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Lessons and Tips in Making Gravy

Posted on 5/3/25 at 12:56 pm
Posted by Gris Gris
OTIS!NO RULES FOR SAUCES ON STEAK!!
Member since Feb 2008
49063 posts
Posted on 5/3/25 at 12:56 pm
There are a lot of threads on making good gravy, but most of them are locked so I couldn't bump any.

One of my mother's sitters is from South LA. Yesterday, she made pork medallions smothered in gravy from pork tenderloins. The gravy was so good. She doesn't use any flour at all. She seasons the pork, browns it, adds Pictsweet frozen seasoning blend, cooks that down and then adds water. I think she just scrapes the bottom of the skillet and adds more water as it cooks down. I haven't gotten to watch her. The gravy is not thick, but not like water. It's dark brown and has a LOT of flavor. She does smothered chicken and any other smothered meats the same way.

Is this a Cajun method? Am I close to how some of you make gravy. I usually either flour the meat before browning or make a little roux after browning the meat and before adding the vegetables. I could have had just the gravy over rice with no meat for a meal.
Posted by cgrand
HAMMOND
Member since Oct 2009
43123 posts
Posted on 5/3/25 at 1:19 pm to
my grandmother called it “grease gravy”
very south Louisiana
the flavor is the dissolved fond, built and rebuilt until rich and concentrated
Posted by prplngldtigr
just up da bayou from down
Member since Dec 2004
7251 posts
Posted on 5/3/25 at 1:30 pm to
Yes.

Very standard method in Acadiana.
I was raised on this gravy and its the way I make it now.
This post was edited on 5/3/25 at 1:32 pm
Posted by Gris Gris
OTIS!NO RULES FOR SAUCES ON STEAK!!
Member since Feb 2008
49063 posts
Posted on 5/3/25 at 1:52 pm to
Once the meat is browned, do you leave it in or remove it while browning the vegetables and reducing the liquid?
Posted by prplngldtigr
just up da bayou from down
Member since Dec 2004
7251 posts
Posted on 5/3/25 at 2:36 pm to
Take the meat out and set it aside.

Add the vegetables and small amount of liquid to deglaze.

Nice and brown.
Add more liquid. Bring to a boil. Then a simmer.

Add the meat back.
Let it simmer with lid on til it falls apart.
This post was edited on 5/3/25 at 2:37 pm
Posted by Gris Gris
OTIS!NO RULES FOR SAUCES ON STEAK!!
Member since Feb 2008
49063 posts
Posted on 5/3/25 at 3:59 pm to
Thanks. The sitter just told me she browns the meat and vegetables together until brown. Then, she starts adding a little water at a time.
Posted by lsumailman61
Gulf Shores
Member since Oct 2006
7817 posts
Posted on 5/3/25 at 5:19 pm to
Yes brown the crap out of the meat then deglaze with lots of onions. Grew up eating Rice and Gravy 3-4 meals a week. We had cows, rice, and crawfish on the farm.
Posted by prplngldtigr
just up da bayou from down
Member since Dec 2004
7251 posts
Posted on 5/3/25 at 5:40 pm to
I find it easier to work the whole pot (magnalite of course - south Louisiana requirement) without the meat.

But no harm keeping it.
Posted by nateslu1
Mr. Belvedere Fan Club
Member since Apr 2012
6881 posts
Posted on 5/3/25 at 5:51 pm to
corn starch slurry. one part cold water, one part cornstarch.
Posted by Gris Gris
OTIS!NO RULES FOR SAUCES ON STEAK!!
Member since Feb 2008
49063 posts
Posted on 5/3/25 at 6:27 pm to
quote:

corn starch slurry. one part cold water, one part cornstarch.


I like the texture of the gravy without a slurry or the flour, though I typically use a bit of flour in other gravies or I flour the meat. The sitter uses no flour or slurry. It’s a strong delicious flavored gravy.
Posted by Norla
Member since Aug 2016
423 posts
Posted on 5/4/25 at 7:47 am to
Cajun Roast Beef
Ingredients
• 1 chuck roast ( or any other type of protein)
• Cajun seasoning (to taste)
• All-purpose flour (light dusting)
• 2 dabs of honey
• Butter (for browning)
• 2 large onions, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Season the Roast
o Generously season the chuck roast with Cajun seasoning.
o Lightly dust it with flour and add a couple of dabs of honey.
2. Sear the Roast
o Heat butter in a Magnalite pot over medium-high heat.
o Brown the roast thoroughly on all sides. It should develop a deep, dark crust—this is key for flavor.
3. Build the Gravy Base
o Remove the roast and set it aside.
o Add diced onions, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot.
o Stir frequently, scraping the browned bits (gradu) from the bottom as the vegetables cook down.
o Once the mixture becomes a dark, thick, oniony paste, start scraping to incorporate all the gradu.
4. Develop the Gravy
o Add a bit of water and let it cook until the gradu begins coating the bottom again.
o Scrape and repeat this process a few times to build up the gravy.
5. Simmer the Roast
o Return the roast to the pot and add enough water to partially submerge it.
o Cover with a lid and let it simmer for a few hours until the meat is fall-apart tender.
o If the gravy is too thin, continue cooking uncovered until it thickens. If too thick, add a bit more water and let it simmer.
6. Serve & Enjoy
o Serve over rice or with French bread to soak up the rich gravy.
Notes:
• The deep color and flavor come naturally from the browning process—no need for kitchen bouquet or stock.
• Patience is key: the longer you take scraping and deglazing, the richer the gravy will be.
• Adjust seasoning to taste and enjoy this time-honored Cajun classic!

Posted by moontigr
Washington Commanders/LA Kings Fan
Member since Nov 2020
5904 posts
Posted on 5/4/25 at 11:52 am to
If you ever find yourself in the town of Vacherie, more specifically BACK Vacherie, I highly recommend stopping at Schexnayder's supermarket. They sell a pork stew mix than includes many pieces (both boneless and bone-in) as well as the liver, tail, foot, etc. I don't know what it is about that pork but it is magical. Makes the best pork stew & gravy I've ever had.
Posted by prplngldtigr
just up da bayou from down
Member since Dec 2004
7251 posts
Posted on 5/4/25 at 12:17 pm to
Get the chili too.
Best I’ve had.
Posted by hawkster
Member since Aug 2010
6262 posts
Posted on 5/4/25 at 7:46 pm to
About 90 minutes after the meat goes back in the pot and the tenderizing magic happens.
Posted by jambrous
Member since Jun 2010
505 posts
Posted on 5/4/25 at 10:20 pm to
I didn't know there was any other method to rice and gravy. This is all I do except if your not chopping your own trinity it's Guidry's.
Posted by DeoreDX
Member since Oct 2010
4146 posts
Posted on 5/5/25 at 6:53 am to
Would the culinary world consider that a pan sauce over a gravy? That's probably what I would call it when I make something from the fond then reduced the liquid to thicken.
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