Are you a fan of homemade beef bone broth?
If so, you may have noticed a layer of fat that forms on top of the broth after it has cooled.
Don’t throw it away!
This fat is actually incredibly nutrient-dense and can be used as a healthy cooking fat.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using beef tallow and provide you with some easy and delicious ways to incorporate it into your cooking.
So, let’s dive in and discover what to do with the fat from beef bone broth!
What To Do With Fat From Beef Bone Broth?
The first step in using the fat from beef bone broth is to skim it off the top of the cooled broth. You can use a spoon or spatula to remove the fat, which will have hardened and risen to the surface.
Once you have collected enough fat, you can render it by gently heating it over low heat until it is completely liquid. Then, strain it through a cheesecloth placed over a fine sieve to remove any bits or impurities.
Now that you have rendered beef tallow, what can you do with it?
One of the best things about beef tallow is that it has a high smoke point, making it ideal for high-heat cooking methods like frying and sautéing. It adds a rich flavor to meals and is incredibly nutrient-dense.
You can use beef tallow in place of butter or other cooking fats in many recipes. For example, try sautéing mirepoix (a mixture of onions, carrots, and celery) for soup in beef tallow for added flavor. Or use it to make crispy french fries or fried chicken.
Beef tallow can also be used as a spread on toast or as a replacement for butter in baked goods like pie crusts. It adds a unique flavor and richness that can take your recipes to the next level.
The Benefits Of Beef Tallow
Beef tallow is more than just a flavorful cooking fat. It also offers numerous health benefits that make it a valuable addition to any diet.
First and foremost, beef tallow is rich in essential fatty acids and cholesterol. These nutrients play important roles in the body, including supporting brain function and regulating appetite and body weight. When sourced from organic, grass-fed cattle, beef tallow can also provide essential fatty acids that support metabolism and weight management.
Additionally, beef tallow is packed with vitamins and minerals. It contains high levels of vitamins A, D, E, K, and B1, which are essential for healthy skin, eyesight, teeth, and bone health. Tallow also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help prevent certain types of cancer.
Consuming healthy fats like beef tallow can also stimulate the release of glucagon, a hormone that signals the body to burn stored fat for energy. This makes it an ideal fat for those following a ketogenic diet or looking to lose weight.
Not only is beef tallow good for internal health, but it can also benefit the skin when used topically. Its high saturated fat content nourishes skin cell membranes, keeping skin smooth and soft. Tallow is also easily absorbed by the skin and closely resembles the structure of human skin cells.
How To Store Beef Tallow
After you have rendered the beef tallow, you will want to store it properly to ensure its longevity. One easy way to do this is to pour the liquid tallow into a glass jar like a mason jar or another sealed container.
Before pouring the tallow, make sure it has cooled completely at room temperature. This will prevent any moisture from forming inside the jar, which could cause the tallow to spoil.
It’s also important to strain the tallow carefully to remove any impurities or bits of food that may have been left behind during rendering. You can use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to do this.
Once you have poured the tallow into the jar, make sure to seal it tightly with a lid. Store the jar in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cabinet.
Beef tallow can last for several months when stored properly in the refrigerator. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to a year.
When you are ready to use the tallow, simply scoop out what you need and let it come to room temperature before using it in your recipe.
Cooking With Beef Tallow: Tips And Tricks
Cooking with beef tallow can be a game changer in the kitchen. Here are some tips and tricks to make the most out of this versatile ingredient:
1. Use it for high-heat cooking: Beef tallow has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without burning or smoking. This makes it perfect for frying, sautéing, and searing meats.
2. Replace other fats with beef tallow: Beef tallow can be used in place of other cooking fats like butter or vegetable oil in many recipes. It adds a unique flavor and richness that can take your dishes to the next level.
3. Render your own tallow: If you have access to beef fat, you can easily render your own tallow at home. Simply collect the fat that pools up after cooking beef, remove any solids, and heat it over low heat until it becomes liquid. Strain it through a cheesecloth to remove any impurities and store it in a glass container.
4. Flavor your tallow: You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary to your tallow for added flavor. Just remove any extra ingredients before freezing if you want it to keep longer.
5. Try it in savory dishes: Beef tallow is great for making savory dishes like pot pies, casseroles, and roasted vegetables. It adds a rich and delicious flavor that will have your taste buds singing.
Recipes To Try With Beef Tallow
Here are some delicious recipes to try using beef tallow:
1. Beef Tallow Roasted Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss your favorite vegetables (such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes) with melted beef tallow and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
2. Beef Tallow Fried Rice: Heat a large skillet over high heat and add a tablespoon of beef tallow. Add cooked rice, diced vegetables, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce to the skillet and stir-fry until heated through. The beef tallow adds a rich flavor to the dish.
3. Beef Tallow Chocolate Cake: This flourless chocolate cake recipe uses beef tallow instead of butter for a unique twist. Melt together 1/2 cup of beef tallow and 8 ounces of dark chocolate. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 eggs and 1/2 cup of sugar. Fold the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and pour into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until set.
4. Beef Tallow Popcorn: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of beef tallow. Add popcorn kernels to the pot and cover with a lid. Shake the pot occasionally until the popping slows down. Remove from heat and season with salt and any other desired toppings.
5. Beef Tallow Fried Chicken: In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Dip chicken pieces in beaten eggs and then coat in the flour mixture. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough beef tallow to cover the bottom of the pan. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides.
These recipes are just a few examples of how you can use beef tallow in your cooking. Experiment with different dishes and see how this versatile ingredient can elevate your meals!
Conclusion: Don’t Waste The Nutrient-Dense Fat From Beef Bone Broth
In conclusion, don’t waste the nutrient-dense fat from beef bone broth. It is a rich source of healthy fats and nutrients that can be used in a variety of ways. By rendering the fat, you can create beef tallow, which has a high smoke point and can be used in place of butter or other cooking fats.
Using beef tallow in your cooking not only adds flavor but also provides your body with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. So next time you make beef bone broth, make sure to save the fat and put it to good use in your cooking. Your taste buds and your body will thank you.
