Red Eye Gravy
Red Eye Gravy is a bold, savory sauce with smoky coffee and spicy peppers, perfect for complementing grilled steaks and hearty meats with a rich, flavorful kick.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic ⓘ
- 3 bay leaves ⓘ
- 1 cup onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 3 cups boiling hot black coffee ⓘ
- 3 teaspoons chicken base ⓘ
- 3 cups canned tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- roux (for thickening) ⓘ
- 3 pints pineapple juice ⓘ
- 3 pints orange juice ⓘ
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 4 ounces soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 ounces red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 4 ounces salad oil or olive oil
- 4 limes, sliced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic ⓘ
- 3/4 ounce jalapeno peppers, minced ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a very large bowl.
- Add the steaks and gently turn to coat both sides with the marinade.
- Refrigerate and let marinate overnight.
- Grill or broil the steaks, basting with the marinade during cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting the olive oil with bacon grease to enhance the smoky notes. If you want a spicier kick, add more minced jalapeno peppers or even a splash of hot sauce. Using freshly brewed coffee instead of pre-made can elevate the taste significantly. For a gluten-free option, ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
This Red Eye Gravy is perfect served over grilled steaks, making it a great pairing for a hearty brunch or dinner. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or toasted bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It also pairs beautifully with dishes like Cauliflower And Ham Chowder for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Red Eye Gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of water or additional coffee to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Eye Gravy contains roughly 2504 calories, with 47g protein, 412g carbohydrates, and 114g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (373% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (239% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the chicken base with vegetable broth or a vegetable bouillon to create a vegetarian version of the gravy. Additionally, you can omit the meat entirely and use this gravy as a flavorful sauce for roasted vegetables or grilled tofu.
What type of coffee works best for this recipe?
A strong, dark roast coffee is recommended for making Red Eye Gravy as it adds depth and richness to the flavor. Brew a fresh pot of coffee specifically for the dish to ensure the best taste, as stale coffee can alter the gravy's outcome.
How can I thicken the gravy without using roux?
If you prefer not to use roux, you can thicken the gravy by simmering it longer to reduce the liquid or by adding a cornstarch slurry. Mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water, stir it into the gravy, and cook until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).