How to Make Rich Low Carb Gravy That Tastes Better Than The Real Thing

Want a low carb gravy recipe that’s ready in just 5 minutes and contains less than 1 net carb per serving? You’re in the right place!

This keto gravy recipe doesn’t just save your carb count – it’s also gluten-free and dairy-free while delivering that rich, savory flavor you crave. Even better, you don’t need pan drippings or flour to make this happen. With just 6 simple ingredients, you can whip up delicious keto brown gravy that has only 57 calories per generous serving.

Throughout this article, you’ll discover exactly how to make gravy that tastes better than the traditional version without the carbs. I’ll show you which thickeners work best, how to achieve that perfect consistency, and share tips for storing your gravy for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Ready to rock your world with from-scratch keto gravy? Let’s get started!

What Makes a Gravy Keto-Friendly

Traditional gravy isn’t compatible with a ketogenic lifestyle for one primary reason: the thickeners. Understanding what makes a gravy truly keto-friendly requires knowing both what to avoid and what to embrace instead.

Common ingredients to avoid

Creating authentic gravy traditionally begins with making a roux—a thick paste of butter and flour cooked until brown—before slowly whisking in broth. This method immediately creates problems for keto dieters since regular flour is high in carbs. Alternatively, many recipes use starches like cornstarch or tapioca as thickening agents, which are equally problematic for maintaining ketosis.

Most store-bought gravy packets contain between 3-5g net carbs per serving, making them unsuitable for a strict keto diet. Furthermore, they often contain additives and hidden ingredients that can interfere with ketosis.

Beyond flour and starches, be vigilant about avoiding these common gravy ingredients:

• All grains including wheat, barley, rice, and corn
• Modified food starch (often derived from corn)
• Maltodextrin (commonly used in packaged gravies)
• Thickeners like inulin and potato starch
• Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols

How to keep it low carb and gluten-free

Fortunately, creating delicious keto-friendly gravy isn’t complicated once you know the right substitutions. The secret lies in selecting appropriate thickeners that won’t spike your blood sugar or add unnecessary carbs.

Xanthan gum is perhaps the most popular keto gravy thickener, requiring only about ¾ teaspoon per cup of liquid. However, it can create a somewhat slimy texture if not properly incorporated and tends to clump when added directly to hot liquids.

Glucomannan powder offers an excellent alternative and is highly recommended by many keto cooking experts. This fiber extracted from the konjac root (the same ingredient used in shirataki noodles) creates thick, rich gravy without sliminess. For perfect consistency, use ¼ teaspoon per cup of liquid.

Other viable options include:

• Guar gum (use 1 teaspoon per cup of liquid)
• Gelatin (excellent for silky texture)
• Arrowroot powder (adds about 1.5 carbs per serving)

To keep your gravy authentically keto-friendly, focus on using high-quality fats like butter, ghee, or meat drippings rather than industrial oils. Additionally, enhancing flavor with herbs and spices eliminates any need for carb-containing flavor enhancers that might be found in commercial products.

Essential Ingredients for Rich Low Carb Gravy

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Creating a rich low carb gravy begins with selecting the right foundation ingredients. Quality matters significantly, as each component contributes to the final flavor profile while keeping carbs minimal.

Choosing the right broth or stock

The base of any exceptional low carb gravy recipe starts with flavorful liquid. Low-sodium broth serves as an ideal foundation, with beef, chicken, or vegetable options all working effectively. Bone broth delivers superior richness due to its collagen content, which naturally helps thicken your gravy. Alternatively, pan drippings from roasted meats offer concentrated flavor—turkey, beef, lamb, or chicken drippings provide excellent results. For the richest taste, collect these precious juices through a fine mesh sieve after cooking your meat.

