I’m all for the Best Brown Gravy Recipe that only takes 5 minutes and a few simple ingredients. It tastes just as smooth and delicious as pan gravy or sauce that has been cooking for hours. You will not believe how easy this recipe is for brown gravy without drippings. Watch this video and then follow the steps.
Sometimes it seems like you never have enough time to make dinner. You need easy, quick, and tasty recipes. That is the exact time to make my 5-5-5 brown beef gravy!!.
Making homemade gravy with flour and broth is so much easier than working with pan drippings. Not having to wait for anything to cool, strain out any extra fat, or cook the meat first in any way is helpful.
Plus, you can make it well ahead of time, saving you even more time on the day of. You’ll love how rich the flavor is and how well it goes with any simple recipe! This is the best gravy ever!
Gravy is a staple condiment that can transform the simplest meals into a mouthwatering culinary experience. While gravies are often made using pan drippings and broth, beef stock cubes provide an easy, fuss-free way to make high-quality gravy anytime. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain why beef stock cubes are so useful for gravy as well as provide a step-by-step method, flavor variations, serving suggestions, tips for success, and answers to common questions
Why Use Beef Stock Cubes for Gravy
Beef stock cubes offer several advantages over homemade broth or plain water
-
Convenience: Stock cubes provide an instant meaty flavor base without having to simmer bone broth. They have a long shelf life and are ready to use at a moment’s notice.
-
Consistent flavor The taste of each cube is standardized so your gravy always tastes the same, Homemade broth can vary from batch to batch,
-
Richer flavor: Beef cubes add a more intense, savory umami taste compared to chicken stock or water.
-
Nice color: Beef stock lends a rich, dark brown color from the concentrated beef juices. This gives the gravy an appetizing, homemade look.
So for fast, beefy gravy with minimal effort, stock cubes are the way to go. Now let’s discuss how to actually make gravy with them.
Essential Ingredients
To make great tasting gravy with stock cubes, you’ll need:
- Beef stock cubes or powder
- Butter or oil
- All-purpose flour
- Milk, cream, or water
- Salt, pepper, herbs to taste
Step-by-Step Method
Follow these simple steps for foolproof beef cube gravy every time:
-
Crumble 1-2 beef bouillon cubes into a measuring cup and add 1 cup boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved. This is your stock base.
-
In a skillet, melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 Tbsp flour until a smooth paste forms.
-
Cook the roux for 2 minutes, whisking constantly, until slightly browned.
-
Very slowly whisk in the stock, about 1/2 cup at a time, until fully incorporated into the roux. Add up to 2 cups for a thinner gravy.
-
Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. For extra richness, stir in 1/4 cup milk or cream (optional).
-
Season with salt, pepper, thyme, sage or other herbs. Simmer for 5 minutes.
-
Adjust consistency if needed. Serve warm over meat, potatoes or biscuits.
Handy Tips for Success
Follow these tips for the very best gravy:
-
Use both beef and chicken cubes for more structure and color.
-
Cook roux slowly over medium-low heat to prevent a raw taste.
-
Add pan drippings for extra meaty flavor.
-
Strain through a sieve for smoother texture.
-
Use Worcestershire or balsamic for a hint of sweetness.
Creative Beef Cube Gravy Ideas
Customize your gravy with these tasty variations:
-
Mushroom Gravy: Sauté chopped mushrooms with the roux. Use beef and mushroom cubes.
-
Onion Gravy: Cook chopped onions before adding roux. For caramelized, cook low and slow first.
-
Pork Gravy: Add a ham or pork cube for smoky flavor.
-
Sausage Gravy: Cook crumbled sausage first. Use the drippings instead of butter.
-
Southwestern Style: Add diced green chiles, cumin, garlic powder and cilantro.
5 Ways to Use Beef Cube Gravy
Here are just a few serving ideas for your flavorful beef stock gravy:
-
Classic gravy for roasts, steaks, chops or meatloaf
-
Spoon over mashed potatoes, fries or biscuits
-
Mix into rice, pasta or stew for added richness
-
Drizzle over roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips or cauliflower
-
Use as the base for beef stroganoff, pot pie or shepherd’s pie
Answers to Common Gravy Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making beef stock cube gravy:
Do I need chicken and beef cubes?
Using both improves flavor and color, but beef alone will still taste good. Add a dash of soy sauce for color if only using beef.
Can I skip the milk/cream?
The dairy is optional, but it makes the gravy richer and smoother. Water works fine too.
How can I thicken gravy that’s too thin?
Simmer uncovered 10-15 minutes to reduce liquid. For extreme cases, make a beurre manié by mashing butter and flour together and whisking it in.
What’s the difference between stock cubes and gravy granules?
Cubes are concentrated stock that requires dilution and cooking. Gravy granules are pre-thickened and only need hot water.
Should I use wine or drippings for more flavor?
Absolutely! Deglaze meat drippings after roasting or add a splash of red wine for extra savory depth.
With the proper technique, you can easily whip up delicious beef gravy using stock cubes in minutes flat. Adjust the consistency and flavor to suit your tastes. Use this versatile gravy to elevate everyday meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Tips For Making This Easy Brown Gravy Recipe
- First, make a list of all the ways you like to eat this tasty gravy. Great for a roast dinner, great with your favorite meat, and even great with french fries!
- Don’t overboil the hot liquid. After this great gravy boils, it only needs two to three minutes of simmering before it’s ready to use.
How to Make Gravy With Beef Broth
To make this homemade brown gravy recipe with beef broth, you’ll need to start by making a roux. It sounds fancy, but it’s super simple!.
Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Once it’s melted, add the flour and onion powder. Start whisking! Let the mixture cook for a minute or so while that floury taste cooks away.
Follow up with the beef broth! Add just ¼ cup at a time, whisking thoroughly with each pour. Once it’s all been added, bring it to a boil. Once the water starts to boil, turn down the heat to a simmer for two minutes. That’s it!
How to Make Gravy Using Beef Cubes (Simple Version but Yummy) || Josephine’s Lutong Bahay
FAQ
Is a beef stock cube the same as gravy?
How do you thicken beef stock for gravy?
Can you use stock instead of broth for gravy?