This article provides a comprehensive guide to making keto-friendly brown sauce, also known as gravy. Traditional brown gravy often relies on flour or cornstarch as thickening agents, making it unsuitable for ketogenic diets. This guide explores various methods and ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying low-carb alternative.
Introduction
Many people following a ketogenic diet miss the rich, savory flavor of brown gravy. Fortunately, it's entirely possible to create a delicious keto-friendly version using alternative thickening agents and flavorful ingredients. This article will walk you through several recipes and techniques to achieve the perfect keto brown sauce, whether you have pan drippings or not.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
Several key ingredients contribute to the flavor and texture of a successful keto brown sauce.
- Broth: Beef broth is a popular choice for its rich flavor and deep brown color. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used as substitutes, depending on your preference. Using low-sodium broth allows for better control over the final saltiness.
- Fat: Butter, ghee, dairy-free butter, or meat drippings (beef, pork, or chicken) serve as the fat component. Fat adds richness and flavor to the gravy. If using dairy-free butter, be mindful of its salt content.
- Thickening Agent: Traditional recipes use flour or cornstarch, but these are not keto-friendly. Acceptable keto alternatives include xanthan gum, glucomannan, tapioca starch, arrowroot starch, guar gum powder, or even almond flour (though the texture may be slightly gritty).
- Flavor Enhancers: These ingredients add depth and complexity to the gravy. Popular options include Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option), onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, fish sauce, and sesame oil.
Thickening Agents: Xanthan Gum and Alternatives
Xanthan gum is a popular choice for thickening keto gravy due to its effectiveness and minimal carbohydrate content. However, several alternatives can be used depending on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Xanthan Gum
- How to Use: A little goes a long way. Typically, ¾ to 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum is sufficient to thicken a batch of gravy. It's crucial to whisk it into melted butter or oil before adding liquid to prevent clumping.
- Tips: Mix xanthan gum with oil or melted butter before adding it to the liquid to prevent clumping.
Glucomannan
- How to Use: Use ¾ teaspoon of glucomannan in the recipe, just as you would use xanthan gum.
Tapioca Starch or Arrowroot Starch
- How to Use: Mix 2 tablespoons of tapioca or arrowroot starch with cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the gravy and bring to a boil to thicken.
Guar Gum Powder
- How to Use: Use 1 teaspoon of guar gum powder.
Cornstarch
- How to Use: Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Add to the gravy and bring to a boil to thicken.
Almond Flour
- How to Use: While possible, almond flour may result in a slightly gritty texture.
Basic Keto Brown Gravy Recipe (No Drippings Required)
This recipe is designed for those who don't have pan drippings but still want a flavorful brown gravy.
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Ingredients:
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
- 4 tablespoons butter (or dairy-free butter/ghee)
- ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum (or alternative thickener)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Measure out all ingredients ahead of time.
- Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add xanthan gum and garlic powder. Whisk quickly into the butter until no lumps remain.
- Add beef broth and tamari. Whisk to combine.
- Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking frequently.
- Once the gravy comes to a boil, let it boil for one minute, continuing to whisk frequently.
- Remove from heat and stir in Worcestershire sauce, if using.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately. The gravy will thicken as it cools.
Keto Brown Gravy Recipe (Using Drippings)
This recipe utilizes pan drippings for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients:
- Pan drippings (from beef, pork, or chicken)
- Beef broth (enough to make 2 cups total liquid with drippings)
- 2 Tablespoons COLD butter
- ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum (or alternative thickener)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground thyme (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Pour the pan drippings through a strainer or fine-mesh sieve over a bowl. Discard the solids.
- In a small bowl, combine the xanthan gum and oil. Set aside.
- Add the broth and/or pan drippings, Worchestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground thyme (if using) to a medium-sized saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil.
- Give the xanthan gum mixture a quick stir. Pour the mixture into the gravy, whisking constantly until slightly thickened, around 2 to 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 Tablespoons of COLD butter. This adds a silky, velvety finish.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Variations and Flavor Combinations
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your keto brown gravy. Experiment with different fats, broths, and seasonings to create unique flavor profiles.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Herby: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme.
- Umami-rich: Use fish sauce or a small amount of mushroom powder to enhance the savory flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Keto brown gravy is versatile and can be served with various dishes.
- Meats: Beef, chicken, pork, seafood, turkey, elk, and venison all pair well with brown gravy.
- Mashed Vegetables: Keto-friendly mashed cauliflower, mashed kohlrabi, or mashed turnips are excellent choices.
- Holiday Meals: Serve with keto stuffing and a roasted turkey.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover gravy covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, whisking constantly. If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it with additional broth. For thicker gravy, add an additional ⅛ - ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum mixed with a small amount of oil.
Keto Brown Sauce (Chinese Style)
This is a keto-friendly version of the classic Chinese brown sauce, essential for stir-fries and other Asian-inspired dishes.
Ingredients:
- Beef broth or chicken broth
- Soy sauce (or tamari)
- Brown sweetener (such as Lakanto)
- Fish sauce
- Sesame oil
- Xanthan gum
Instructions:
- Add beef broth, soy sauce (or tamari), brown sweetener, fish sauce, and sesame oil to a small saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Slowly whisk in some xanthan gum until the desired consistency is reached.
Keto Stir Fry Sauce Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Chicken or vegetable broth.
- Soy sauce.
- Fish sauce.
- White vinegar.
- Granulated sweetener.
- Xanthan gum.
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, fish sauce, white vinegar, keto brown sugar, and xantham gum.
- Add it to your favorite stir fry once the veggies and protein have been mostly cooked.
Common Questions
- Is brown gravy keto? Traditional brown gravy is not keto-friendly because it is thickened with flour or cornstarch. This keto brown gravy recipe uses xanthan gum and has 0 net carbs, making it keto and gluten-free.
- Is cornstarch keto friendly? No, that’s why this recipe uses Xanthan gum instead.
- Can I use almond flour to thicken gravy? You could, but it will add a gritty texture to your gravy. That’s another reason why Xanthan gum is preferred as a thickening agent!
- Is brown sauce keto friendly? Yes, if you make this keto brown gravy recipe instead of a traditional one!
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