Indulge in Heaven with Mouthwatering Oyster Gravy Recipe
For those who love seafood, oysters always seem to take center stage with their unique and savory flavor. However, oysters aren’t just for eating raw or making Oysters Rockefeller. This recipe takes a southern gravy and adds the delicious taste of oysters for a twist you won’t want to miss: Not Your Ordinary Oyster Gravy!
But why settle for ordinary oyster dishes? Expand your culinary horizons with this recipe that pairs the rich flavor of gulf oysters with traditional southern gravy to create a mouth-watering dish you won’t forget.
As a culinary explorer, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes, and this is one that I come back to time and time again. With its hearty texture and flavor, it’s perfect for serving over meat or as the centerpiece of your meal.
So, let’s dive into this delicious Oyster Gravy recipe – get ready to be blown away by how simple yet delectable it is!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that is not your ordinary oyster gravy! If you are looking for a dish that is easy to make yet elegant, this oyster gravy will not disappoint. The savory flavor of the oyster sauce combined with the creamy texture of the gravy creates an explosion of taste in every bite that’s perfect for any meal.
But what really makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. Whether you are a vegan or on a low-carb or keto diet, there are options available, so everyone can indulge in this irresistible sauce.
This recipe uses fresh Gulf oysters to achieve a rich and luxurious taste. It’s perfect for anyone who loves oysters, but if raw oysters aren’t for you, there is still hope. By substituting with vegetarian or vegan options like soy-based oyster sauce, using mushrooms instead of oysters, or even Chinese broccoli or beef, the possibilities are endless.
Not only is this sauce perfect for meals like turkey and traditional southern gravies, but it’s also excellent in other dishes such as stir fry, chicken adobo or even fried foods like Oysters Rockefeller. The mignonette and chicken broth give depth to the sauce while black pepper helps round out the flavors nicely.
This recipe requires only a handful of ingredients that can be found in any pantry or supermarket. The preparation process doesn’t demand any particular skill level or equipment which makes it easy for beginners to try out.
Don’t miss out on this exquisite recipe – it’s simple to make and versatile in its use. Add it to any meal, pair it with vegetables that complement it perfectly, and take your dinner party or family mealtime game up a notch!
Ingredient List
Below are the 16 ingredients you will need to make this delectable not your ordinary oyster gravy recipe:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of black pepper
- 1 stick of unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon of margarine
- 1 medium onion, finely minced
- 1 chicken bouillon cube, dissolved in 1/2 cup of hot water
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of oyster sauce
- 1 pint of shucked Gulf oysters, drained (reserve the liquid measure)
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
Feel free to adjust the measurements and the type of oysters used depending on your preference. Make sure to take note that this recipe is adaptable for low-carb, vegetarian, vegan, and keto diets. With careful consideration to halal dietary restrictions by substituting chicken bouillon cube with beef or oyster mushroom broth.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Before cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Mince one onion and gather one chicken bouillon cube and one cup of chicken broth, one tablespoon of butter, one tablespoon of flour, two tablespoons of oyster sauce and a pinch of black pepper.
Step 2: Cook Chopped Onion
Melt the unsalted butter (1 tablespoon) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Step 3: Add Flour and Mix
With the onions in the skillet keep stirring and add one tablespoon of flour, cooking for another 2 minutes or until the flour is lightly browned.
Step 4: Add Chicken Bouillon, Broth, Oyster Sauce and Black Pepper
Dissolve one chicken bouillon cube in one cup of chicken broth, then pour it into the skillet with the onions. Add two tablespoons of oyster sauce and stir everything together. Finally, sprinkle in a pinch of black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Step 5: Simmer and Reduce
Slowly bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat, cooking for about five minutes until sauces are combined and slightly reduced.
Step 6: Serve
Once done, remove from heat and allow it to cool a bit before serving. This mouth-watering oyster gravy recipe is perfect for pairing with pan-fried catfish or crab cake sandwiches on a nice Sunday brunch!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about cooking is the ability to adapt recipes to suit your preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some substitutions and variations for this fantastic oyster gravy recipe that you can try at home:
– Vegan Oyster Sauce: If you’re on a vegan or vegetarian diet, you can substitute oyster sauce with vegan oyster sauce, which is made from mushrooms, seaweed or soy sauce. Using a vegan version will help you to achieve the same umami flavor in the gravy without the use of animal products.
– Low-Carb Keto Oyster Gravy: For those who follow a low-carb or keto diet plan, you can use margarine instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Also, adding beef or oyster mushrooms can give the gravy extra robustness while keeping it low in carbohydrates.
– Chicken or Turkey Oyster Gravy: If you want to try something different, you can make chicken or turkey oyster gravy by adding minced chicken pieces or turkey oysters to the recipe instead of raw oysters. This substitution will give your dish a new depth of flavor and texture.
– Mignonette Sauce: This type of sauce is usually served with raw oysters. You can use this topping on top of fried oyster if you want to have a crispy taste. To make mignonette sauce, combine black pepper, red wine vinegar and shallots until the mixture forms a thin consistency.
– Asian Style Oyster Gravy: You can stir fry Chinese broccoli with sliced onions in a pan and add chicken adobo or soy sauce depending on your preference to create an Asian-style twist to your traditional Southern-style Oyster Gravy recipe.
