We recently hosted an Empanada class and were surprised to find a couple of our clients purchased beef tallow rather than the fats suggested in the shopping list. This made us pause for a second, and wonder - what is this new surge of interest in this fat? Once a staple in kitchens across the world, has recently been rediscovered by food enthusiasts, gourmet chefs, and health-conscious individuals. But what exactly is beef tallow, are there any health benefits, what about cooking alternatives, and how do you use it used in cooking? Let's discover all about beef tallow.
What is Beef Tallow?
Beef tallow is the rendered fat from beef, typically derived from the fatty tissue around the kidneys and other internal organs. When the fat is slowly cooked or rendered, it becomes a solid at room temperature, and it can range in color from pale yellow to white. It’s similar in texture to lard, which is made from pork fat, but has a distinct flavor and properties.
Tallow is traditionally used in many cultures for both cooking and non-culinary purposes, including in soaps and candles. Today, it's making a comeback in the United States in cooking, particularly in the context of natural, whole foods and traditional cooking methods. In many countries, beef tallow never went out of trend, as traditional cooking methods are still daily practice.
What Does Beef Tallow Taste Like?
Beef tallow has a rich, savory, and slightly beefy flavor that sets it apart from other fats. The taste is full-bodied and umami-rich, with a subtle, savory depth that complements those irresistible hearty dishes like roasted meats and fried potatoes. The flavor isn't overwhelming or greasy; instead, it has a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a natural savory quality. It’s often described as being more flavorful than vegetable oils or lard, especially when used in dishes like French fries or stir-fries. Grass-fed tallow, in particular, tends to have a more complex and cleaner flavor, with hints of grassy, earthy notes, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a more authentic taste experience.
In What Ways Would Beef Tallow Be Used in Cooking?
Beef tallow is loved for its high smoking point (around 400°F or 204°C), which makes it an excellent fat for frying and searing. It’s versatile and can be used in various ways in the kitchen, including:
Frying and Deep-Frying: Beef tallow’s high smoking point makes it perfect for frying foods. Similar to duck fat potatoes, French fries fried in beef tallow are absolutely delightful. And other fried foods like fried chicken, fish and chips, and even doughnuts take a whole new rich flavor and crispy exterior.
Sautéing and Pan-Frying: You can use beef tallow to sauté vegetables, meat, or even eggs. It adds a deep, beefy flavor and makes a wonderful base for stir-fries or browning meats.
Roasting Vegetables: Tossing root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and parsnips in melted beef tallow before roasting results in a crispy, golden-brown exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Tallow gives the vegetables a savory, hearty flavor.
Baking: Beef tallow can be used in baking as a substitute for butter or lard. It’s particularly great in pie crusts and biscuits, because it adds that loved flaky texture.
Making Sauces and Gravies: Beef tallow can be used as a fat base for making gravies, sauces, or stews, adding a rich, savory depth to the dish.
Was Beef Tallow Used in McDonald's French Fries?
Yes, beef tallow was once a key ingredient in McDonald’s famous French fries. When McDonald's first introduced its fries in the 1950s, they were cooked in 100% beef tallow, which gave them that deliciously crispy exterior and rich, beefy flavor that many people remember.
Due to concerns about health and the rise of trans fats, McDonald’s switched to vegetable oils in the early 1990s. Today, McDonald's fries are cooked in a combination of canola, soybean, and hydrogenated oils to mimic the taste of beef tallow while meeting health regulations. But it wasn't just McDonald's that reached for beef tallow. Reports show that other popular chains also used it, including Burger King, Wendy's, Popeye's and the Los Angeles favorite, Bob's Big Boy.
Is Beef Tallow Healthy?
Fat is a necessity for life, so let's first consider that you must eat fat of some sort. Like most animal fats, beef tallow is a source of saturated fat, which has been controversial in health discussions. However, recent research has begun to challenge the old narrative that saturated fats are inherently harmful. Here’s a breakdown of the potential health aspects of beef tallow:
Nutritional Profile of Beef Tallow:
High in Saturated Fat: Tallow is rich in saturated fat, which has been shown to support healthy cell function, hormone production, and overall energy levels.
Monounsaturated Fat: It also contains monounsaturated fats (the same type of fat found in olive oil), which can help improve heart health and reduce inflammation.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Tallow contains small amounts of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for brain function, heart health, and reducing inflammation.
Vitamins: Beef tallow is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E, and K, which are important for immune function, bone health, and overall well-being.
Health Considerations:
Grass-Fed Beef Tallow: If you're looking for a healthier option, grass-fed beef tallow is preferable to conventionally raised tallow. Grass-fed animals tend to have a better balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids and contain higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants.
Moderation is Key: Like all fats, tallow should be consumed in moderation. It's a nutrient-dense food that can be part of a balanced diet, but too much fat, especially saturated fat, may contribute to cardiovascular issues.
What Are Alternatives to Beef Tallow?
While beef tallow is a versatile and flavorful fat, there are several alternatives if you’re looking for different flavors, dietary preferences, or plant-based options. Here are some alternatives:
Animal Based Fats
Lard: Like tallow, lard is making a comeback, particularly in the United States where it went out of fashion quite quickly. Lard is is rendered pork fat and shares many of the same cooking uses. It has a similar smoking point and can be used for frying, sautéing, and baking.
Duck Fat: Duck fat is similar to beef tallow in terms of flavor, with a rich, savory profile. It’s perfect for roasting, frying, or even making confit dishes.
Butter: If you're looking for a dairy option, butter can be used in many of the same applications as beef tallow, though it has a lower smoking point. It’s great for sautéing, roasting vegetables, or making sauces.
Ghee: Ghee is clarified butter that has had the milk solids removed, making it lactose-free and suitable for those with dairy sensitivities. It has a high smoke point and rich, nutty flavor.
Plant Based Fats:
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a plant-based alternative that can work for frying, sautéing, and baking. It has a distinct flavor and is solid at room temperature, like beef tallow.
Olive Oil: While not solid at room temperature, extra virgin olive oil is an excellent alternative for sautéing, roasting, and making dressings. It has a lower smoke point than tallow but is high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Avocado Oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it great for frying and sautéing. It also offers a good balance of monounsaturated fats.
Canola Oil: A more neutral option, canola oil is commonly used for frying and baking. It has a relatively high smoke point but doesn’t impart much flavor.
Vegetable Oil: A widely available alternative, vegetable oil is a go-to fat for frying and sautéing. It's neutral in flavor and works in most recipes that call for tallow or lard.
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