What is the best way to make gravy without flour? Wheat flour is typically used as a thickening in gravy. However, certain persons with health problems may be unable to consume flour. The good news is that you don’t need flour to make gravy.
How do you create gravy without flour? You can make gravy without flour using cornstarch, potato starch, tapioca starch, or arrowroot powder. Any of these alternatives can be used to thicken your gravy. Flour is utilized as a thickening factor in most gravy recipes.
Flour is a good choice because it has no taste, is affordable, and does not lump. There are, however, other thickening agents that can be used in place of flour if you need to prepare gravy without it.
The following are techniques to make gravy without flour:
- Potato starch
- Cornstarch
- Arrowroot
- Tapioca
- Vegetable Puree
- Reduce
Continue reading to find out how to make gravy without flour, as well as simple flourless gravy recipes.
Table of Contents
Flour vs. Cornstarch
What’s the difference between making gravy with cornstarch and flour? Cornstarch has a higher thickening power than wheat flour because it is made entirely of starch, whereas flour contains some protein.
For the same thickening ability, you normally require a little less cornstarch than flour.
However, in this procedure, we use equal amounts of flour and cornstarch because we alter the amount of liquid we add and reduce the gravy by boiling it to achieve the right thickness.
Cornstarch also loses its thickening effect if cooked in the gravy for too long, causing the gravy to become thin again. It will lose part of its thickness if you refrigerate and reheat it.
If this happens, you’ll need to thicken the gravy with extra cornstarch slurry and cook it again.
If you’re using flour, brown it in the fat for a few minutes before adding the liquid. Browning the gravy adds flavor and eliminates the raw flour taste. Essentially, you’re making a roux.
We find that a flour-based gravy holds up better and reheats better, which is why, unless we have a gluten-free visitor, we prefer to prepare gravy with flour rather than cornstarch.
When making gravy, how much flour or cornstarch should you use?
Keep this ratio in mind. Start with 2 tablespoons of drippings and fat, as well as 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch, for each cup of gravy you desire. This will result in a rich, thick gravy.
If you want a thinner gravy, start with one tablespoon of drippings and one tablespoon of starch, or add extra liquid.
Remove all but 4 tablespoons of fat and drippings from the roasting pan if you wish to make 2 cups of gravy. Set aside for future use.
This recipe makes roughly 2 cups of gravy, but you may easily split or double it to get the amount of gravy you desire.
D.I.Y. flourless gravy
Cornstarch
Cornstarch, often known as cornflour, is a carbohydrate derived from corn endosperm. Cornstarch thickens sauces and gravies more than flour, so use a little less than you would for flour.
Potato Starch
It is made from starch derived from potatoes and is gluten-free. Combine 1 part water and 2 parts potato starch in a mixing bowl, then stir in the rest of the gravy ingredients.
Tapioca
Substitute tapioca for flour. The cassava plant produces tapioca, which is a starch. It works well as a sauce thickener. To make gravy, replace this with flour in any recipe.
Arrowroot
In place of flour, use arrowroot. Arrowroot is a tropical starch derived from the Marantaceae family of plants. It’s gluten-free and will thicken the gravy nicely.
Whisk together equal parts water and arrowroot, then add to the rest of the ingredients.
What is the best way to thicken gravy without using starch?
There are two major methods for thickening gravy without starch, although you can use a combination of them if you wish. The following are the two non-starch methods:
Vegetable puree
Flour can be replaced with pureed vegetables. To thicken the gravy, a variety of vegetables can be used. Potatoes, beets, and carrots should be pureed.
After that, thicken your gravy with pureed vegetables. But remember that vegetables have their flavor, so the gravy will taste like the vegetables you used.
Reduce
In a skillet, heat the liquid with the drippings while constantly swirling with a wooden spoon. You’ll end up with a gravy that’s not too runny but also not too thick. This type of gravy is known as a glaze. It’s poured on top of the meat.
How to thicken gravy with starches
Fill a pot halfway with drippings. Strain your drippings if you want a smoother gravy. You can use either chicken or beef stock or just plain water.
On a burner, bring the mixture to a low simmer. Slowly stir or whisk in your starch slurry. Cook until the sauce has thickened to the desired consistency.
You’ll need a fair bit of starch slurry for every cup of liquid you utilize.
For each cup of liquid, you need the following:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1.5 tablespoons potato starch
- 1.5 teaspoons tapioca starch
- 1.5 tablespoons arrowroot starch
Regarding cooking gravy, potato starch and cornstarch are usually the finest options. Unlike tapioca or arrowroot starch, they do not become lumpy or stringy.
When working with starches for gravy, less simmering time is required. Allow it to boil, then remove it from the heat. To avoid losing its thickness, do not overcook it.
Cornstarch gravy is typically clearer than gravy made with potato starch. In the refrigerator or freezer, gravy made with starch will not survive as long as gravy made with flour. It’s ideal for making only what you’ll be able to eat for the time being.
Gluten-free gravy recipes
Here are several recipes for making gravy without flour that you might try.
Flourless basic gravy
This gravy goes well with mashed potatoes and fried or grilled meats. It’s a simple and quick dish to prepare. Furthermore, because it is a light gravy that isn’t overbearing, the flavor of the meat will be preserved.
What you need:
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef stock
- 1/4 minced onion
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup wine (optional; if you don’t use it, add another 1/4 cup of broth)
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 tsp lime or lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Use a teaspoon of the oil left over from frying the meat for your gravy, or use the same pan if it isn’t too darkened.
