Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Place a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter until foaming. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 3 minutes until the color shifts to a toasted almond brown.
  2. Add the seasonings. Stir in the onion powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Toasting the spices for 30 seconds helps release their essential oils.
  3. Slowly pour in the 2 cups of beef broth, whisking vigorously with your other hand. The aroma will shift from toasted flour to a savory meatiness.
  4. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. This is where the color deepens significantly.
  5. Continue whisking over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Dip a clean spoon in and check the seasoning. It should taste balanced, savory, and silky.
  7. Remove from heat. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools, so don't over reduce it in the pan.