Best fats to use: butter, ghee, or drippings

Fats contribute essential mouthfeel and depth to keto gravy. Unsalted butter works wonderfully, allowing you to control saltiness separately. Ghee (clarified butter) provides a slightly nutty flavor while remaining dairy-free. Animal fat drippings deliver authentic, traditional gravy flavor—save these precious liquids whenever you cook meat. For completely dairy-free options, duck fat creates exceptionally rich results, whereas coconut oil or olive oil offer plant-based alternatives.

Keto gravy thickeners: xanthan gum, arrowroot, and more

Selecting the appropriate thickener makes or breaks your keto gravy:

• Xanthan gum: Most popular option requiring approximately ¾ teaspoon per cup of liquid. Add gradually (¼ teaspoon at a time) to prevent clumping or sliminess.
• Glucomannan: Derived from konjac root fiber, this creates smooth texture without sliminess. Use ¼ teaspoon per cup of liquid.
• Guar gum: Plant fiber with eight times more thickening power than cornstarch. Use sparingly in cold applications first.
• Gelatin: Creates silky texture and adds nutritional benefits. Works best when bloomed in cold water first.
• Arrowroot powder: Similar to cornstarch but lower carb. Make a slurry before adding to hot liquids.

Flavor boosters: herbs, garlic, and onion powder

Elevate your gravy with strategic flavor additions. Garlic powder and onion powder (approximately ¼ teaspoon each) create depth without adding actual pieces. Fresh herbs like sage, rosemary or thyme provide aromatic notes. For umami enhancement, consider coconut aminos or tamari (gluten-free soy sauce). Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar add complexity without carbs. Salt and pepper remain essential, though many meat drippings already contain sufficient salt.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Keto Gravy

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Making low carb gravy requires specific techniques for perfect results. Follow this straightforward process to create silky-smooth keto gravy that rivals traditional recipes.

Prepare your thickener slurry

Proper slurry preparation prevents lumps, a common gravy challenge. For xanthan gum:

1. Combine 1 cup of cold broth with your thickener in a separate bowl
2. Use an immersion blender or standing blender until completely smooth
3. Set aside this mixture while preparing other ingredients

Alternatively, when using glucomannan, sprinkle about ¼ teaspoon per cup of liquid into cold water first, stirring thoroughly. Glucomannan continues thickening as it cools, so start with less than you think you need.

Simmer and reduce for flavor

The reduction process concentrates flavors exceptionally well:

1. Melt butter or fat in a saucepan over medium heat
2. Add broth and pan drippings (if using) and bring to a gentle boil
3. Reduce heat and simmer until liquid reduces by approximately one-quarter
4. This concentration intensifies flavor without adding carbs

The simmering process allows flavors to meld together – give it at least 10 minutes for best results.

Whisking techniques for smooth texture

Constant attention prevents texture issues:

1. Whisk continuously, especially during thickener addition
2. Pour thickener slurry gradually while whisking vigorously
3. Continue whisking throughout the simmering process
4. Use a back-and-forth motion rather than circular for best results

Never leave keto gravy unattended on heat – continuous whisking maintains consistency and prevents clumping.

Adjusting thickness and seasoning

Perfect your keto gravy with these final adjustments:

1. For thicker gravy: Add additional thickener gradually (¼ teaspoon at a time)
2. For thinner gravy: Whisk in additional warm broth
3. Allow 10 minutes after adding thickener before making further adjustments
4. Taste and adjust salt, pepper and seasonings last

Remember that keto gravy thickens considerably as it cools. For make-ahead gravy, prepare slightly thinner than desired as it will thicken during storage.

Tips, Variations, and Storage

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Beyond the basic preparation, perfecting your low carb gravy recipe requires knowing some variations and storage techniques. These tips ensure you’ll always have delicious keto gravy ready whenever needed.

