Learn how to make gravy with cornstarch so you can enjoy it with all of your favorite potato and meat recipes! This gravy is rich, flavorful, and a snap to make. So, go ahead and serve it to your guests and watch it disappear!
Making Cornstarch Gravy
Gravy is such an easy and rich way to add some extra flavor to any of your favorite meals. You can use the drippings from any of your favorite kinds of roast (or with no drippings at all)!
This article will walk you through how to make some delicious gravy using cornstarch. Keep on reading to learn exactly what to do!
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Ways To Make Gravy
There are 2 different methods used for making some delicious gravy!
First, you can melt some butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook it for a few minutes and then add in some broth or drippings.
Second, you can heat your broth and/or drippings and then add a slurry of cornstarch mixed with water into the heated liquid. This will cause it to thicken into gravy.
What Is Cornstarch
Cornstarch is the starch that is derived from the grain of corn. It is a white powdery substance that is commonly used in cooking. It is a great thickening agent that can be found in sauces, gravies, soups, and more!
Cornstarch Slurry Ratio
To use cornstarch for thickening gravy, you first need to make something that is called a cornstarch slurry. This is simply a combination of cold water and cornstarch that is mixed together before being added to the gravy.
For best results, you'll need to use a proper 1:1 ratio of cornstarch to water. In general, you will want to use 1 tablespoon of cold water mixed together with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
How To Make Gravy With Cornstarch
Making gravy with cornstarch is an incredibly easy process, even a beginner can do it! Plus, you can make it with or without drippings!
With Drippings
Using drippings is a great way to add a ton of flavor to your gravy! Whenever you make a roast (beef, ham, chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, etc.) make sure you save your drippings!
- Pour. Pour your drippings into a measuring cup.
- Measure. Add some broth to the same measuring cup to make the total volume 2 cups. (Choose a broth that suits your drippings- chicken, beef, etc).
- Heat. Pour the drippings and broth mixture into a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer. Allow the liquid to come to a simmer.
- Slurry. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of cold water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Whisk. While the gravy is simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while quickly whisking.
- Thicken. Whisk well as the gravy thickens.
- Season. Taste and add seasoning as needed.
- Serve. Remove from the heat and enjoy.
Without Drippings
Don't fret if you want some rich gravy but don't have any drippings. You can easily make it with just some broth!
- Add. Add 2 cups of broth or stock to a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Simmer. Bring the broth to a low simmer.
- Slurry. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of cold water and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Pour. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering broth while quickly whisking.
- Whisk. Whisk the gravy until thickened.
- Season. Taste and add seasoning as needed.
- Serve. Enjoy while warm.
Cornstarch Gravy vs Flour Gravy
You won't be able to taste any difference between cornstarch and flour gravy! They both easily thicken up gravies with minimal effort.
Cornstarch, however, will cause your gravy to have a nice shine to it!
Tips For Making Gravy With Cornstarch
- Make sure the liquid you are adding the slurry to is piping hot.
- Keep the gravy over medium heat on the stove so it can maintain a light simmer.
- Cornstarch won't change the volume of your gravy. If you need more gravy, add in more broth.
- Taste your gravy after it has thickened and add salt and pepper as needed.
Now you know how to make some delicious gravy using cornstarch! Let me know in the comments below if you prefer making your gravy with flour or cornstarch!
😋 Dishes To Enjoy With Gravy
- Yellow Mashed Potatoes - Pour your gravy over some rich and creamy yellow mashed potatoes!
- Pork Shoulder Butt Roast - Use the drippings from this roast for an extra flavorful gravy to pour on top!
- Grilled Lamb Chops - These lamb chops are easy to make, packed with flavor, and grilled to perfection!
- Roasted Sasso Chicken - Gravy even tastes great when paired with some succulent sasso chicken!
- Oven Roasted Turkey - This classic roasted turkey is great for any special occasion!
- Smoked Baked Potato - This delicious baked potato can be customized with any of your favorite toppings, including gravy!
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📖 Recipe Card
How To Make Gravy With Cornstarch: Lamb Gravy (+Tips & Tricks)
Ingredients
- ¼ cup drippings (from roasted lamb)
- 1 ¾ cup beef broth
- each, salt & pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Pour the roasted lamb drippings into a medium saucepan. Be sure to scrape all the brown bits (fond) from the bottom of the roasting pan and include them as well.
- Add the beef broth, seasoning, and cornstarch to the lamb drippings and whisk until smooth.
- Bring the gravy to a boil, then remove from heat and whisk. Adjust the gravy consistency with more broth if needed then taste-test your gravy and add salt and/or pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- To make your gravy extra flavorful, use a bouillon cube or use Better Than Bouillon beef base.
- If you don't have lamb drippings, use ¼ cup of melted butter in its place.
- To store: Once cooled, the lamb gravy can be kept in a shallow airtight container and refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: Cooled leftover lamb gravy can be placed in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- To reheat: Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches your desired temperature.
Sabrina Peters DeHaven says
Can you reheat the gravy the next day without lumps?
Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com says
As long as the gravy is smooth and lump-free on day 1, I have never had any problems with reheating the gravy. Enjoy!
marley says
Awesome! Thanks. I know how now. Article is concise and to the point. Other site articles are too long and ad rich:)
Nancy says
The cornstarch gravy is some what clearer than flour gravy. I like both. Gravy can be made with flour or cornstarch. Canned beef broth, chicken or beef can be used. I like to make gravy and mash potatoes when I have fried fish.