How to Make a Roux

Learning the simple steps to making a roux from butter and flour will add depth, color and most importantly flavor to soup and sauce recipes.

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How To: Make a Roux

Mastering roux will add depth, color, and most importantly flavor to your recipes.

Step 1: Make a Light Roux

Melt the butter over medium low heat. Then add the flour.

Step 2: Stir the Butter and Flour

Stir constantly with a wooden spoon in a figure eight motion for even cooking.

Step 3: Use the Roux

In 3 to 5 minutes, you'll have a light roux that should puff slightly. Use this for white sauces, like white pepper gravy or a Bechamel for mac and cheese.

Step 4: Brown Roux

For perfect gravy, you want a brown roux so continue cooking the roux a little longer. Roux takes time and patience, so just keep stirring. After about 6 or 7 minutes it will smell a little nutty and turn pale brown.

Step 5: Dark Roux

If you take it even further, about 8 to 15 minutes or longer, you'll get a dark roux. This is great for cajun and creole cooking. The longer the roux cooks, the less thickening power it has in the end.

Step 6: Let it Cool

No matter what the color, let it cool slightly before adding a liquid, like stock or milk. Use a whisk to incorporate and simmer to desired thickness.