How to make keto gravy without xanthan gum

Xanthan gum can create a somewhat slimy texture in your keto gravy. Fortunately, several alternatives exist. Glucomannan powder works excellently—use about ¼ teaspoon per cup of liquid for perfect consistency. Alternatively, try tapioca or arrowroot starch (1½ tablespoons dissolved in 2 tablespoons water), although these options contain slightly more carbs. Guar gum powder (1 teaspoon) mixes easily without clumping. For completely natural thickening, simply simmer your gravy longer, reducing it until it reaches your desired consistency.

Dairy-free and vegan options

Creating dairy-free keto gravy is straightforward. Replace butter with ghee for lactose-free gravy or use vegan butter or triple-filtered coconut oil for completely dairy-free versions. For vegan keto gravy, mushrooms provide natural thickness without needing any thickeners—they create deep flavor and color. Coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk substitutes well for cream. Nutritional yeast adds rich umami flavor that complements herbs like thyme beautifully in plant-based versions.

Make-ahead and freezing tips

Your low carb gravy stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Portion gravy into ice cube trays for convenient single servings. Remember, gravy thickens considerably during refrigeration, consequently requiring a splash of broth upon reheating. Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, whisking frequently until reaching serving temperature.

Serving ideas: meats, cauliflower mash, and more

Keto gravy pairs magnificently with:

• Roasted meats: turkey, chicken breasts, hamburger steaks, roasts
• Smothered pork chops or meatballs
• Cauliflower mash as a perfect potato substitute
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts
• Low-carb biscuits for a comforting breakfast treat

Essentially, anywhere traditional gravy works, your keto version will shine—often tasting better than the original while keeping carbs minimal.

Conclusion

Creating delicious low carb gravy certainly doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Throughout this guide, you’ve discovered how to transform simple components into rich, savory gravy with less than 1 net carb per serving.

Most importantly, this keto-friendly alternative delivers all the flavor and texture of traditional gravy without flour, starches, or excessive carbs. Your dinner guests will undoubtedly be surprised when they taste this gravy – many people actually prefer it over conventional versions!

Xanthan gum, glucomannan powder, and other thickeners work effectively when properly incorporated using the techniques described earlier. These methods ensure smooth, lump-free gravy every time. Additionally, proper storage allows you to prepare this gravy ahead of time, making weeknight meals significantly easier while maintaining a ketogenic lifestyle.

Remember, practice makes perfect when adjusting consistency and flavor profiles. Therefore, don’t hesitate to experiment with different broths, fats, and seasonings until you find your perfect combination. Whether paired with cauliflower mash or drizzled over roasted meats, this low carb gravy transforms ordinary keto meals into extraordinary dining experiences.

Take control of your carb intake while still enjoying comfort food classics. After all, following a ketogenic diet doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor – it simply means getting creative with substitutions that support your health goals. This keto gravy recipe proves you can have the best of both worlds: delicious food that aligns perfectly with your nutritional needs.

FAQs

Q1. What can I use to thicken keto gravy? 

For keto-friendly gravy, you can use thickeners like xanthan gum, glucomannan powder, or guar gum. Glucomannan is particularly recommended as it creates a smooth texture without sliminess. Use about 1/4 teaspoon per cup of liquid for the best consistency.

Q2. Is gravy allowed on a low-carb diet? 

Traditional gravy is typically not low-carb due to flour or cornstarch thickeners. However, you can enjoy gravy on a low-carb diet by using keto-friendly thickeners and focusing on high-quality fats and broths as the base.

Q3. How do I make keto gravy taste rich and flavorful? 

To create rich and flavorful keto gravy, use high-quality broths or meat drippings as the base. Incorporate fats like butter or ghee, and enhance the flavor with herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmering and reducing the liquid can also intensify the taste.

Q4. Can I make keto gravy dairy-free or vegan? 

Yes, you can make dairy-free keto gravy by using ghee, vegan butter, or coconut oil instead of regular butter. For vegan options, use vegetable broth as the base and consider adding mushrooms for depth of flavor and natural thickening.

Q5. How long can I store keto gravy? 

Keto gravy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth as the gravy tends to thicken during storage.