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Recipe

Simple Roux: Juicy and Tender

A fast, foolproof roux that turns pan juices into silky gravy and makes chicken, pork, and veggies taste extra tender and cozy.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8
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Roux is one of those kitchen basics that looks fancy, sounds French, and is actually just flour cooked in fat. That is it. And once you can make a roux, you can make anything feel juicier and more comforting: gravy that clings to mashed potatoes, gumbo that tastes like it took all day, and pan sauces that turn a plain chicken breast into “wait, did you do something different?”

This is my go-to simple roux, built for real life. Accessible ingredients, clear steps, and enough little tips to keep you out of the burned-flour danger zone. We’ll keep it relaxed and practical, because roux should feel like a skill you own, not a test you pass.

Why It Works

  • Better texture, fast: Roux thickens sauces smoothly so they feel velvety, not starchy or watery.
  • More flavor than a slurry: Cooking the flour removes the raw taste and adds toasted, nutty depth.
  • Juicy and tender results: A roux-based gravy or sauce coats food evenly, helping meats and veggies stay moist on the plate and in leftovers.
  • Customizable color: Go blonde for creamy sauces, medium for classic gravy, or darker for deeper flavor.

Pairs Well With

  • Weeknight Roast Chicken with Pan Gravy

  • Garlic Mashed Potatoes

  • Buttermilk Biscuits

  • Green Beans with Lemon and Butter

Storage Tips

Storing roux: Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container.

  • Fridge: Up to 5 days. It will firm up like soft butter.
  • Freezer: Up to 3 months. Portion into tablespoons in an ice cube tray, freeze, then stash cubes in a freezer bag.

Reheating: Warm roux gently in a saucepan over low heat until it loosens, then whisk in your liquid a bit at a time. For the smoothest results, pair hot roux with cool liquid, or cold roux with hot liquid.

Storing finished gravy or sauce: Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat over low heat, whisking, and add a splash of broth or milk to bring it back to silky.

Common Questions

What is the best fat for roux?

Butter is the most common for gravy and creamy sauces because it tastes rich and toasty. Neutral oil (like canola or avocado) is great if you want a higher smoke point, especially for darker roux. Bacon drippings are amazing for Southern-style gravies.

What is the roux ratio?

Classic is equal parts fat and flour by weight. For home cooking, an easy shortcut is equal parts by volume (like 2 tablespoons butter + 2 tablespoons flour) and it works very well for most gravies.

How much liquid will this roux thicken?

As a general guide, 1 tablespoon fat + 1 tablespoon flour thickens about 1 cup of liquid to a light gravy. For a thicker gravy, use 1.5 to 2 tablespoons roux per cup.

Why is my roux lumpy?

Usually it is a temperature mismatch or the liquid got added too fast. The most foolproof method is cool (or room temperature) liquid into hot roux, whisking constantly. Cold liquid slows thickening so you have a second to whisk it smooth. The other safe route is hot liquid into cold roux (like when using chilled make-ahead roux). Fix lumps by lowering the heat and whisking aggressively. If it still looks stubborn, simmer 3 to 5 minutes and whisk again. Worst case, strain it and pretend you meant to.

Can I make roux ahead?

Yes, and it is a weeknight lifesaver. Make a small batch, refrigerate it, and you can turn drippings or broth into gravy in minutes.

My roux smells burnt. Can I save it?

If it tastes even slightly burnt, toss it and start over. Burnt flour is loud and it will take over the whole dish. The good news: a fresh roux takes about 5 minutes.

The first time I tried to make roux, I treated it like a “set it and forget it” moment. Spoiler: flour does not forget, it burns. Now I make it the way I wish someone told me from the start: medium heat, whisk like you mean it, and keep your eyes on the color instead of the clock. Once you nail that little toasted smell and the roux turns the shade you want, it feels like unlocking a new level. Suddenly you are the person who can turn random pan drippings into dinner magic, and honestly that is a great person to be.