Easy Apple Cider Gastrique Recipe for Perfect Turkey
A tangy, sweet, and glossy sauce that elevates turkey, pork, or roasted vegetables with a perfect balance of flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/3 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: thyme or rosemary
Instructions
- Measure your ingredients beforehand to make cooking seamless.
- In a small saucepan, add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar melts and turns a light amber color. This can take 5–7 minutes.
- Slowly pour in 1/3 cup of white vinegar, stirring constantly. Be careful as the mixture may bubble up.
- Gradually add 1 cup of apple cider, stirring to combine. Keep the heat on medium and let the mixture simmer for 10–12 minutes, reducing slightly.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, letting it melt completely into the sauce to achieve a glossy texture.
- Add a pinch of salt and, if desired, a sprig of thyme or rosemary. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- If you used herbs, strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer. Serve warm over turkey slices or as a side dipping sauce.
Notes
[‘Let the sugar melt slowly to avoid burning—it should be golden, not dark brown.’, ‘Use high-quality apple cider for the best flavor.’, ‘Taste as you go and adjust sweetness or tanginess by tweaking the sugar or vinegar amount.’, ‘The gastrique should coat the back of a spoon when ready.’, ‘This sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated gently on the stove.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 10
Keywords: apple cider gastrique, turkey sauce, holiday recipe, sweet and tangy sauce, easy gastrique recipe