, scoop off as much fat as you can with a spoon. Alternatively, you can use a fat separator.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Create Roux
Melt butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Whisk together to create a paste, also known as a roux. Slowly add the pork drippings and then the broth, about a 1/4 cup at a time, and whisk constantly.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Once fully combined, bring the mixture to a light simmer while still whisking. Continue simmering until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take around 5 minutes.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Finally, season your gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm over your favorite pork dish.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make pork gravy from scratch, you will need a few basic ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
– Pork drippings: Collect the drippings from your pork roast and set them aside.
– Butter: You will need a couple of tablespoons of butter to create the roux.
– Flour: Use the same amount of flour as butter to create the roux.
– Broth: Chicken broth is typically used to create the base of the gravy.
– Cornstarch: This is used as a thickening agent for the gravy.
– Spices: Add your favorite spices such as black pepper, salt, or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor of your gravy.
Optional ingredients you can use to add more flavor to your pork gravy include herbs like thyme or rosemary, garlic, onions, or even apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind that using too many ingredients can overpower the natural flavor of the pork, so it’s best to keep it simple and let the pork shine through.
Preparing Your Pork Drippings
Before you can start making your homemade pork gravy, you need to collect the drippings from your pork roast. This is an important step as the drippings are the base of the gravy and provide a rich and delicious flavor.
Once you have collected the drippings, it’s important to remove as much fat as possible. You can do this by letting the drippings sit for a few minutes, allowing the fat to rise to the top. Then, use a spoon to scoop off as much fat as you can. Alternatively, you can use a fat separator to remove the fat more efficiently.
After removing the fat, it’s time to start making your gravy. Melt butter in a cast iron skillet over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add the pork drippings and broth, about a 1/4 cup at a time, while whisking constantly.
Once fully combined, bring the mixture to a light simmer while still whisking. Continue simmering until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take around 5 minutes.
Finally, season your gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm over your favorite pork dish. By following these simple steps, you can easily prepare your pork drippings and make delicious homemade pork gravy from scratch.
Creating A Roux
Creating a roux is an essential step in making any type of gravy, including pork gravy. A roux is a mixture of fat and flour that is used to thicken sauces and gravies. The most common type of fat used in a roux is butter, but you can also use meat drippings or oil.
To create a roux for pork gravy, start by melting three tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add in an equal amount of flour and stir continuously to create a paste. Let the mixture brown for about one minute, stirring frequently. This browning process is what gives the roux its distinct flavor and color.
Next, slowly add in your pork drippings and any extra broth you may have. Use a whisk to distribute the flour evenly within your liquid to avoid lumps. Whisk constantly until everything is fully combined.
Once fully combined, bring the mixture to a light simmer while still whisking. Continue simmering until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take around 5 minutes.
Finally, season your gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while warm over your favorite pork dish.
Remember, the key to making a good roux is to cook it long enough to allow the flour to brown and develop flavor. The longer you cook your roux, the darker it will become and the more flavor it will have.
Adding Broth And Seasonings
Adding broth and seasonings is a crucial step in making pork gravy from scratch. After you have created your roux by whisking together the butter and flour, it’s time to slowly add the pork drippings and broth. This should be done about a 1/4 cup at a time, while whisking constantly to ensure that the mixture remains smooth and creamy.
As you add the broth, you can also add any desired seasonings to your gravy. This is where you can get creative and experiment with different spices to create a unique flavor profile. Some popular options include black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
It’s important to taste test your gravy as you add seasonings to ensure that it is to your liking. Remember that you can always add more seasoning if needed, but it’s difficult to remove it once it has been added.
Once your gravy has reached the desired thickness and seasoning, it’s ready to be served over your favorite pork dish. This simple and easy recipe can be prepared in just a few minutes and will elevate any meal with its rich and savory flavor.
Cooking And Thickening Your Gravy
Gravy is an essential part of any pork dish, and it’s important to get the consistency just right. One of the most common ways to thicken gravy is by using flour or cornstarch. Flour is a natural thickening agent and can be incorporated into your sauce with a few different methods. One way is by making a slurry, which is made by whisking 2 tablespoons of flour with cold water. Another way is by making a roux, which is a mixture of fat and flour. To make a roux, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a paste. Slowly add the pork drippings and then the broth, about a 1/4 cup at a time, and whisk constantly.
If you prefer to use cornstarch, start by making a slurry (a combination of water and cornstarch). For this method, start by heating a cup of broth until it reaches a simmer. Meanwhile, combine a tablespoon of cornstarch with one to two tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create the slurry. Then, slowly pour the slurry into the simmering liquid, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Continue simmering the broth until it thickens and the cloudy appearance clears up—about two minutes.
It’s important to add your thickener properly to prevent lumps from forming in your gravy. If you’re using flour or cornstarch, make sure to add it gradually, allowing the gravy to cook and thicken for one to two minutes before adding more. Be careful not to overcook cornstarch-thickened sauces as they can break down when overcooked.
Finally, season your gravy with salt and pepper to taste before serving it warm over your favorite pork dish. With these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious and perfectly thickened pork gravy from scratch every time.
Straining And Serving Your Gravy
After you have followed the steps above to make your pork gravy, it’s important to strain and serve it properly to ensure a smooth and delicious sauce. Here are some tips for straining and serving your gravy:
Step 1: Strain Your Gravy
To remove any lumps or particles from your gravy, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. This will give you a smooth and velvety texture that’s perfect for pouring over your pork.
Step 2: Keep Your Gravy Warm
Gravy is best served warm, so keep it in a warm place until you’re ready to serve. You can do this by placing the saucepan on a low heat or by using a gravy boat with a warming stand.
Step 3: Serve Your Gravy
When it’s time to serve your pork gravy, pour it into a gravy boat or other serving dish. Be sure to stir the gravy before serving to ensure that it’s well-mixed and smooth.
Step 4: Garnish Your Gravy
For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, you can garnish your pork gravy with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Simply sprinkle the herbs over the top of the gravy just before serving.
By following these simple steps, you can make sure that your pork gravy is smooth, delicious, and perfectly served every time.
