How To Make Beef Tallow At Home

Reasons You’ll Love This Beef Tallow Recipe

• Versatile: Use it for frying, sautéing, or even as a spread
• Cost-effective: Make a large batch at home for a fraction of the store-bought price
• Pure and natural: Control exactly what goes into your cooking fat
• Enhanced flavor: Adds a rich, savory taste to your dishes

What is Homemade Beef Tallow?

Beef tallow is a rendered form of beef fat, traditionally used in cooking for centuries. It became famous when it was revealed that McDonald’s used it to fry their famous french fries until the 1990s, contributing to their iconic taste.

Historically, tallow was a staple in many kitchens before the rise of vegetable oils. It’s packed with nutrients and has several benefits. Beef tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E, K, and B1 and contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), known for its potential health benefits.

One of the standout features of beef tallow is its high smoke point, making it fantastic for cooking and frying. Not only does it impart amazing flavor to your dishes, but it also reduces the likelihood of a smoky kitchen after cooking. You can use it as a substitute for butter, lard, or other cooking oils in most recipes.

What’s in This Beef Tallow Recipe?

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

• Fresh Beef Fat: The star of the show! Beef fat, also known as suet, is the raw material for our tallow. It’s typically harvested from around the kidneys and loins of the cow. Look for grass-fed beef fat if possible, as it tends to have a better nutritional profile.

Items Needed:

• Fine Mesh Strainer: This is crucial for separating the liquid tallow from any remaining solids after rendering. It ensures a smooth, pure final product.
• Mason Jars for Storage: These airtight containers are perfect for storing your homemade tallow. They keep it fresh and make it easy to scoop out as needed.

Substitutions and Additions

• Herbs and Spices: While not traditional, you can infuse your tallow with herbs or spices during the rendering process for flavored tallow.
• Leaf Lard: If you can’t find beef fat, pork leaf lard can be used as a substitute. The process is the same, but the flavor will be slightly different.

How to Make Cooking Beef Tallow (step-by-step directions)

• Start by cutting the beef fat into small, uniform pieces. This helps it render more evenly.
• Place the fat pieces in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. (Photo 1)
• Set your oven to a low temperature, around 250°F (120°C).
• Put the pot in the oven and let it slowly render for several hours. Stir occasionally.
• Once the fat has mostly liquefied and you see crispy bits (cracklings) floating, it’s ready.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. (Photo 2)
• Strain the liquid tallow through a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into clean Mason jars. (Photos 3 & 4)

• Allow the tallow to cool to room temperature, then secure the lids tightly. (Photo 5)
• Refrigerate for about 48 hours or until the tallow has fully solidified. (Photo 6)

Recipe Tips

• Choose high-quality, grass-fed beef fat for the best flavor and nutritional profile.
• Keep the rendering temperature low to prevent burning or smoking.
• Don’t discard the cracklings – they’re delicious sprinkled over salads or as a snack!
• For a purer tallow, you can render it a second time at an even lower temperature.

Storing Tips

Homemade beef tallow is surprisingly shelf-stable and can last up to a month at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. However, for longer storage, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator, where it can last for several months.

For longer storage, you can freeze beef tallow in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator.

A helpful tip: when placing your jars in the fridge to set, store them upside down. This helps separate any remaining water from the fat. Once set, you can pour off this water, which will help your tallow last even longer.

When stored in the fridge, beef tallow will be a soft solid, similar to the consistency of butter. At room temperature, it will soften and become more liquid, much like coconut oil. Both consistencies are normal and safe to use.

Serving Suggestions

Beef tallow is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Here are some delicious ways to use your homemade tallow:

1. Use it to fry up some Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes for an extra crispy exterior.
2. Incorporate it into your Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix for a richer flavor in your tacos.
3. Use it as the fat in your Homemade Spaghetti Seasoning Spice Blend for an authentic Italian taste.
4. Brush it on Rosemary Lemon Boneless Chicken Thighs before roasting for extra crispy skin.
5. Use it to sauté vegetables for Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers for added depth of flavor.

Remember, a little goes a long way with beef tallow, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste!

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