This is the Turkey Gravy recipe that converted me. It’s the only brown gravy made with drippings that I will cook. It’s rich, very smooth, complex, and thankfully easy.
The holidays often leave us with leftovers galore. And one of the most ubiquitous leftovers is turkey gravy. This rich, savory sauce is a staple on our Thanksgiving tables. But you might not know what to do with the extra gravy after the big meal. Can you drizzle this traditional turkey accompaniment over other proteins like pork?.
The short answer is yes! Turkey gravy can absolutely be used on pork But to make this work, you’ll need to adjust the gravy’s flavor profile. With a few simple tweaks, you can transform turkey gravy into a delicious sauce for pork roast, chops, tenderloin, or any other cut of swine.
Below, we’ll explore how to remix turkey gravy for pork as well as some serving suggestions Let’s dive in!
The Basics: What is Gravy Anyway?
Before modifying gravy, it helps to understand what it is exactly. Gravy is a sauce typically made from meat drippings and broth that is thickened with flour or cornstarch. The drippings provide concentrated flavor while the thickener gives gravy its signature thick, rich texture.
For turkey gravy, the drippings come from roasting the turkey, usually enhanced with extra turkey parts like wings, neck, or giblets. Turkey broth boosts the meaty flavor. Herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary season the gravy.
The same basic method can be used to make pork gravy. Simply substitute pork drippings and pork broth. Additionally, choose herbs like garlic, onion, peppercorns, and bay leaf that go well with pork.
So while gravy is strongly associated with certain proteins, it can be adapted across meats with the right adjustments.
Tailoring Turkey Gravy for Pork
When repurposing leftovers, think about how to modify flavors for the new ingredient. To make turkey gravy for pork, you’ll need to add more spice and extra fat.
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Start by adding pork drippings or pork stock to the gravy. This infuses a meaty pork essence.
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For extra body, stir in a spoonful of butter. The dairy enhances mouthfeel.
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Garlic and onion powder provide a flavor boost that pairs well with pork.
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Cayenne or red pepper flakes introduce a subtle heat that cuts through pork’s fattiness.
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Fresh thyme adds woodsy notes while sage nods back to traditional turkey seasoning.
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Salt and pepper should be added to taste for overall seasoning.
The goal is balancing the gravy’s original turkey notes with new layers of flavor. Taste as you go until the gravy seems like a natural, cohesive sauce for pork.
Serving Suggestions for Pork and Turkey Gravy
Once you’ve adapted leftover turkey gravy into a pork-friendly concoction, it’s time to serve! Here are some tantalizing ways to put that remixed gravy on pork:
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Coat pork chops in a quick pan sauce of revamped gravy.
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Smother pork meatloaf with your new and improved gravy for added moisture.
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Use as an au jus style dip for pork sandwiches piled high on rolls or buns.
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Drizzle over pork roast before serving for a glossy, rich finish.
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Toss cubed pork in flour, then fry and top with the reinvented gravy for crispy pork nuggets.
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For an elegant plated meal, serve seared pork medallions atop a pool of transformed gravy.
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Flatten and bread pork cutlets for an easy gravy-smothered chicken fried steak substitute.
The possibilities are nearly endless for repurposing turkey gravy on pork. This recipe remix breathes new life into leftovers!
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Gravy on Pork
Combining turkey gravy and pork may be new territory for some cooks. Here are answers to some common questions on this inventive leftovers idea:
Is it safe to use turkey gravy on pork?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to use properly stored turkey gravy as a sauce for pork dishes. Both meats are fully cooked proteins, so there are no safety issues involved.
Can I just reheat plain leftover turkey gravy on pork?
You can, but the gravy’s flavor will be overwhelmingly turkey-focused. That’s why it’s best to modify leftover turkey gravy with pork elements like drippings or stock to better match the new meat.
What’s the best cut of pork to pair with turkey gravy?
Chops, roasts, and tenderloin work especially well, as they can soak up that rich gravy nicely. But you can use turkey gravy on any cut of pork.
Is thickened broth the same thing as gravy?
Broth and stock thickened with cornstarch or flour makes a rudimentary gravy, but it lacks the flavor concentration from cooking meat drippings. For fullest flavor, drippings are ideal.
Can I use bouillon cubes instead of broth or drippings?
In a pinch, yes. Dissolve bouillon cubes in water to make quick broth. But homemade broth and drippings will provide superior flavor.
Conclusion
Leftover turkey gravy may seem destined only for reheats on Thanksgiving. But with some simple additions like pork essence and spices, you can reinvent turkey gravy into a stellar sauce for pork chops, roast, sandwiches and more. This leftovers remix allows you to get the most mileage from your holiday gravy. Just remember to adjust that flavor profile for the new meat you are pairing it with. Get creative with your leftover gravy–you may find it becomes a staple all year long!
Sauté the Onion with Butter and Flour
Gravy is like making a roux, and that starts with cooking butter and flour.
I like to add an onion for more complexity.
To make sure your gravy has great flavor:
- Take your time sautéing the onion. Let it get nice and soft. It’s possible to do this before or while the turkey is still in the oven.
- Cook the flour for AT LEAST 1 full minute. Seriously, set a timer. Raw flour taste will ruin your gravy.
Gravy Without Drippings
It’s possible to make great turkey gravy without the drippings if you’d rather make it ahead of time. You have two options.
- Option 1: Make mushroom gravy. I cooked this for years before I got over my fear of dripping. You can cook it ahead of time and then just heat it up.
- Option 2: Use only stock to make this turkey gravy and leave out the fat. It won’t taste as good, but it will still be tasty and satisfy people who need gravy on their Crockpot Mashed Potatoes.
- Option 3: Make Vegan Gravy. Just because it has a fancy name doesn’t mean it doesn’t taste great. You can make it with butter if you like.
