Why Make This Recipe
Making beef tallow at home is a great way to add a rich flavor to your cooking. Grass-fed beef fat is a healthy fat that can elevate your dishes. It’s versatile, perfect for frying, roasting, or even making homemade soap. Plus, it’s inexpensive when you can get the fat from a butcher.
How to Make Easy Homemade Beef Tallow
Ingredients:
- 3-4 pounds white beef fat or suet
Directions:
- Place the beef fat or suet into a large 4-5 quart stock pot.
- Set the burner to medium-low heat.
- Simmer the fat at a low temperature for approximately 4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes with a wooden spatula.
- Periodically scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
- Continue cooking until the fat pieces are lightly browned and crisp.
- Turn off the heat and let the rendered fat cool slightly.
- Strain the liquid fat through a fine mesh strainer to remove large pieces.
- Perform a second strain using cheesecloth, coffee filters, or paper towels to ensure purity, pouring the filtered fat into a clean glass jar using a funnel.
- Allow the tallow to cool completely before sealing the jar.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Beef Tallow
Use your homemade beef tallow to fry vegetables, cook meats, or as a cooking fat for baked goods. It adds a unique flavor and can be a healthier option compared to other oils.
How to Store Easy Homemade Beef Tallow
Store the cooled tallow in a clean, airtight jar. Keep it in the fridge for up to a year. It can also be stored in a cool, dark place for a few months without refrigeration.
Tips to Make Easy Homemade Beef Tallow
- Always use high-quality beef fat or suet for the best flavor.
- Monitor the heat closely to avoid burning the fat.
- Don’t rush the rendering process; low and slow is key.
- Strain the tallow thoroughly for a cleaner taste.
Variation
You can infuse the tallow with herbs or garlic during the rendering process for extra flavor. Just add them to the pot in the last hour of cooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use tallow for baking?
Yes, beef tallow can be used in baking recipes just like butter or shortening.
2. Is beef tallow healthy?
In moderation, beef tallow is a good source of fatty acids and vitamins. It’s a natural fat with no additives.
3. Can I reuse beef tallow?
Yes, you can reuse tallow from cooking. Just strain it again and store it properly. Make sure it doesn’t have strong flavors from previous uses.
Homemade Beef Tallow
Ingredients
Method
- Place the beef fat or suet into a large 4-5 quart stock pot.
- Set the burner to medium-low heat.
- Simmer the fat at a low temperature for approximately 4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes with a wooden spatula.
- Periodically scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
- Continue cooking until the fat pieces are lightly browned and crisp.
- Turn off the heat and let the rendered fat cool slightly.
- Strain the liquid fat through a fine mesh strainer to remove large pieces.
- Perform a second strain using cheesecloth, coffee filters, or paper towels to ensure purity, pouring the filtered fat into a clean glass jar using a funnel.
- Allow the tallow to cool completely before sealing the jar.