The Beefy Seasoning Packet That Makes Gravy 10x More Flavorful

So many dishes require or pair well with gravy, from roast turkey and Salisbury steak to fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Even biscuits and gravy make a fine pairing, as their crispy and buttery textures, respectively, complement each other. Sure, you can always rely on store-bought gravy. But if your local grocery store runs out and you're left with no choice but to make gravy from scratch, you should at least know a convenient way to make homemade gravy with pantry staples. A surefire way to achieve that rich, savory, and deeply umami-forward taste is to use a beef-flavored ramen seasoning packet.

Those packets do more than just give delicious instant noodles their signature savory taste; it can also lend gravy a deeper beef flavor, thanks to its ingredients. The exact list may vary by brand, but a typical ramen seasoning contains a combination of salt, sugar, monosodium glutamate (MSG), maltodextrin, dehydrated vegetables, and artificial colors, as well as natural and artificial flavors. It also contains rendered fat, and specifically, beef fat in the beef-flavored packet. Flavor enhancers, such as disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate, are also common in most ramen seasonings. All these ingredients contribute something different to the gravy's flavor profile, but more importantly, they all work together to amplify the umami notes and meatier taste of the sauce.

The easiest way to incorporate a beef-flavored ramen seasoning packet into gravy is to add the powder while preparing the sauce. After making the roux with butter and flour, cook the mixture until it turns slightly golden brown. Then gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring that you break up any lumps before adding the ramen seasoning. However, don't pour in the entire packet — start with just half of it, stir thoroughly, and taste before adding more. Continue adjusting until you reach your preferred flavor for the gravy. If the sauce still tastes a little flat after adding the entire packet, add a splash of soy sauce; this may be the umami ingredient that your gravy needs to perfect the savory taste.

When making gravy from meat drippings, only add the ramen seasoning after the broth. As per usual, whisk while adding to prevent clumps from forming. Let everything simmer until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. As a general rule, it should be thick enough to coat the back of the spoon without immediately running off after dipping the utensil in the sauce. One important thing to remember when using ramen seasoning in your gravy is to avoid adding more salt before tasting the sauce. The packet is already high in sodium — about 1,500 to 2,000 milligrams per serving, or approximately 75% of the recommended daily intake. Adding more too early could cause the gravy to become overly salty.