Make homemade roast pork gravy in about 10 minutes. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect to serve over slices of pork and mashed potatoes.
This homemade pork gravy recipe is the perfect finishing touch for your pork dinner. It’s quick to make and only needs a few ingredients.
As long as you get some drippings, you can use this to make a great gravy. It works best when you make gravy after cooking a pork roast.
To find out more about how it all works, scroll down or click here. Now you can go straight to the recipe.
Pork gravy is a staple for many classic Southern and comfort food dishes. But what if you don’t have any pork drippings to make gravy? Don’t worry – with a few simple substitutions, you can still make a flavorful, delicious gravy to complement your meal.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 great options for substituting pork gravy, from beef and chicken broths to wine reductions and beyond. Read on for everything you need to know to elevate your gravy game, even without pork drippings on hand.
Why Substitute Pork Gravy?
There are a few reasons you may need a pork gravy substitute:
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You don’t have pork drippings from a roast or chops.
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You or your guests don’t eat pork for dietary, religious or personal reasons.
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You want to add more flavor complexity by using non-pork ingredients.
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You’re cooking a non-pork entree but still want gravy.
Luckily, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can make amazing gravy without relying on pork drippings. Let’s look at some tasty options.
1. Beef Broth
Beef broth is probably the most straightforward substitute for pork gravy. Simmering beef bones and meat scraps creates a rich, savory broth that can simply be seasoned and thickened into gravy.
To use beef broth:
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Make a roux by cooking equal parts butter and flour.
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Whisk in beef broth until desired consistency is reached.
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Season with salt, pepper, herbs like thyme or rosemary, etc.
While it won’t have an overt pork flavor, beef broth gravy still pairs deliciously with pork entrees or sides like mashed potatoes
2. Chicken Broth
Like beef broth, chicken broth makes an easy flavorful base for gravy.
Follow the same steps making a roux and whisking in chicken broth until thickened. Add seasonings like sage garlic, or celery seed for more flavor.
The milder taste of chicken broth gravy works well with lighter pork dishes like pork chops or tenderloin.
3. Vegetable Broth
For a vegetarian/vegan option, use vegetable broth seasoned with savory herbs and spices like:
- Smoked paprika
- Dried mushrooms
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Nutritional yeast
- Garlic and onion powder
Thicken with cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of a roux for a dairy-free gravy.
4. Red Wine Reduction
For special occasions, a red wine reduction makes an elegant, restaurant-quality gravy.
Simmer red wine, stock and aromatics like shallots or garlic until reduced by half or more. The concentrated flavors are balanced by the natural acidity of wine.
Strain and add to your gravy for amazing depth. Try ports, Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.
5. Mushroom Gravy
Meaty, umami-rich mushrooms make a satisfying substitute, especially for vegetarian/vegan diets.
Sauté mushrooms in butter or oil until browned. Add broth and desired seasonings and thicken as usual.
For smooth texture, blend until smooth after cooking.
6. Onion Gravy
Onions are another flavorful vegetable perfect for making no-meat gravy.
Cook sliced onions on low heat in butter until caramelized and deeply browned. Then whisk in your broth of choice and finish with thyme, pepper and other seasonings.
7. Milk-Based Gravy
For an extra rich and creamy gravy, use milk or cream instead of broth. Heat the milk gently to avoid scorching, then whisk in a roux.
Finish with a pat of butter or splash of cream for luxurious texture.
8. Drippings from Other Meats
Don’t toss your turkey, beef or chicken drippings – these can make tasty improvised gravies too.
Sauté aromatics in the rendered fat, then proceed as usual, whisking in broth and seasonings.
9. Store-bought Broths
When you’re in a pinch, quality store-bought broths can make easy substitutes. Opt for low-sodium varieties.
Balance the flavor with a splash of wine, worcestershire or hot sauce and fresh herbs.
10. Gravy Mixes and Bases
For ultra-convenient gravy, keep some jars or packets of gravy mix on hand. Whisk into hot water per package instructions.
For the best flavor, look for mixes that use real pan drippings, not just artificial flavors.
Tips for Delicious Pork Gravy Substitutes
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Cook your roux slowly to develop richer flavor.
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Add aromatics like onions, garlic, mushrooms or herbs.
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Simmer gravy uncovered to reduce and concentrate flavors.
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Whisk constantly when adding liquid to prevent lumps.
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Adjust consistency by cooking longer or adding more liquid.
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Taste and season thoughtfully with salt, pepper and other spices or acids.
With the substitutes and techniques above, you can make a delicious no-pork gravy for any occasion. Get creative, take your time to build flavor, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new ingredients. Even without pork drippings, you can make gravy everyone at the table will love.
How To Get Good Pork Drippings From Pork Loin
When you roast a pork loin, the juices that come out of the roast probably won’t be very good. These roasts are very lean. But if you do what it says above and put the stock into the roasting pan, you will get some nicely flavored liquid and your gravy will taste great.
Having said that, you might want to consider making this recipe for Gravy without Drippings. You get a lot of great flavor in that one. Still put the stock into the roasting pan as your loin roast cooks. After that, you can add that liquid to the gravy at the end to make it taste like pork.
Video: How To Make Pork Gravy
The best kind of pork for pork gravy is a Boston butt or pork shoulder.
Since a pork loin roast doesn’t give off as many juices, the gravy won’t taste as much like pork. But if you follow the instructions below, you’ll still have tasty gravy.
I don’t use ANY Flour or Corn Starch to make Gravy anymore! (No flour, no cornstarch )
FAQ
What can you substitute gravy with?
What is pork gravy made of?
Why is there no pork gravy?
What is in dry pork gravy mix?
What can I use instead of pork gravy?
Another option for a pork gravy substitute is a reduction of red wine and meat broth. You can use any kind of meat broth, either canned broth or homemade broth. Just simmer the mixture of seasoned meat broth and red wine until it is more concentrated. Red wine will help provide a dark color and also a richer taste to the liquid.
What are the best substitutes for butter?
The substitute that you might want to use depends on what you are using butter for. In baking you can use any fat such as olive oil, nut butters, or even avocados. In baking you can also substitute non-fats for butter such as Greek yogurt, mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, or even applesauce. For replacing butter as a spread, you can use any fat, hummus, avocado, nut butter, or cheese. For cooking, canola oil can be a great sub, or avocado oil is also good because it has a high smoke point.
What can I substitute for chicken gravy?
If you prefer a lighter taste, substitute low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth. Dried spice and herbs – Classic poultry seasonings, like onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and dried sage, give the gravy a well-rounded, rich, and herbaceous flavor. Feel free to experiment with even more dried herbs, like parsley, rosemary, and tarragon.
Can you use canned gravy as a substitute for regular gravy?
Canned gravy can be used as a substitute for regular gravy when convenience is a priority. While it may not offer the same depth of flavor and homemade taste as freshly made gravy, canned gravy can still provide a decent option for adding moisture and flavor to dishes.