What utensil is commonly used for portioning gravy?

The ladle is the utensil commonly used for portioning gravy due to its design and functionality. A ladle features a deep bowl and a long handle, which allows for the effective scooping and pouring of liquid, making it ideal for transferring gravy from its serving container to plates or bowls. The deep bowl can hold a generous amount, preventing spills and ensuring a neat serving, which is particularly important for sauces like gravy that are served alongside main dishes.

While other utensils, such as a spoon or spatula, can serve in a similar capacity, they do not offer the same efficiency or ease of pouring that a ladle provides. A spoon might not have the capacity needed for larger servings, and a spatula is primarily designed for spreading and flipping, not for liquid portioning. Therefore, the ladle's shape and function align perfectly with the task of serving gravy, confirming it as the best choice for this purpose.