Instant Gravy: A Keto-Friendly Option?

Gravy is a sauce made from rendered fat and flour, but only one of those ingredients is keto-friendly. While it may seem challenging to make keto-approved gravy, it is achievable. There are several keto-approved flour replacements, such as coconut flour, almond flour, flaxseed meal, and sunflower seed flour. However, none of these create a creamy sauce like xanthan gum, a common food additive that acts as a thickening agent.

To make keto gravy, simply combine butter, beef broth, onion powder, garlic powder, and xanthan gum in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. Season to taste, and serve warm. With this recipe, you can enjoy delicious, keto-approved gravy in just a few simple steps.

Keto-friendly gravy thickeners

Gravy is traditionally thickened with flour or cornstarch, but these are not keto-friendly. So what can you use instead? Here are some keto-approved gravy thickeners:

Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is a common food additive and thickening agent. It is often used in gluten-free baked goods. A little goes a long way—you only need about half a teaspoon to thicken 3 cups of gravy. It is important to sprinkle it into the gravy a little at a time to avoid clumping. You can also mix it with a little melted butter or olive oil before whisking it into the hot liquid.

Guar Gum

Guar gum is a plant fiber derived from the seed of the guar plant. It has eight times the thickening power of cornstarch and zero net carbs. It is often used in commercial baking and ice cream to improve texture and extend shelf life. It should be added to recipes in small amounts.

Glucomannan (Konjac)

Glucomannan is a soluble plant fiber derived from the konjac plant root. It is one of the strongest thickening agents and has zero net carbs. It works best when mixed with a bit of cold water and added to the gravy once it has finished cooking. It should be used sparingly as it continues to thicken as it cools.

Agar Agar

Agar agar is a plant-based substitute for gelatin, derived from seaweed. It is most often used in cold desserts, but it can also be used to thicken soups or sauces if added towards the end of cooking and allowed to cool. It must first be dissolved in water and will thicken gradually. It contains about 0.5 grams of net carbs per tablespoon.

Gelatin

Gelatin is an animal-based thickener that can be used in desserts or sauces. It is most often dissolved in water and then added to recipes. It takes time to thicken.

In addition to these thickeners, there are also some dairy-based keto-friendly thickeners such as cheese, heavy cream, cream cheese, and sour cream.

Keto gravy recipes

Overview

Gravy is traditionally thickened with flour or starch, which are not keto-friendly. However, there are several keto-approved thickeners that can be used instead, including xanthan gum, glucomannan powder, guar gum, gelatin, and collagen.

Recipe 1: Classic Keto Gravy

This recipe uses glucomannan powder as a thickener and can be adapted for any herbs and spices you want to add in.

Ingredients:

• Salted butter
• Turkey neck and giblets (or chicken neck and giblets)
• ¼ medium onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or sage (optional)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• ½ to ¾ teaspoon glucomannan

Instructions:

• Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the neck, giblets, onion, and celery. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs. Sauté until nicely browned, about 5 minutes.
• Add the broth and bring to a boil. Then simmer for 30 to 40 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the neck and giblets.
• Once your bird has finished roasting, add all the juices and drippings from the roasting pan into the broth, making sure to scrape up all the browned bits.
• Bring the pan of broth and juices to a boil again and cook until reduced by about one quarter. Then use a sieve to strain out all the solids. Return the liquids to the pan.
• Whisk in ½ teaspoon of glucomannan and let sit for 10 minutes to thicken. If you like very thick gravy, whisk in the remaining glucomannan. The gravy will continue to thicken as it cools. If it gets too thick, add a little chicken broth to thin it out as you re-warm it.

Recipe 2: Easy Keto Gravy

This recipe uses xanthan gum as a thickener and can be made in just a few minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 3 teaspoons beef broth concentrate
• 2 teaspoons chicken broth concentrate
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (optional)

Instructions:

• Measure out 2 cups of hot water into a liquid measuring cup and stir in both broth concentrates. Set aside.
• Add the butter to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Whisk in the xanthan gum.
• Whisk the broth mixture into the melted butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and let simmer for a couple of minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Season to taste. The gravy will thicken as it cools.

Recipe 3: Keto Gravy with 0 Net Carbs

This recipe also uses xanthan gum as a thickener and is ready in just a few minutes.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 cups beef broth (use one that is carb-free)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Whisk together all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Bring the gravy to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.
• Turn the heat down to a simmer and stir the gravy every so often for a few minutes.
• Season to taste and serve warm.

