There’s something undeniably satisfying about enjoying foods smothered in rich, savory gravy. Whether poured over a juicy steak, smothering a mound of mashed potatoes, or enhancing a roast dinner, gravy brings a delightful flavor and moistness to any dish.
If you don’t have gravy ingredients or prefer not to make gravy, there are alternative options to enhance your meal. Use barbecue, teriyaki, or browning sauce to add flavor and moisture to your dishes.
Best Substitutes For Gravy
Browning Sauce
Browning sauce is a concentrated liquid that adds rich, dark color and deep flavor to dishes, similar to the effect of gravy. It is made from caramelized sugar, vegetable coloring, and seasonings. A few drops of browning sauce can be added to stocks or sauces to mimic the appearance and taste of traditional gravy.
Teriyaki Sauce
With its sweet and savory profile, Teriyaki sauce can be a delicious alternative to gravy. Its combination of soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and garlic creates a flavorful glaze that can be drizzled over meats or used as a dipping sauce. Teriyaki sauce adds a delightful umami taste to dishes, making it a versatile substitute.
Barbecue Sauce
With its tangy and smoky flavors, Barbecue sauce can provide a bold and robust substitute for gravy. Its blend of ingredients, including tomato, vinegar, molasses, and spices, offers a unique taste that pairs well with grilled or roasted meats. The thick and saucy texture of barbecue sauce can add moisture and enhance the overall enjoyment of your meal.
Bragg Liquid Aminos
Bragg Liquid Aminos is a liquid protein concentrate made from soybeans. It is a healthier alternative to traditional soy sauce, as it is lower in sodium and contains essential amino acids. Adding a splash of Bragg Liquid Aminos to your dishes can bring a savory and slightly salty flavor, providing a subtle umami taste similar to gravy.
Maggi Seasoning
Maggi Seasoning is a popular condiment that originated in Switzerland. It is a flavorful sauce made from wheat, soy, and spices. Maggi Seasoning can be used as a seasoning agent to enhance the taste of various dishes, including soups, stews, and roasted meats. Its complex and savory flavor can serve as an excellent substitute for gravy.
Mushroom Sauce
Mushroom sauce is a versatile and savory alternative to traditional gravy. It can be made by sautéing mushrooms, onions, and garlic and adding stock, cream, or a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch. The earthy and rich flavor of mushroom sauce complements a wide range of dishes, from roasted vegetables to poultry or beef.
What Is Regular Brown Gravy?
Regular brown gravy is a classic sauce commonly used in various cuisines. It is typically made by combining meat drippings or stock with flour, creating a thick and flavorful sauce. The drippings are often from roasted meats, providing a rich and savory taste. Brown gravy adds depth and enhances the flavors of mashed potatoes, roasted meats, and stews, making it a staple in many comfort food recipes.
What Is A Gravy Mix?
A gravy mix is a pre-packaged blend of ingredients that can be used to quickly and easily prepare gravy. It typically contains a combination of powdered seasonings, thickeners, and flavor enhancers. By simply heating water or broth, you can create a smooth and flavorful gravy without requiring extensive preparation or sourcing individual ingredients. Gravy mixes are convenient and time-saving, making them popular for home cooks.
How to make your gravy healthy?
Control Sodium Intake: Use low-sodium broth or stock as the base for your gravy, and be cautious with added salt. Gradually taste and adjust the seasoning, relying on herbs, spices, and other flavor enhancers instead.
Skim Off Excess Fat: Remove the excess fat from the drippings before making the gravy to reduce the overall fat content. This simple step can make a significant difference in the healthiness of your gravy.
Use Whole Grain Thickeners: Opt for whole grain alternatives like whole wheat flour or cornstarch as thickening agents instead of refined flour. These options provide more fiber and nutrients to your gravy.
Incorporate Vegetables: Add finely chopped or pureed vegetables like onions, carrots, or celery to your gravy for added nutrients, flavor, and natural thickness. This boosts the nutritional value while keeping your gravy wholesome.
Make Your Own Stock: Prepare homemade stock using fresh ingredients to have better control over the ingredients, reduce sodium levels, and create a healthier base for your gravy. This allows you to customize the flavors while avoiding unnecessary additives.
Home-Made Simple Gravy Recipe
To make a simple homemade gravy, melt butter in a saucepan. Add an equal amount of flour to create a roux, stirring until golden brown. Slowly whisk in broth or stock, season with salt, pepper, and desired herbs or spices, and simmer until thickened to your desired consistency.
Best Store-Bought Gravy Brands
McCormick
McCormick is a well-known brand that offers a variety of gravy mixes and ready-to-use gravies. Their gravies are known for their consistent quality and rich flavor, making them popular.
Knorr
Knorr is another trusted brand that offers a range of gravy options, including instant gravy mixes and jarred gravies. Their gravies are known for their convenience and delicious taste, providing a convenient solution for quick and easy gravy preparation.
Heinz
Heinz is a renowned brand that offers a selection of jarred gravies. Their gravies are made with high-quality ingredients, providing a flavorful and smooth texture. Heinz gravies are often praised for their homemade-like taste.
Bisto
Bisto is a popular brand, particularly known for its coarse gravy powder. Their gravy mixes are quick to prepare, offering a rich and savory taste that complements a variety of dishes. Bisto gravies are well-regarded for their consistency and ease of use.
Campbell’s
Campbell’s, a trusted brand in the food industry, offers a range of canned gravies ready to heat and serve. Their gravies are known for their robust flavors and smooth consistency, making them a convenient option for those looking for a store-bought gravy solution.
Is Canned Gravy Be Used As A Substitute To Regular Gravy?
Canned gravy can be used as a substitute for regular gravy when convenience is a priority. While it may not offer the same depth of flavor and homemade taste as freshly made gravy, canned gravy can still provide a decent option for adding moisture and flavor to dishes. Choosing a quality brand and considering any specific dietary needs or flavor preferences is important when using canned gravy as a substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Vegetarian Gravy Made Of?
Vegetarian gravy is typically made using plant-based ingredients such as vegetable broth, mushrooms, onions, herbs, and spices, which are cooked to create a flavorful sauce.
Can You Make Gravy Without Thickener?
Yes, it is possible to make gravy without a thickener. Instead, you can simmer the gravy longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors, which naturally thickens the sauce.
What Is The Difference Between Curry And Gravy?
Curry and gravy differ in their flavor profiles and culinary usage. Curry is a spiced dish with various aromatic herbs and spices, often associated with South Asian cuisine. At the same time, gravy is a sauce typically made from meat drippings or stock, used to enhance the flavors of dishes commonly found in Western cuisines. The texture of curry is usually saucy, while gravy tends to be thicker and richer.
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