Turkey gravy is often the star of holiday dinners, bringing together all those comforting flavors on your plate. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might end up with gravy that’s just a bit too salty. Don’t worry—there are plenty of easy ways to tone down the saltiness and save your delicious sauce! In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple, practical methods to make turkey gravy less salty, plus answer some common questions so you can serve up the perfect gravy every time.
Contents
Why Does Turkey Gravy Get Too Salty?
There are a few reasons your gravy might end up tasting too salty:
- Salty drippings: Turkey drippings can be quite salty, especially if the bird was brined or heavily seasoned.
- Store-bought broth: Pre-made broths and stocks often have high sodium content.
- Accidental over-seasoning: It’s easy to add a bit too much salt while cooking or finishing your gravy.
No matter the cause, you don’t have to toss your gravy. Let’s look at how to fix it!
How to Make Turkey Gravy Less Salty: Step-by-Step Solutions
1. Dilute the Gravy
The quickest fix is to dilute the gravy with more liquid. Try adding:
- Unsalted chicken or turkey broth: This adds flavor without extra salt.
- Water: If you don’t have unsalted broth, water works too—just add slowly and taste as you go.
- Milk or cream: For creamier gravies, a splash of milk or cream can mellow out saltiness and add richness.
Add the liquid a little at a time, stirring and tasting until the salt level is just right.
2. Add More Gravy Base
If you have extra pan drippings or roux (a mixture of flour and fat used to thicken sauces), you can make a fresh batch of unsalted gravy. Mix this new batch with your salty gravy to balance out the flavors.
3. Bulk It Up with More Ingredients
You can stretch your gravy and reduce saltiness by adding:
- Mashed potatoes: Stir in a spoonful or two of plain mashed potatoes. They’ll absorb some salt and thicken the gravy.
- Unsalted cooked vegetables: Pureed carrots, celery, or other mild veggies can help balance the flavor and add nutrition.
4. Add a Starch
Starches help absorb excess salt and thicken your gravy at the same time. Try adding:
- Cornstarch slurry: Mix cornstarch with cold water and whisk it into the gravy. Let it simmer until thickened.
- Flour slurry: Mix flour with water and add to the gravy, simmering until smooth and thick.
This method works best when combined with dilution for larger batches.
5. Add a Touch of Sweetness
A little sweetness can help mask excessive saltiness. Try adding:
- A pinch of sugar or honey
- A splash of apple juice or unsweetened applesauce
Add just a small amount at a time, stirring and tasting so you don’t make the gravy too sweet.
6. Add Acidic Ingredients
A dash of acid can balance out saltiness and brighten up your gravy’s flavor. Consider adding:
- Lemon juice
- Apple cider vinegar
- White wine vinegar
Add a few drops at a time, tasting as you go until you reach the perfect balance.
7. Add Unsalted Butter
Stirring in a pat of unsalted butter can mellow out harsh flavors and slightly reduce the perception of saltiness while making your gravy extra silky.
What NOT to Do: The Potato Myth
You may have heard that dropping a raw potato into salty gravy will “draw out” the salt. Unfortunately, this is a kitchen myth—while potatoes will absorb some liquid, they won’t remove enough salt to make a real difference. Stick with the methods above for the best results!
How to Prevent Salty Gravy Next Time
- Taste as you go: Always taste before adding more salt or seasoning.
- Use low-sodium or unsalted broth: Start with unsalted ingredients so you have more control over the final flavor.
- Add pan drippings gradually: Some drippings are very salty—add slowly and taste after each addition.
- Season at the end: Wait until your gravy has simmered before adding extra salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fix salty gravy after it’s finished?
Absolutely! Try diluting with unsalted broth, water, or adding other ingredients as described above until you reach the right flavor.
Is there a way to make store-bought turkey gravy less salty?
Yes—heat it up and add unsalted broth, water, or pureed veggies to mellow out the saltiness. Taste as you adjust for best results.
I accidentally added too much salt while thickening my gravy. What do I do?
Add more liquid (unsalted broth or water) and then thicken again with a cornstarch or flour slurry if needed.
If my gravy is too salty but also too thin, what should I do?
Dilute with unsalted liquid first to fix the saltiness, then use a starch like cornstarch or flour to thicken it back up.
Final Thoughts
If your turkey gravy turns out too salty, don’t panic! With these simple tricks—diluting, bulking up with extra ingredients, adding sweetness or acid—you can rescue your sauce and keep your meal on track. Remember, tasting as you go is key to perfect gravy every time. Happy cooking!