This Keto Gravy Recipe is rich, silky, and ready in about 10 minutes. It hugs roasted meats, mashed cauliflower, and weeknight skillet dinners with cozy, savory flavor. No flour, no fuss, just a glossy gravy that tastes like you simmered it all afternoon.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Gravy Recipe
- Fast and foolproof: thickens in minutes without flour.
- Deep, savory flavor using pan drippings or simple pantry swaps.
- Truly low carb and naturally gluten free.
- Flexible for turkey, chicken, beef, or pork.
- Make-ahead friendly and freezer friendly.
Keto Gravy Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions
- 3 tbsp pan drippings (from roasted turkey, chicken, beef) OR 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee
- 1 small shallot, finely minced (or 1/4 small onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups unsalted beef or chicken broth/stock (choose to match your protein)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, to taste (broths vary) + 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp tamari for depth and color (or 2 tsp coconut aminos; slightly sweeter, use sparingly)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream for silkiness (or 2 tbsp cream cheese softened; dairy free: 3 tbsp coconut cream)
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum, added gradually (or 1/2 tsp glucomannan powder)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or 1 tbsp dry white wine to brighten, optional
Tip: If your drippings are very fatty, reduce added butter/oil by 1 tbsp. If using boxed broth, choose low sodium and season at the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Keto Gravy Recipe
Soften Aromatics in Fat
Warm a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add pan drippings, or melt butter with olive oil/ghee. Stir in shallot and cook 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Add thyme and pepper. Bring to a lively simmer and cook 4 to 5 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavor.
Thicken Without Flour
Reduce heat to medium-low. While whisking constantly, lightly sprinkle in xanthan gum a pinch at a time so it disperses. Simmer 2 minutes; the gravy will continue to thicken as it rests. If too thin, add a tiny pinch more. If too thick, whisk in a splash of broth.
Finish Creamy and Savory
Whisk in heavy cream and tamari. Taste and add salt as needed. For brightness, stir in apple cider vinegar or a splash of dry white wine and simmer 30 seconds.
Strain and Serve
For extra-smooth gravy, strain through a fine mesh sieve. Serve hot over turkey, chicken, steak, pork chops, or cauliflower mash.
Tips for Success
- Dust, don’t dump: add xanthan gum gradually while whisking to prevent clumps.
- Let it sit 1 minute before adjusting thickness; xanthan sets as it cools.
- Use low-sodium broth so you can season precisely at the end.
- Brown the butter first for deeper, nutty notes.
- Strain for restaurant-level silkiness.
- For extra body, whisk in 1 tsp gelatin or collagen peptides after simmering.
Variations of Keto Gravy Recipe
- Mushroom Gravy: sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the shallot until browned.
- Peppercorn Gravy: add 1 to 2 tsp coarsely cracked black pepper and a teaspoon Dijon.
- Herb Gravy: finish with chopped sage, rosemary, and parsley.
- Dairy-Free Gravy: use ghee or olive oil and coconut cream, or skip cream entirely.
- Beefy Bistro Gravy: use beef stock, a splash of red wine, and a pat of butter to finish.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Keto Gravy Recipe
- Roast turkey, chicken thighs, or prime rib
- Pork chops or meatloaf
- Cauliflower mash or mashed turnips
- Almond flour biscuits or chaffles
- Roasted green beans, Brussels sprouts, or sautéed mushrooms
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate cooled gravy in an airtight container up to 4 days. Freeze up to 3 months; I love freezing in silicone ice cube trays for quick portions.
Reheat gently over low heat, whisking often. If it thickens in the fridge, loosen with a splash of broth or cream. If it separates, a quick blend with an immersion blender brings it back together.
Memories Made Around the Table
I first made this on a busy weeknight after roasting chicken, and we ended up spooning the gravy over everything on the plate. It felt like Sunday dinner on a Tuesday.
FAQs
Can I make keto gravy without xanthan gum? Yes. Reduce the broth longer for natural thickness, or use 1/2 tsp glucomannan, added slowly while whisking. Cream cheese also adds body.
What if my gravy turns lumpy? Whisk vigorously and simmer a minute. Still lumpy? Strain through a fine mesh sieve or buzz with an immersion blender.
Are pan drippings required? No. Butter or ghee plus good-quality broth builds great flavor. A teaspoon of tamari and a splash of vinegar mimic drippings’ depth.
Is this gluten free? Yes, completely. Use tamari instead of soy sauce if you need to avoid gluten.
How many carbs per serving? About 1 to 2 net carbs per 1/4 cup, depending on broth and add-ins.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Gravy Recipe proves you do not need flour for a luxurious, spoon-coating sauce. Keep it simple, taste as you go, and enjoy that cozy, holiday-level flavor any night of the week.
Keto Gravy Recipe (Silky, 10 Minutes, No Flour)
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Fine-mesh sieve (optional)
Ingredients
Keto Gravy
- 3 tbsp pan drippings or 2 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee
- 1 small shallot finely minced (or 1/4 small onion)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups unsalted beef or chicken broth/stock choose to match your protein
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp tamari for depth and color; or 2 tsp coconut aminos
- 0.25 cup heavy cream or 2 tbsp cream cheese; dairy-free: 3 tbsp coconut cream
- 0.5 tsp xanthan gum add gradually; or 1/2 tsp glucomannan powder
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or 1 tbsp dry white wine, optional
Instructions
Soften Aromatics in Fat
- Warm a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add pan drippings, or melt butter with olive oil/ghee. Stir in shallot and cook 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Deglaze and Simmer
- Pour in broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Add thyme and pepper. Bring to a lively simmer and cook 4 to 5 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavor.
Thicken Without Flour
- Reduce heat to medium-low. While whisking constantly, lightly sprinkle in xanthan gum a pinch at a time so it disperses. Simmer 2 minutes; the gravy will continue to thicken as it rests. If too thin, add a tiny pinch more. If too thick, whisk in a splash of broth.
Finish Creamy and Savory
- Whisk in heavy cream and tamari. Taste and add salt as needed. For brightness, stir in apple cider vinegar or a splash of dry white wine and simmer 30 seconds.
Strain and Serve
- For extra-smooth gravy, strain through a fine mesh sieve. Serve hot over turkey, chicken, steak, pork chops, or cauliflower mash.