Keto Gravy made from meat drippings is a rich, delicious sauce that’s perfect for topping your turkey, roast, or sides! This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and only uses 6 ingredients.
Is there anything better than pouring a rich, thick, creamy gravy over your turkey or roast dinner?
Because gravy is made from the concentrated meat drippings of your main course, it’s a natural way to deepen the flavor. And of course, you have to pour a little extra over your sides, too!
Most gravy recipes use flour to thicken the sauce, which includes unnecessary carbs. So the trick to making a keto and low-carb gravy is to simply swap out the flour for another thickening agent.
I find that xanthan gum is a perfect substitute. Just 1/4 of a teaspoon does the trick! You could also use coconut flour, or simply reduce the gravy on the stove for longer. Thankfully, there are quite a few ways to achieve that perfect, thick consistency.
You’ll end up with a rich gravy that’s full of flavor without the added carbs!
How to make keto gravy
This delicious recipe comes together in just 5 simple steps!
Step 1: Collect meat drippings from your roast or turkey. Alternatively, you can roast 2 – 4 pounds of turkey legs, wings, or neck at 400ºF for 1 and a half hours to gather enough drippings. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
Step 2: Heat a saucepan over medium-low heat. When the pan is warm, add the butter, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: As the butter melts, stir to combine, then let it start to brown. This should take 4 – 5 minutes in a thin non-stick pot and 8 – 10 minutes in a thick cast-iron pot.
Step 4: As soon as the butter starts to brown, lower the heat and whisk in the xanthan gum, adding it very gradually. Continue whisking for 3 – 4 minutes until the butter starts to thicken.
Step 5: While whisking, add in the drippings, broth, and soy sauce. Continue mixing for 5 minutes until the keto gravy has reached your desired consistency.
There you have it! Your delicious low-carb gravy is ready to be served, or you can cool and store until the rest of your meal is ready.
Choosing your flavors
The gravy is going to pick up most of its flavor from the meat drippings you use. This is what makes it such a rich, hearty sauce!
Turkey drippings are the most common to make with your Thanksgiving or holiday turkey meal.
You can also use bacon drippings, which will give the gravy a smoky taste that is incredible over roasted vegetables.
Beef drippings have an intense, meaty flavor that perfectly compliments a roast. This flavor profile can also be spectacular over a protein like chicken or meatballs!
The gravy will pick up a bit of flavor from the broth, but much less than the meat drippings. That’s why you can use any broth that you have on hand.
How do you thicken gravy without carbs?
Traditional gravies use high-carb ingredients like flour or cornstarch to reach their desired consistency.
Thankfully, it’s easy to achieve the same effect without the carbs by using xanthan gum! In fact, this ingredient is so effective, you want to be very careful using it. Always add it in gradually while continuing to whisk.
This recipe calls for 1/4 tsp. xanthan gum, but I recommend starting with a little less and working up to that amount or until the consistency seems just right.
Don’t have any xanthan gum on hand? You can also add 2 tablespoons of coconut flour to the butter after it has reduced and browned. Whisk the coconut flour into the butter mixture, then slowly add the rest of the ingredients to form a smooth, thick gravy.
Lastly, you do have the option to just leave the thickening agent out altogether and cook the gravy for longer. This reduces the liquid and intensifies the flavor of the gravy.
Storage
Low carb gravy can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to serve, I recommend reheating in a pot on the stove over low heat. Once it’s hot, pour into a gravy boat to serve immediately.
Other healthy low-carb holiday recipes
Looking for a few more low-carb options to make around Thanksgiving or the holidays? Here are some of my favorites that I know you’ll love:
You can also check out this roundup of delicious low-carb desserts for recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth!
When you’ve tried this gravy, please don’t forget to let me know how you liked it and rate the recipe in the comments below!
Keto Gravy
Ingredients
- 5 tbsp. unsalted butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp. xanthan gum
- 1/2 cup meat drippings
- 1 tsp. soy sauce or tamari
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Collect meat drippings from your roast or turkey. Alternatively, you can roast 2 – 4 pounds of turkey legs, wings, or neck at 400ºF for 1 and a half hours to gather enough drippings. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
- Heat a saucepan over medium-low heat. When the pan is warm, add the butter, salt, and pepper.
- As the butter melts, stir to combine, then let it start to brown. This should take 4 – 5 minutes in a thin non-stick pot and 8 – 10 minutes in a thick cast-iron pot.
- As soon as the butter starts to brown, lower the heat and whisk in the xanthan gum, adding it very gradually. Continue whisking for 3 – 4 minutes until the butter starts to thicken.
- While whisking, add in the drippings, broth, and soy sauce. Continue mixing for 5 minutes until the keto gravy has reached your desired consistency.
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