- In a wine pool, cook the onions (if you took out the wine, replace it with the stock). Then, over medium heat, cook it.
- Continue to stir until the onions are tender and the liquid has evaporated.
- Continue to whisk in the remaining stock.
- Turn off the heat and add the butter when the liquid has reduced to about 1/3 cup. Continue to whisk until the butter is thoroughly combined.
- Add juice from a lemon or lime.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve over your meat or potatoes or separately in a gravy dish.
Gluten-free gravy
Celiac disease sufferers will like this gravy recipe. It is gluten-free and stomach-friendly. It’s finest used with pan-fried chicken or fowl.
You may make this recipe more flavorful by adding more herbs and spices. This gravy can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two weeks.
What you need:
- 5 tablespoons fat from turkey or chicken
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch or 6 tablespoons potato starch
- 4 cups stock (chicken or turkey)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
- Place the fat in a skillet over medium to low heat on the stovetop to make your gluten-free roux. Cornstarch or potato starch can be used. Your fat will thicken fast before turning into a boiling, creamy paste. Continuously whisk it until it turns golden brown. This phase should take no more than 3 to 4 minutes.
- Pour about a cup of stock into the pot. Continue whisking until the roux has dissolved into the stock and the texture has smoothed out. Slowly pour in the remaining stock. Continue to cook over low heat until it thickens and develops heat bubbles. This procedure will take approximately 5 minutes.
- Season your gravy to taste with salt and pepper now. It is preferable to use freshly ground pepper. Serve it in a gravy dish with some celery or spring onions.
Arrowroot or tapioca gravy
This gravy complements roasts nicely. It thickens using tapioca or arrowroot, which is also gluten-free. People who follow a gluten-free diet can prepare this.
It’s quick and simple to make, yet it’s packed with flavor!
What you need:
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder or tapioca starch
- 4 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 2 1/2 cup stock or drippings from chicken or turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place your fat in a saucepan and cook it over low heat. Add your tapioca starch or arrowroot starch when it has melted. To smooth out any lumps, whisk it vigorously. Cook until golden brown and bubbling, about 10 minutes. This procedure will just take a minute.
- Slowly pour in your stock while whisking constantly. It may still be lumpy, but whisking will help it smooth out.
- Continue to stir over low heat until the sauce thickens. It will take roughly 2 to 3 minutes to complete this stage. Garlic powder should be added now. To remove any remaining lumps, whisk it again.
- Salt & pepper to taste.
- Serve as gravy over meat or in a gravy boat.
It’s worth noting that tapioca and arrowroot starches are lumpier than the others. Use a strainer to remove any lumps after your gravy has been cooked.
Different types of gravy
Gravy is a sauce made from meat drippings from the chicken, pork, turkey, or beef, together with flour, herbs, and spices. It’s a fantastic accent to a variety of recipes!
Gravy pairs excellently with fried chicken, roast turkey, mashed potatoes, shepherd’s pie, and meatballs, to name a few. Gravy lends life and flavor to a meal that would otherwise be dull or simple.
The truth is that there is no such thing as too much gravy. You can make a large amount and freeze it to keep it fresh for months.
There are five different varieties of gravy listed below. Each can be made without flour. To make any of these fantastic gravies, simply replace the flour with one of the choices listed above.
Brown gravy
This is the most common gravy. It’s created from beef drippings. The drippings are cooked on the stovetop with flavor enhancers such as onions, herbs, and spices.
It is thickened with wheat flour or cornstarch until the required texture is achieved.
Cream gravy
This gravy is delicious with biscuits or steaks. It starts with a roux (flour and fat mixture cooked together) and meat drippings. The milk is added, and the roux thickens it.
Chicken liver, black pepper, and even chopped-up sausage are all popular additions. This sauce is also known as milk gravy or country gravy.
Egg gravy
Meat drippings and a thick roux are used to make this gravy. Add water or broth to this mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
When it’s almost done boiling, add a well-beaten egg and mix or whisk it in. In the gravy, the egg then separates into tiny pieces.
Giblet gravy
The liver, heart, and gizzard of a chicken or other fowl are called giblets. They are frequently used for chicken and fowl recipes and are added to the roux and drippings.
These internal organs are also removed before the chicken is cooked.
Vegetable gravy
This gravy is popular among vegetarians. It’s made with flour and vegetable broth or stock. Oil, butter, or margarine are other ingredients in this gravy. To enhance the flavor, you can also add wine.
As a result, wheat or cornflour thickens these types of gravies. Some people, however, prefer gravy without flour for personal or health reasons.
Is gravy freezable?
Freeze gravy for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Refrigerate to defrost. To reheat, pour a pot on the stove over medium heat and constantly whisk until it reaches a full rolling boil.
Any new drippings can be frozen for future shortcut gravy when serving mashed potatoes or meatloaf.
How long can you keep gravy in the fridge?
Refrigerate the gravy for up to 5 days in an airtight jar. To reheat, put it in a pot on the stove over medium heat and cook, stirring regularly, until it reaches a full rolling boil.
The lumpy gravy?
If there are any lumps in the gravy, purée it in the pan using an immersion blender. Alternatively, put it in a blender or food processor.
Run it through a strainer instead, leaving the lumps behind.
Conclusion
To summarize, how do you make gravy without flour? Cornstarch, potato starch, tapioca starch, and arrowroot starch are some of the flour replacements.
Follow the suggested recipes above, and remember that just because you can’t eat wheat flour doesn’t mean you can’t have gravy in your food.
