Making the perfect pork gravy is easier than you think, and it only takes about 10 minutes to whip up a delicious, rich gravy that will elevate any pork dish. Whether you’re serving roast pork with mashed potatoes or simply looking for that savory drizzle to complete your meal, this pork gravy recipe is all you need. With a few basic ingredients and some tasty drippings, you’ll have a homemade gravy that will impress every time.
Why Drippings Are Essential for Great Pork Gravy
The foundation of a good pork gravy lies in the drippings. These are the flavorful juices that collect in the roasting pan as the pork cooks. The best cuts of pork for producing rich, flavorful drippings are Boston butt or pork shoulder. These cuts have more fat, meaning more drippings, which translates into more flavor for your gravy.
Choosing the Right Pork for Gravy
- Best Choice: Boston butt or pork shoulder.
- Alternative: Pork loin roast—While this cut yields fewer drippings, you can still make a delicious gravy by adding unsalted chicken stock or other liquids to make up for the lack of juices.
How to Get the Most Flavorful Pork Drippings
To ensure you get the best drippings without burning them, always keep a small amount of water or unsalted chicken stock in the bottom of the roasting pan during cooking. This prevents the drippings from evaporating too quickly or burning, which would give the gravy a bitter flavor. The liquid in the pan will help catch all those delicious brown bits, which are essential for building a rich and savory flavor base for your pork gravy.
Steps to Collect Drippings Without Burning Them
- Keep the pan moist: Always maintain a thin layer of liquid at the bottom of your roasting pan (water or stock works best).
- Avoid evaporation: Check periodically and add more liquid as needed to prevent the drippings from scorching.
- Scrape the brown bits: After the pork is done roasting, use a rubber spatula to scrape up any caramelized bits from the pan and add them to your drippings for extra flavor.
How to Separate Fat from Drippings
Once your pork has finished roasting, it’s time to collect the drippings. The best method is to pour the drippings into a fat separator or a large measuring cup. The fat will rise to the top, leaving the flavorful liquid at the bottom. This liquid will be the base for your homemade pork gravy.
If you don’t have a fat separator, just wait a few minutes for the fat to naturally rise, then skim it off with a spoon. For the richest gravy, use the liquid and discard most of the fat, though a little bit of fat can help enhance the flavor.
Ingredients for the Perfect Pork Gravy
Here’s what you’ll need to create a rich and flavorful pork gravy:
- 4 tablespoons of fat (either from pork drippings or butter)
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (to create a roux)
- 3 cups of drippings (or use unsalted chicken stock or up to 1/2 cup of dry white wine to supplement)
- 1/2 teaspoon of poultry seasoning (or a mix of thyme and sage)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Substitutions for Drippings
If you don’t have enough drippings to reach 3 cups, you can substitute with unsalted chicken stock or vegetable stock. Avoid using water, as it will dilute the flavor of the gravy. You can also use up to 1/2 cup of dry white wine for an extra depth of flavor.
How to Make Homemade Pork Gravy: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Roux
Start by melting 4 tablespoons of fat in a medium saucepan over low heat. If you don’t have enough pork fat from the drippings, you can use butter instead. Once the fat is melted, whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour to form a smooth paste called a roux. This will thicken the gravy and create a rich base.
Tip: If you prefer a thicker gravy, use an additional tablespoon or two of flour.
Step 2: Add the Drippings
Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly whisk in the drippings a little at a time. Whisk continuously to avoid any lumps from forming. Once all the liquid is added, return the saucepan to medium-high heat.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce it to a simmer. Stir the mixture frequently as it thickens to your desired consistency. If the gravy becomes too thick, add a bit more stock or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, continue simmering or add a bit of flour mixed with water to thicken it.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Once the gravy has reached your desired thickness, season it with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning (or a blend of thyme and sage). Taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed.
How to Thicken or Thin Your Pork Gravy
To thicken the gravy: If your gravy turns out too thin, continue simmering it over medium-low heat until it reduces to your desired thickness. Alternatively, you can add more flour mixed with water to the gravy.
To thin the gravy: If your gravy is too thick, simply add more stock, drippings, or water to loosen it. Be sure to taste the gravy before adding water to ensure it still has a rich, flavorful taste.
Using Cornstarch as a Flour Alternative
You can substitute cornstarch for flour in your gravy, but the process is slightly different. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water or stock, then add it to the gravy. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cornstarch gravy thickens faster than flour-based gravy, but it doesn’t hold up as well when refrigerated, so it’s best to make it right before serving.
Seasoning Your Pork Gravy for Maximum Flavor
For seasoning, we recommend using poultry seasoning. This blend of herbs typically includes thyme, sage, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, and a hint of ginger. If you don’t have poultry seasoning on hand, a mix of half thyme and half sage will complement the flavors of the pork wonderfully.
Serving Size and Nutrition Information
This pork gravy recipe makes 3 cups, which is enough to serve 6 people, with about 1/2 cup per person. If you’re serving a large crowd or just love having extra gravy, feel free to double the recipe.
- Calories per serving: 178
- Total fat: 17.3g
- Sodium: 437.7mg
- Protein: 1.3g
- Total carbs: 4.5g
Conclusion
Mastering the art of making homemade pork gravy is a game-changer for your meals. With just a few ingredients and some flavorful pork drippings, you can create a rich, savory gravy that will take any pork dish to the next level. Whether you’re using Boston butt, pork shoulder, or even pork loin, this pork gravy recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests and elevate your dinner to new heights.
