This Hairy Bikers onion gravy recipe is one of those comforting kitchen classics. It feels warm and familiar. It smells rich and deep.
I make this gravy when I want food to feel like a hug. The Hairy Bikers onion gravy recipe is simple, honest and full of flavor. It uses slow-cooked onions and basic pantry items.
If you want to learn how to make Hairy Bikers onion gravy, you are in the right place. These are the real ingredients for Hairy Bikers onion gravy, cooked with care and patience.
Why I Love Making This Hairy Bikers Onion Gravy
I love this gravy because it teaches patience. You cannot rush onions. They need time. They need gentle heat. When I cook this gravy, my kitchen smells sweet and savory.
It reminds me of Sunday roasts and family dinners. I often make it while chatting or listening to music. This gravy feels forgiving. If you stir slowly and taste often, it always turns out good. It makes simple food feel special.
Equipment List
- Large heavy-bottom pan
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring jug
- Whisk
- Small bowl
Recipe Overview
- Recipe Name: Hairy Bikers Onion Gravy
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Course: Side dish
- Cuisine: British
- Calories: 110 kcal per serving

Ingredients You Need for Hairy Bikers Onion Gravy
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 500 ml beef stock
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, optional
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Slice the Onions
Peel the onions. Slice them thin and even. This helps them cook slowly and evenly.
2. Heat the Pan
Place the pan on medium heat. Add butter and olive oil. Let them melt together gently.
3. Add the Onions
Add the sliced onions to the pan. Stir well to coat them with fat.
4. Cook Slowly
Lower the heat. Cook onions for 20 minutes. Stir often until soft and golden.
5. Add Sugar
Sprinkle sugar over onions. This helps them caramelize and taste sweeter.
6. Add Flour
Sprinkle flour over onions. Stir well. Cook for two minutes to remove raw taste.
7. Pour in Stock
Slowly add beef stock. Stir constantly to avoid lumps forming.
8. Add Seasoning
Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and thyme. Stir gently to combine.
9. Simmer the Gravy
Let the gravy simmer for 10 minutes. Stir often until thick and glossy.
10. Taste and Adjust
Taste the gravy. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use red onions for a sweeter gravy flavor.
- Cook onions very slowly for best color.
- Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
- Add a splash of red wine for deeper flavor.
- Blend the gravy for a smooth texture.
- Add mushrooms for extra richness.
- Use chicken stock for lighter gravy.
History or Fun Fact About the Dish
Onion gravy has deep roots in British cooking. It started as a simple sauce for meat. Cooks used onions to stretch flavors cheaply. The Hairy Bikers made it popular again.
They celebrate honest food made with care. Their recipes focus on comfort and tradition. Onion gravy became a symbol of home cooking and warmth.
Pairings & Complementary Recipes
This gravy pairs well with many dishes. Pour it over mashed potatoes. Spoon it onto sausages. Serve it with roast beef or chicken. It tastes great with Yorkshire pudding.
I also love it with meat pies. Even simple bread tastes better dipped in this gravy. It turns plain meals into something special.
Occasion or Event Ideas
Serve this gravy at Sunday lunch. Use it for holiday dinners. Make it for family gatherings. It is perfect for cold evenings.
Add it to weeknight meals. It works well for potlucks. It makes comfort food feel complete. This gravy always feels welcome on the table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Let gravy cool completely before storing.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheat gently on low heat.
- Stir often while reheating.
- Add a splash of stock if too thick.
- Freeze for up to one month.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
Health Benefits
Onions are rich in antioxidants. They support heart health. They may help reduce inflammation. This gravy uses simple ingredients. It contains no processed additives.
Using homemade stock adds minerals. Eating this gravy in moderation fits a balanced diet. It adds flavor without heavy cream or sugar.

Hairy Bikers Onion Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 large onions thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 500 ml beef stock
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme optional
Instructions
Slice the Onions
- Peel the onions. Slice them thin and even. This helps them cook slowly and evenly.
Heat the Pan
- Place the pan on medium heat. Add butter and olive oil. Let them melt together gently.
Add the Onions
- Add the sliced onions to the pan. Stir well to coat them with fat.
Cook Slowly
- Lower the heat. Cook onions for 20 minutes. Stir often until soft and golden.
Add Sugar
- Sprinkle sugar over onions. This helps them caramelize and taste sweeter.
Add Flour
- Sprinkle flour over onions. Stir well. Cook for two minutes to remove raw taste.
Pour in Stock
- Slowly add beef stock. Stir constantly to avoid lumps forming.
Add Seasoning
- Add Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and thyme. Stir gently to combine.
Simmer the Gravy
- Let the gravy simmer for 10 minutes. Stir often until thick and glossy.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the gravy. Add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use red onions for a sweeter gravy flavor.
- Cook onions very slowly for best color.
- Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version.
- Add a splash of red wine for deeper flavor.
- Blend the gravy for a smooth texture.
- Add mushrooms for extra richness.
- Use chicken stock for lighter gravy.
FAQs about Hairy Bikers Onion Gravy Recipe
Can I make this gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it earlier. Store it in the fridge. Reheat slowly while stirring often before serving.
Why do my onions burn instead of caramelize?
Your heat may be too high. Lower the heat. Cook slowly and stir often for even cooking.
Can I make this gravy vegetarian?
Yes, use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. The flavor stays rich and satisfying.
How do I fix lumpy gravy?
Whisk well while adding stock. You can also blend the gravy to remove lumps.
Can I freeze onion gravy?
Yes, let it cool fully. Freeze in a sealed container. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Hairy Bikers onion gravy recipe is simple and comforting. It proves great flavor needs patience, not fancy tools.
If you follow the steps and trust the process, it always works. Learning how to make Hairy Bikers onion gravy brings joy to everyday meals.
Keep these ingredients for Hairy Bikers onion gravy close. You will return to this recipe often.

Zoey Lane is the voice behind ZoeyCooks.com, where she shares comforting, home-tested recipes inspired by everyday cooking. She believes great food should be simple, approachable and enjoyable to make.












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