Thickening gravy using cornflour

11 November 2024

About this technique

Skill level

Easy

Mix 2 tablespoons cornflour with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl or jug. Mix until smooth.

Bring your sauce or gravy to a simmer and tip in the cornflour slurry. Whisk continuously over a medium-high heat and you'll soon see the gravy thicken. Remove from the heat once the gravy reaches your desired consistency.

Don't be tempted to add cornflour straight into your gravy as it will become extremely lumpy.

You may notice the gravy thickens further once cooled. If you want to loosen it, stir in boiling water in small batches until you get the desired consistency.

Recipes using this technique

Christmas beef with port and thyme sauce. by Mary Berry.
Attribution
Main course
The Hairy Bikers' braised steak with gravy. by The Hairy Bikers.
Attribution
Main course
Mushroom bourguignon. by Lucy Parker.
Attribution
Main course
Cheesy gravy chips. by Poppy O'Toole.
Attribution
Side dishes
Vegan toad-in-the-hole with red onion gravy by Justine Pattison.
Attribution
Main course
Gluten-free toad in the hole with gravy. by Becky Excell.
Attribution
Main course
Pork tenderloin stuffed with apricots, apples and ginger. by The Hairy Bikers.
Attribution
Main course
Roast lamb with Madeira gravy. by Philip Friend.
Attribution
Main course
Slow cooker turkey crown with gravy by Philippa Davis.
Attribution
Main course
Venison casserole. by Elizabeth Guy.
Attribution
Main course
Cheat’s chicken bourguignon. by Marcus Wareing.
Attribution
Main course
Slow-cooker roast beef. by Sarah Cook.
Attribution
Main course
Slow cooker lamb shoulder. by Sarah Cook.
Attribution
Main course

Thickening gravy using cornflour

How to thicken gravy

About this technique

Recipes using this technique