How to thicken gravy, according to a James Beard Award-nominated chef

Thanksgiving gravy can be a divisive topic — just a few years back, Gordon Ramsey got roasted online for sharing a meal coated in a super runny gravy.

"There's no delicious thick gravy anywhere," Ramsay fired back to Business Insider at the time, in true "Hell's Kitchen" boss form. "So for any muppet out there that says my gravy looks thin, that's because it's a proper gravy."

But for those who prefer their gravy to have a little viscosity to it, we're sharing tips to make sure your Thanksgiving guests don't call complain behind your back.

"If your gravy is too runny, it’s usually because there’s not enough fat or flour to thicken it, or you’ve added too much liquid," James Beard Award-nominated chef Jerome Grant tells USA TODAY.

Never fear. Here's how to fix your grave(y) errors (sorry) this Thanksgiving.

How to thicken gravy

If your gravy is simmering on the stove and still feels too thin, you can mix equal parts cold water and either flour or cornstarch to make a slurry that can then be whisked into the gravy, Grant says.

Time is also a great ingredient, if you have it. (No, not thyme.) Grant recommends allowing the gravy enough time to simmer, which also helps to better reduce it and bring out the flavors.

"Sometimes it just needs a little more time to cook down and thicken," he says.

More: How to make amazing turkey gravy for Thanksgiving

Is cornstarch or flour better to thicken gravy?

There are pros and cons to choosing either cornstarch or flour as your gravy-thickening agent, depending on the texture and flavor you want and the time and resources you have.

"Cornstarch is quicker and gives the gravy a smoother, glossy finish, but it doesn’t add as much flavor as flour. You usually need less cornstarch to thicken your gravy compared to flour," Grant explains. "On the other hand, flour gives the gravy a richer texture and flavor, especially if you start with a roux—a mix of flour and fat. It might take a little longer to thicken, but it gives you that hearty, classic gravy feels."

More: Why 'overindulging' at your Thanksgiving dinner isn't a big deal

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to thicken gravy