Classic Turkey Gravy and Turkey Prep Essentials
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The holidays aren’t complete without a perfectly roasted turkey and a classic turkey gravy to pour over it. This recipe and a great list of turkey prep essentials are all you need this holiday season to make entertaining a breeze.
Turkey and gravy are made for each other. During the holidays, those two items seem to cause a lot of stress, though. Relax because I’ve got you covered with a recipe for the perfect turkey gravy and all the items you need to pull off holiday entertaining.
Most people consider the turkey the star of the Thanksgiving meal. But, for me, it is really the classic turkey gravy that gets pours of the turkey…and the dressing…and the mashed potatoes. Turkey gravy is like liquid gold.
Creating the perfect holiday meal and the best turkey gravy means using the right tools for the job. Here is a list of perfect items to have in your arsenal of holiday prep .
Essential Thanksgiving Tools
When we are talking turkey, you need these items at the ready to make prepping the perfect bird a breeze::
- Silicone Roasting Rack – This rack elevates food above fat and liquid for healthier cooking. It also allows air to flow around food which makes for more even roasting.
- Flavor Injector – Add flavor to your turkey from the inside by injecting marinades inside the bird.
- Thermometer – Cooking your turkey to the perfect temperature is so important – it’s what’ll save you from having an overdone bird. This thermometer provides precise temperatures (within +/-0.9 degrees) within 2-3 seconds. A quick temperature reading means you get the turkey back in the oven quicker for less loss of heat to the oven and bird.
- Poultry Shears – Poultry shears are invaluable when making a holiday turkey. The OXO Poultry Shears are ideal for trimming or cutting poultry. The stainless steel blades are curved and tapered for precision. Plus, the shears are spring loaded to prevent hand strain.
- Good Gravy Fat Separator – This is an absolute must for perfect gravy. Choose one that has a built-in trigger on the handle to release the cooking liquid from the bottom while leaving fat behind.
So, now that you have a list of turkey prep must-haves, let’s talk flavor! I love using a flavor injector to inject marinade directly into the turkey. One of my favorites is a Cajun butter marinade.
To create the marinade, simply whisk together 1 cup of melted butter, 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning, and 1 Tbsp garlic powder. Add the marinade to the Flavor Injector and inject into the turkey.
I also rub a small amount of the marinade on the outside of the bird as well but you will need minimal marinade there thanks to all the flavor going inside.
To check and make sure your turkey is cooked to the proper temperature, be sure to have a thermometer on hand. It makes it so easy to check the internal temperature of the turkey.
Once your turkey is done roasting, it time for the gravy! I have to be honest and admit that gravy can be intimidating. But, the recipe below is so easy, and is made even easier with the help of a Fat Separator.
What is a classic turkey gravy?
Turkey gravy is typically made with the pan juices from roasting the turkey, which can also be enhanced with additional turkey or chicken stock. Many people add giblets to the gravy but some enjoy it smoother with just broth.
The fat separator helps remove excess fat from the gravy to help make it smooth and creamy. Because everyone loves gravy and will want to pour it on the turkey and sides for Thanksgiving.
Recipes to Enjoy with Turkey
- The Best Green Bean Casserole
- Sumac Roasted Carrots
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Who will be joining you this holiday season? Any turkey prep tips to share?
If you make this classic turkey gravy or any other recipe from the blog, I would love to hear about your experience. Let me know in the comments or snap a photo and tag it #MySuburbanKitchen on Instagram or Twitter.
Classic Turkey Gravy
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 4 cups turkey pan drippings
Instructions
- Pour drippings into fat separator and allow fat to rise to the top and solidify. Capture the liquid from the drippings. {Supplement with turkey stock if there is not 4 cups of drippings)4 cups turkey pan drippings
- Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper.1/2 cup butter, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute or until a slightly nutty smell emerges.1/2 cup all purpose flour
- Slowly whisk in the pan drippings / stock until all the drippings have been incorporated.
- Simmer gravy for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally to prevent lumps.
Notes
- You can use a combination of pan drippings and stock if your pan drippings do not produce enough for the recipe.
- Add the drippings to the flour mixture very slowly in the beginning to ensure no lumps form.
Nutrition
