If you're looking to add an extra depth of flavor and richness to your holiday meals, you'll definitely want to try my homemade giblet gravy recipe. It will take your Thanksgiving feast to the next level of deliciousness.
Ingredients
turkey giblets, neck, gizzard, heart, and liver (optional)
10tablespoons(96g)unsalted butter, divided
1cup(137g)diced onion, ½" dice
½cup(82g)sliced carrots, ½" slice
½cup(75g)sliced celery, ½" slice
6cups(1.44L)unsalted chicken stock, broth or water
1clovegarlic, peeled and smashed
4sprigsthyme
1bay leaf
1teaspoon(6g)kosher salt
¼teaspoonblack pepper
½cup(72g)all-purpose flour
turkey pan drippings, optional
Instructions
Brown the Giblets – In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the giblets and sear until golden brown on all sides, about 4 minutes.
Make the Stock – To the browned giblets, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken stock, garlic clove, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer over low heat. Cover, leaving the lid ajar, and simmer until the meat on the neck is cooked, about 1 hour.If needed, add more stock or water if the liquid isn't covering the neck at least halfway. There should be at least 4 cups of liquid to make the gravy. Strain the stock into a bowl and reserve the liquid.
Mince the Giblets – Remove the neck and giblets and allow them to cool on a cutting board. Use a chef's knife to mince the giblets, chopping the liver (if desired), and neck meat. Set aside.
Make a Roux – In a medium saute pan, add 8 tablespoons of butter and the flour. Alternatively, use 1/2 cup of fat from the pan drippings of a roasted turkey. Heat the pan over medium heat, whisk, and cook until light brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
Thicken the Consistency – Turn the heat to medium-high. Gradually whisk in 4 cups of the reserved stock. Alternatively, use the juices from the turkey, adding enough stock to reach 4 cups of liquid. Stir and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. The stock thickens more as it cools. For a thinner sauce, add more stock. For a smoother consistency, strain the sauce.
To Finish – Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the reserved chopped giblets and neck meat. Serve hot, and rewarm if needed.
Notes
Recipe Yield: About 4 cups gravy
Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Storing: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 4 months. Reheat and add more liquid if needed to thin out.
For a Thinner Sauce: For a medium-bodied gravy, use 6 tablespoons of butter and flour. For a thin gravy, use 4 tablespoons of butter and flour.
Make it Gluten-Free: Make a cornstarch slurry using 1/4 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup water. Bring the 4 cups of stock to a boil, then whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until thickened.
Boiled Egg: Coarsely chop 2 to 3 hardoiled eggs. Mix into the gravy with the giblets and meat.