What is beef tallow? Simply put, beef tallow is rendered beef fat, and it’s making a big comeback. Once a staple in kitchens and homes for everything from cooking to skincare, beef tallow is now loved for its versatility, natural benefits and nostalgic nod to traditional living.
If you love knowing exactly what goes into your food and products, tallow might just become your new favorite. Think of tallow as the ultimate multitasker.
It’s a fantastic high-heat cooking fat, a natural skin moisturizer and even a key ingredient for DIY projects like homemade candles and balms. Plus, with its long shelf life and nutrient-dense profile, beef tallow has a lot to offer, whether you’re frying up crispy vegetables or crafting a handmade soap.
Beef Tallow Belongs in Your Kitchen (Here's Why)
Beef tallow stands out for its high smoke point of around 400°F, which makes it perfect for frying, roasting, and sautéing. Unlike many industrial oils, it doesn’t break down as easily under heat, meaning you get a crispy, golden texture without the smoky mess. It also lends a subtle, savory flavor that enhances anything from roasted potatoes to pie crusts.
A return to tradition
Using beef tallow connects you with traditional cooking methods - think hearty meals from simpler times. And you know me, I'm all about ancestral cooking and embracing the wisdom of generations past (read more about that in this post on truly nourishing foods according to ancient wisdom).
Beef tallow is an excellent alternative to modern vegetable oils without artificial additives. Plus, making it yourself, it’s just rendered and strained beef fat, is simple, satisfying, and cost-effective.
Versatility in cooking
Beef tallow isn’t just for frying. Use it to coat vegetables before roasting, add richness to stews when sauteeing the mirepoix, or even replace butter in certain baked goods. The flavor is mild enough to complement most dishes while adding a depth that’s hard to replicate with other fats.
Cooking with Beef Tallow
Beef tallow is an incredibly versatile fat that earns its place in any kitchen - no need to rehash the high smoke point, but let’s just say it shines whether you're frying, sautéing, roasting, or pretty much anything in between.
Frying and sauteing
Tallow’s high smoke point of around 400°F means it holds up well under high heat. Whether you’re frying crispy vegetables or searing meat, tallow ensures consistent results without breaking down like many oils. Think golden French fries (just like McDonald's used to make them!) or perfectly crispy fried chicken. Perfection.
Roasting vegetables
Toss root vegetables like roasted carrots, sweet potato fries, or Brussels sprouts in melted tallow before roasting for a crispy exterior and rich, caramelized flavor. It’s a simple way to make everyday vegetables taste gourmet.
Baking applications
Tallow can also be used in baked goods like biscuits or pie crusts, providing a flaky texture similar to butter or shortening. It’s a fantastic option for savory pastries or breads that call for a rich and hearty base.
Flavor enhancer
A dollop of beef tallow stirred into soups, stews, or sauces deepens the flavor, adding an extra layer of richness that other fats can’t replicate. It's like a flavor booster from the past - basically the non-MSG that still makes people ask, "What did you put in this?!"
All the savory depth, none of the sketchy additives. It's also why I love starting my soups with beef tallow - it lays down a rich, savory base so the soup has flavor before it even really gets going.
Every good pot of borsch starts with a good cooking fat, aka beef tallow.
Here's a few recipes to get you started with beef tallow:
Non-Culinary Uses of Beef Tallow
While beef tallow shines in cooking, its uses don’t stop there. Tallow’s rich, natural texture makes it ideal for crafting homemade skincare products. For instance, it’s a game-changer in recipes like whipped tallow body balm, which mimics the skin’s natural oils and provides deep hydration without clogging pores.
Soap making
Tallow has long been prized for its ability to create firm, long-lasting bars of soap that lather beautifully. Try it in this homemade bar soap to create a practical and nourishing product. Unlike synthetic soap bases, tallow-based soaps are gentle on the skin and environmentally friendly.
Candles and beyond
Tallow is also a key ingredient in DIY candles. Its high melting point and slow burn time make it an excellent choice for crafting candles that last longer and burn cleanly.
I don't make candles much these days, but I love that others can use beef tallow as a non-toxic, natural alternative to conventional waxes. It’s a biodegradable, sustainable option that fits well with eco-conscious lifestyles.
Two Paths to Pure, Golden Beef Tallow
Making beef tallow at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to control the quality.
I usually make a shortcut version of beef tallow when I’m cooking beef bone broth. After it cools, I skim off the layer of fat that solidifies on top and melt it down in a small saucepan until it’s fully rendered. What I’m left with is pure beef tallow - simple and no waste. I walk through the whole process in my post on how to make tallow from bone broth.
For the traditional method, all you need is fresh beef fat (ideally suet) and a fine mesh strainer. The process involves slowly rendering the fat, straining out impurities and letting it cool to solidify. If you're starting with pure suet, check out this article on how to make beef tallow for a detailed recipe and guide.
Once you’ve made your tallow, you’ll find endless uses for it. Whether you’re frying up crispy vegetables, crafting handmade skincare products, or seasoning your cast-iron skillet, homemade tallow is a versatile and cost-effective option.
Why skip store-bought tallow?
Store-bought tallow often contains additives or preservatives to extend its shelf life. When you make your own, you know exactly what’s in it - pure, rendered beef fat, just as it should be. It’s also an excellent way to reduce waste if you have leftover beef trimmings.
Homemade tallow can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for months, making it a practical staple to keep on hand. Plus, the satisfaction of making it yourself is worth the effort.
Tips for storing and using beef tallow
Beef tallow is incredibly shelf-stable, especially when stored in a cool, dry place. If you keep it in an airtight jar, it can last for up to a month at room temperature or several months in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions for up to three months.
When refrigerated, tallow solidifies into a soft, spreadable texture, much like coconut oil. This makes it easy to scoop out and use as needed. Whether you’re cooking with it or using it for non-culinary purposes, tallow’s versatility is unmatched.
Final thoughts
Beef tallow isn’t just a throwback to traditional cooking - it’s a versatile and sustainable ingredient that fits seamlessly into modern life. Whether you’re frying up your favorite comfort foods, making a nourishing body balm, or whipping homemade soap, beef tallow offers endless possibilities.
Rediscover the art of using beef tallow - because who doesn't love a timeless, all-natural product that's been around longer than your favorite avocado toast? It's simple, practical, and a great way to level up your everyday routines.
Plus, it adds that rich, savory goodness that no modern processed oil can touch. Go ahead, get back to basics and enjoy the benefits of fat that's as hardworking as you are.
Written by Trina Krug, MS, CDSP is a holistic nutritionist, recipe creator and advocate for human health. Her passion for low-carb lifestyles, gluten-free eating and real nutrition education has led to the creation of Trina Krug. Article slightly edited to reflect Anya's feedback.
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this article, made available via Food Drink Life, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. The Content presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or dietary changes. Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own risk.
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