If you’ve never cooked with beef tallow, you’re missing out on a flavorful, nutrient-rich ingredient that can take your meals to the next level. With its high smoke point and deep, savory taste, it’s perfect for frying, roasting, and even baking. Whether you’re craving crispy fries, flaky biscuits, or perfectly golden fried chicken, this collection of beef tallow recipes will show you just how versatile this traditional cooking fat can be. Let’s dive into five must-try dishes!
How to Make Beef Tallow?
If you’ve ever wondered how to make beef tallow, the process is surprisingly simple and requires just one ingredient: beef suet. Beef tallow is rendered fat that becomes a shelf-stable, versatile cooking oil perfect for frying, roasting, and even making skincare products. To make it, start by trimming any meat from the suet and cutting it into small chunks. Slowly melt the fat in a heavy-bottomed pot or slow cooker on low heat, stirring occasionally. As it renders, the fat will separate from any solid bits, which will turn golden and crispy. Once fully melted (about 3–4 hours), strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove impurities. Pour the strained tallow into a glass jar and let it cool until it solidifies. Now you have homemade beef tallow, ready to use for cooking or storing at room temperature!
Why Use Beef Tallow in Cooking?
Beef tallow, rendered fat from beef, is making a comeback in kitchens worldwide. Known for its high smoke point and rich flavor, beef tallow is perfect for frying, roasting, and even baking. If you’ve been curious about how to use this versatile ingredient, these 5 beef tallow recipes will inspire your next culinary adventure.
- High Smoke Point: Ideal for high-heat cooking methods like frying and roasting.
- Flavorful: Adds a rich, beefy flavor to dishes.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
- Economical: A sustainable way to use every part of the animal.
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5 Must-Try Recipes with Beef Tallow
Looking for delicious ways to use tallow in your cooking? These recipes with beef tallow showcase its rich flavor and versatility, from crispy fries to flaky biscuits and golden fried chicken. Get ready to elevate your meals with this classic cooking fat!
1. Crispy Beef Tallow Fries
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, cut into fries
- 1 cup beef tallow
- Salt to taste
Steps:
- Heat the beef tallow in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F.
- Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat dry.
- Fry the potatoes in batches until golden and crispy, about 5–7 minutes per batch.
- Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and serve hot.
Why It’s Great:
Beef tallow creates perfectly crispy fries with a rich flavor that’s far superior to vegetable oils.
2. Roasted Vegetables with Beef Tallow
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts)
- 2 tbsp beef tallow, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Toss the vegetables with melted beef tallow, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Serve warm as a side dish or main course.
Why It’s Great:
The beef tallow enhances the caramelization of the vegetables, creating deep, savory flavors.
3. Beef Tallow Pie Crust
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chilled beef tallow
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
Steps:
- In a food processor, pulse flour, tallow, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Roll out the dough and use it for pies or savory tarts.
- Bake according to your recipe instructions.
Why It’s Great:
Beef tallow gives the crust a flaky texture and a subtle, savory depth of flavor.
4. One of our Favorite Recipes using Beef Tallow - Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup beef tallow
Steps:
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Heat beef tallow in a skillet to 350°F.
- Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture and fry until golden and cooked through, about 10–12 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels and serve.
Why It’s Great:
Beef tallow creates perfectly crisp chicken with a rich, deep flavor that elevates this comfort food classic. If you love cooking with traditional fats, these recipes using beef tallow will take your dishes to the next level!
5. Beef Tallow Biscuits
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup chilled beef tallow
- 3/4 cup whole milk
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in chilled beef tallow until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk until just combined. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden brown.
Why It’s Great:
These biscuits are ultra-flaky and buttery, with a subtle richness from the beef tallow.
Conclusion
Beef tallow is a versatile, flavorful ingredient that deserves a spot in your kitchen. Whether you’re frying, roasting, or baking, these recipes highlight its potential to transform everyday dishes into something extraordinary. Give beef tallow a try, and elevate your cooking with its unbeatable flavor and texture!