What is Beef Tallow and What are the Best Substitutes?

Beef tallow is a rendered fat from beef that was once a popular cooking fat due to its rich, savory flavor. However, due to its high saturated fat content and health concerns, it is no longer as widely used.

What is Beef Tallow Used For?

Beef tallow can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

Cooking: It can be used for frying, sauteing, and roasting. It adds a rich flavor to meats, vegetables, and other dishes.
Baking: It can be used in pie crusts, biscuits, and other baked goods. It adds a flaky texture and a rich flavor.
Soap making: It can be used to make soap, which is known for its moisturizing properties.
Candles: It can be used to make candles, which have a long burn time and a pleasant aroma.

Why Use a Substitute for Beef Tallow?

While beef tallow has many uses, there are several reasons why you might want to use a substitute:

Health concerns: Beef tallow is high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Availability: Beef tallow can be difficult to find in some areas.
Ethical concerns: Some people object to using animal products.

Best Beef Tallow Substitutes

There are a variety of substitutes that you can use for beef tallow, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the best options:

All-Around Substitutes:

Lard: Lard is a rendered fat from pork that has a similar flavor and texture to beef tallow. It is a good all-around substitute for beef tallow in most recipes.
Schmaltz: Schmaltz is a rendered fat from chicken that has a mild flavor and can be used in any dish where beef tallow is typically used.

Raw Cooking Substitutes:

Macadamia oil: Macadamia oil has a substantial mouthfeel that most closely mimics the mouthfeel of animal fat, making it a good substitute for raw cooking.

Regular Cooking Substitutes:

Lard: Lard can be used for cooking at normal heat temperatures but not high heat as the smoke point isn’t high enough, and it will burn. It brings a deep flavor and heartiness that can’t be replaced by anything on the vegan spectrum.
Schmaltz: Schmaltz can be used for cooking at normal heat temperatures but not high heat as the smoke point isn’t high enough, and it will burn. It brings depth to all types of cooking, especially with roasting vegetables and potatoes.

High-Heat Cooking Substitutes:

Ghee: Ghee has a smoke point of around 480 degrees, higher than lard and schmaltz, making it a good substitute for high-heat cooking. However, the flavor won’t be anything like beef fat.

Flavor-Specific Substitutes:

Lard: Lard has a slightly closer flavor to beef tallow than schmaltz.
Animal shortening containing beef fat: This can be difficult to find, but it would be the closest in flavor to beef tallow.

Neutral-Flavored Substitutes:

Shortening: Shortening is a good neutral-flavored substitute for beef tallow. It is not a liquid at room temperature, though it is more solid than fat.

Budget-Friendly Substitutes:

Shortening: Shortening is cheap as it is made with hydrogenated vegetable oils.
DIY beef tallow: Making your own beef tallow is a simple process of melting down beef fat and straining it into a container.

Healthy Substitutes:

Refined coconut oil: Refined coconut oil is a healthy plant-based alternative to beef tallow. It is solid at room temperature and full of healthy fatty acids.

Keto/Paleo/Whole30 Substitutes:

Lard: Lard is keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, and Whole30-friendly.
Unrefined coconut oil: Unrefined coconut oil is suitable for these diets, but the flavor will be noticeable in your dishes.

Plant-Based Substitutes:

Refined coconut oil: Refined coconut oil is a good plant-based alternative to lard. It is one of the few solid at room temperature, so it can be used for pastry making.
Vegetable-based shortening: Some prefer to avoid hydrogenated oils, so this may not be the best option for everyone.

FAQs

What is beef tallow used for? Beef tallow can be used for cooking, baking, soap making, and making candles.
Can I put beef tallow on my face? Yes, but it is heavy and may clog pores. It is best to do a patch test first.

There are many reasons why you might want to use a substitute for beef tallow. Fortunately, there are a variety of options available, depending on your needs and preferences. Whether you are looking for a healthier option, a plant-based alternative, or simply something that is easier to find, there is a substitute out there for you.

Best Beef Tallow Substitute for High-Heat Cooking: Ghee

If your recipe calls for a lot of heat, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use ghee, the closest high-heat substitute, instead of animal fats, which will smoke out your kitchen and catch fire—I know from painful experience.

Ghee can be used for frying, but its flavor will not resemble beef fat because it has a smoke point that is approximately 480 degrees, higher than that of lard and schmaltz. Ghee, in my opinion, works best in dishes that call for the nutty flavor it adds, like stews and curries.

Best Raw Cooking Substitute For Beef Tallow: Macadamia Oil

Selecting a raw beef tallow substitute proved challenging because the substance is typically solid at room temperature and isn’t used for raw cooking. But if I had to pick one, macadamia oil would be it. Nothing tastes quite like beef tallow, but macadamia oil fat has a thick mouthfeel that most closely resembles animal fat, so that would be my first choice!

Saving Meat Drippings for Bouillon and Fat

FAQ

Can I use butter instead of beef dripping?

Generally, butter can be easily substituted with tallow in most recipes. However, it will have a significant impact on the taste and texture of the dish.

What can I substitute for beef drippings in Yorkshire pudding?

Bacon fat always makes a suitable substitute, but will produce a slightly different flavor. This may seem like a lot of fat, but most of it will be left in the bottom of your skillet after the Yorkshire pudding is done. If you use a larger skillet, you may need to add more fat, up to 1/2 cup total.

Can you use Crisco instead of beef tallow?

Tallow and Crisco are both types of fat used for cooking and baking, but there are several reasons why fresh tallow is considered to be a better choice than Crisco. Firstly, fresh tallow is a natural product that is rendered from animal fat. In contrast, Crisco is a heavily processed and hydrogenated vegetable oil.

What is a vegetarian alternative to beef dripping?

Refined coconut oil is probably the best plant-based alternative to lard. It is one of the few solid at room temperature, so it can be used for pastry making. You could also go with a vegetable-based shortening, though some prefer to avoid hydrogenated oils.

What is a good substitute for beef dripping?

Goose fat is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin K, and calcium. Lard is a great substitute for beef dripping in cooking and baking. It has a similar consistency to beef dripping and can be used in most recipes that call for it.

What is the healthier substitute of brisket?

Brisket is high in fat. Instead of brisket, lean meat like chicken, turkey and fish will be a good option for healthy lifestyle. Chicken is good source of protein and has very less fat. Omega-3-fatty acids are good for healthy heart, which we used to get from fish.

Can beef dripping be used as a substitute for butter?

Yes, beef dripping can be used as a substitute for butter, lard, or vegetable oil in many recipes. It adds a unique flavor and richness to dishes that other fats cannot replicate. Can I make beef dripping at home?

Is lard a good substitute for beef dripping?

Lard is a great substitute for beef dripping in cooking and baking. It has a similar consistency to beef dripping and can be used in most recipes that call for it. Lard is also a healthier option than beef dripping, as it is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. Lard is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.