Recipe 4: Easy Keto Gravy with No Drippings

This recipe also uses xanthan gum as a thickener but can also be made with glucomannan powder. It is ready in under 5 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 3 teaspoons beef broth concentrate
• 2 teaspoons chicken broth concentrate
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¾ teaspoon xanthan gum (or glucomannan)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder (optional)

Instructions:

• Measure out 2 cups of hot water into a liquid measuring cup and stir in both broth concentrates. Set aside.
• Add the butter to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Whisk in the xanthan gum.
• Whisk the broth mixture into the melted butter. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and let simmer for a couple of minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Season to taste. The gravy will thicken as it cools.

Recipe 5: Dairy-Free Keto Gravy

This recipe uses glucomannan powder or xanthan gum as a thickener and can be made with or without collagen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup beef broth (or 1 stock cube in 1 cup of water)
• ½ teaspoon glucomannan powder or xanthan gum
• 1 tablespoon collagen (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Add all the ingredients to a pan over moderate heat. Cook, stirring until the gravy thickens.
• Remove from the heat once the gravy has thickened. Season to taste and serve.

Keto gravy storage

Gravy is a necessity at Thanksgiving and a staple during the holidays. If you're making keto gravy, you'll be pleased to know that it can be stored and enjoyed later.

Keto gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply place it in a pot over low heat or microwave it for a few seconds until it reaches your desired temperature.

You can also freeze keto gravy for later. Place the leftover gravy in a shallow container and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, bring it to room temperature, and whisk it to combine as you reheat.

With proper storage, you can enjoy your delicious keto gravy well after your holiday meals!

Keto gravy nutrition

Gravy is a sauce typically made from rendered fat and flour, but only one of these ingredients is suitable for the keto diet. However, it is possible to make keto-friendly gravy by substituting flour with a keto-approved replacement such as coconut flour, almond flour, flaxseed meal, or sunflower seed flour. Another option is to use xanthan gum, a common food additive that acts as a thickening agent and creates a creamy sauce.

Keto Gravy Recipes

Keto White Gravy

This recipe uses almond milk and xanthan gum to create a smooth and creamy gravy with 0 net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of unflavoured almond milk (or any low-carb milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon of pepper or white pepper
• Butter
• Salt

Directions:

• Combine the xanthan gum and almond milk in a bowl.
• Melt butter in a pot over low-medium heat.
• Add the almond milk mixture to the pot and whisk to combine.
• Cook for about 15 minutes or until the mixture thickens, stirring occasionally.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.

Keto Brown Gravy

This recipe uses beef broth and xanthan gum to create a flavorful and thick gravy with 0 net carbs.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (56g) salted butter
• 2 cups (480mL) beef broth (carb-free)
• 1/4 teaspoon (1g) garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon (1g) onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon (2g) xanthan gum
• Black pepper to taste

Directions:

• Whisk all the ingredients together in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.
• Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to stir for a few minutes.
• Season to taste and serve warm.

Storing Keto Gravy

Keto gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-4 days. To store it for longer, use a freezer-safe container and it will last for about 2 months. To reheat, simply place it in a saucepan over low heat or microwave for a few seconds until warm, stirring occasionally.

Keto gravy serving suggestions

Keto gravy is a delicious, comforting, and highly versatile sauce that can elevate a variety of dishes. Here are some mouth-watering serving suggestions to pair with your keto gravy:

Keto French Fries

For an indulgent and satisfying combination, serve your keto gravy with keto French fries. This classic pairing is a match made in heaven, taking your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. The crispiness of the fries paired with the smooth and creamy gravy creates a delightful contrast in textures.

Mashed Cauliflower

If you're looking for a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower is a perfect option. Drizzle your keto gravy generously over the mashed cauliflower for a flavourful and satisfying side dish. The gravy adds a punch of flavour that complements the mild taste of cauliflower.

Roast Turkey or Chicken

Keto gravy is an ideal companion for roast turkey or chicken. The savoury sauce enhances the flavour of the roasted meat, making it even more juicy and delectable. Don't forget to use the pan drippings from your roast to add an extra layer of flavour to your keto gravy.

Keto Chicken Pot Pie

Take your keto chicken pot pie to the next level by smothering it in delicious keto gravy. The gravy adds a hearty and indulgent touch to this comforting dish, making it a perfect choice for a cosy night in.

Keto Cheddar Bay Biscuits

For a savoury and satisfying treat, pair your keto gravy with keto cheddar bay biscuits. The salty, cheesy flavour of the biscuits is elevated by the smooth and flavourful gravy, creating a delightful appetiser or side dish.

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Keto gravy is an excellent way to elevate your instant pot shredded chicken. Drizzle the gravy over the shredded chicken to add moisture and a burst of flavour. This combination is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that feels like comfort food.

With these serving suggestions, you can enjoy your keto gravy in a variety of delicious ways while staying true to your keto diet. Get creative, experiment, and indulge in the flavours and textures that keto gravy has to offer!

Frequently asked questions