These are just some suggestions for ways to switch up your Oyster Gravy recipe. Experiment with different approaches using this recipe as a basis and develop truly unique dishes unto yourself.
Serving and Pairing
This oyster gravy may be a southern classic, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy it outside of traditional Thanksgiving meals. Serve this delicious sauce over fried seafood such as shrimp or catfish. This sauce is also perfect alongside roasted chicken, beef or pork tenderloin. You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian or with beef broth for a richer flavor.
For a complete meal, serve this delicious oyster gravy over a bed of sautéed Chinese broccoli and rice or as a dipping sauce for stir-fry dishes. The thick consistency pairs perfectly with dishes like noodles or rice. The seasoning is balanced, so you don’t need to do much to enhance flavors. However, if you like it spicy, add soy sauce and fresh black pepper.
When it comes to wine pairing, select a white wine such as a Chardonnay that has notes of apricot and apple for fruity harmony. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc will also pair well with seafood dishes as it cuts through the richness of the gravy’s buttery flavor.
Lastly, serve this delicious oyster gravy recipe in a decorative gravy boat at your holiday gathering or as an excellent addition to your weekend table. Your guests will be impressed by its smooth texture and mouth-watering aroma.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Not Your Ordinary Oyster Gravy can be made ahead of time for stress-free meal prepping. After cooking, let the oyster gravy cool down to room temperature first. Then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure that the oyster gravy is completely cooled down before placing it in the fridge to avoid bacterial growth.
Reheating the oyster gravy is simple: just pour it into a saucepan and cook over low heat while stirring continuously for 5-7 minutes. If the gravy is too thick, add some chicken broth or water to thin it out.
To make this recipe even more convenient, you can also freeze your oyster gravy, but keep in mind that freezing can affect the texture and flavor. To freeze, pour cooled gravy into a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to one month. To defrost, let the container sit in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on low heat.
This Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating section of the recipe will make meal planning so much easier. You can have a batch of delicious oyster gravy ready to go whenever you need it – whether as a topping for southern-style dishes or as a sauce for stir-fry recipes with soy sauce. With these storage tips, you may even want to double the recipe next time!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the best version of this oyster gravy recipe, here are some tips that I can share with you.
First, when making the roux, which is a mixture of flour and butter/margarine, be patient in cooking it over medium heat. It is essential to maintain this heat level and to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming. The color of the roux should be light brown.
Second, use high-quality oyster sauce or vegan oyster sauce for this recipe. The taste of the sauce can greatly affect the flavor of the gravy. Do not skimp on this ingredient if you want a delicious oyster gravy.
Third, if possible, use fresh gulf oysters for the recipe. They add a distinctive flavor and texture to the dish. But if fresh ones are unavailable, canned raw ones can work too!
Fourth, when adding black pepper to the gravy mixture, sprinkle only a bit at a time while stirring continuously until you achieve your preferred level of spiciness.
Fifth, when mixing in chicken broth or chicken bouillon cube into the gravy mixture, pour it slowly and keep whisking to create a smooth texture before adding more liquid.
Sixth, add a splash of heavy cream towards the end for an added layer of richness to your oyster gravy.
Finally, let your oyster gravy simmer over low heat until you get that thick and smooth texture. Make sure to adjust salt seasoning with caution since chicken bouillon cubes already have sodium content.
These easy-to-follow tips will undoubtedly help you achieve that perfect oyster gravy for your dishes!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Not Your Ordinary Oyster Gravy recipe offers a unique twist on the traditional Southern-style gravy that is sure to impress your guests. The combination of oyster sauce and gulf oysters adds a depth of umami flavor that is truly unparalleled. Whether you are a seafood lover, a meat-eater, or a vegan, this recipe offers many customization options that will fit your dietary needs and preferences.
With its simple ingredient list and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for food enthusiasts of all levels, from beginner to advanced. So next time you’re looking to spice up your dinner menu or impress your guests with an unexpected twist on an old classic, give this Not Your Ordinary Oyster Gravy recipe a try.
Don’t forget to check out our Substitutions and Variations section for creative ideas on how to switch up the recipe and make it your own. And for those who are still questioning the use of oysters in their gravy, remember the countless culinary possibilities that can be unlocked when experimenting with new ingredients.
So tap into your inner culinary explorer and let this Not Your Ordinary Oyster Gravy recipe take you on a delicious journey. Your taste buds will thank you!
Not Your Ordinary Oyster Gravy! Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces raw oysters
- 8 ounces chicken broth (if using broth, dissolve one chicken bouillon cube in broth or use two bouillon cubes dissolved in w)
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter or 4 tablespoons margarine
- 1 tablespoon flour (plain or self rising)
- black pepper
Instructions
- Drain oysters, reserving juice.
- In medium skillet melt butter until hot.
- Sauté onion until crisp tender.
- Add oysters and cook until muscle is creamy white (or cook for 1 full minute).
- Remove oysters and reserve.
- Mix flour with oyster juice and stir until smooth. adding water as necessary.
- Add chicken broth and flour mixture to skillet.Stir until well mixed. Use medium high heat and boil broth until thickened. (broth covers fork well when dipped). Make sure to stir every 30 seconds or so.
- Add generous amounts of pepper (or as desired).
- Add oysters (juice and all) and cook until hot. Do not overcook!
- This is delicious served on rice or eaten as a soup!
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.