Is Beef Tallow Good for Frying? Benefits and How to Use It

Beef tallow is back in vogue as a rich-tasting, great frying fat.

Many oils and fats boast of their suitability for high heat cooking, but beef tallow is unique in its stability, flavor and nutrient profile (1).

If you’re interested in cooking with beef tallow, this guide will show you the benefits, how to use it, and how to choose high quality beef tallow that fits your natural and sustainable values.

What is Beef Tallow?

Beef tallow is rendered fat from beef, especially from the fat around the kidneys.

The rendering of tallow is the melting of raw fat to remove impurities and moisture from the pure fat.

Beef tallow is solid, waxy to the touch at room temperature and pale creamy in color, once cooled.

Before processed oils were common, beef tallow was what you cooked with historically.

It is used by people to fry, bake, and even as an ingredient in skincare products.

Part of the reason why Tallow is a comeback kid is because natural fats have become a thing, and cooking has also made a comeback.

Unlike vegetable oils, beef tallow is a minimally processed product from reputable suppliers and contains no additives.

Why is Beef Tallow Used for Frying?

Frying with beef tallow has benefits that make the food taste and feel better.

Its high smoke point (2), nutrient stability, and its unique flavor make it a go to for those who want crispy, golden results.

High Smoke Point

Beef tallow has a smoke point of about 400°F (204°C) and is therefore perfect for frying.

To ensure the oil doesn’t become rancid at high temperatures (with some exceptions), fried oils with lower smoke points can break down, producing off-flavors and potentially harmful compounds.

Due to beef tallow’s high heat stability, you’ll get a consistent flavor and quality.

Rich Flavor

This rich, savoury flavor of beef tallow cannot be surpassed by vegetable oils, and is a good way to add flavor to food.

But this natural fat gives food a nice taste without overpowering it.

Frying potatoes, chicken and even eggs in beef tallow gives you a depth of flavor similar to how food was cooked back then.

Nutritional Profile

Beef tallow is rich in fat soluble vitamins, A, D, K, and E, that are essential for overall health.

These vitamins are important, from helping with immune function to helping with calcium absorption.

In addition to its content of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (3), a fatty acid that has been associated with possible benefits, including inflammation support and metabolic health.

Beef tallow, if sourced from grass-fed cattle, may also contain a ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 fatty acids (4) essential for brain and heart health.

But many popular frying oils contain high amounts of omega 6 fats that can throw off the balance in your diet.

The Benefits of Frying with Beef Tallow

Frying with beef tallow isn’t just tasty, it just might be a healthful meal, thanks to beef tallow’s natural composition.

Stable Saturated Fats

Beef tallow is saturated with fats, which are stable at high temperatures (5).

The stability reduces the oxidative changes, which can lower the risk of harmful free radicals that occur when some oils are overheated.

Beef tallow is unlike vegetable oils, which are prone to oxidation at high heat.

It supports Fat-Soluble Vitamin Absorption.

Foods fried in beef tallow give an edge to those trying to up their fat-soluble vitamin intake.

Beef tallow containing fat assists in the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K in some foods.

It’s ideal for frying vegetables, eggs, or nutrient-dense foods because of this.

Essential Fats Natural Source

The essential fatty acids in beef tallow from grass-fed sources are important for many bodily functions.

Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are known to be good for the brain and cell function, and also for controlling inflammation.

Grain fed tallow tends to have a much higher omega 3 to omega 6 ratio which is generally not good, but grass fed tallow has a much healthier ratio.

How to Use Beef Tallow to Fry With

Beef tallow is easy to cook with, but there are some tips to use to get the best results.

Measure and Heat Correctly

For shallow frying in beef tallow, allow enough to cover the surface of the pan when the liquid has subsided.

And you’ll need enough for deep frying, around 2 to 3 inches for the food to fully submerge.

Heat the tallow on medium heat until it is even, then add food.

It will help to get that golden, crispy texture.

Tallow Pair Well with the Flavor of Fruits Its Foods

It contributes a savory depth that’s perfect with lots of other foods.

Potatoes, chicken and eggs are popular choices because the tallow’s rich taste is easily taken on by these foods.

Fried potatoes / homemade fries fried in beef tallow for classic crispy.

You can even fry meats, vegetables, and even doughnuts in beef tallow with excellent results.

Seasoning Tips to Take Your Flavor to the Next Level

Because beef tallow is naturally flavorful, you may find that you don’t need as much seasoning.

Sometimes, just salt and pepper are good, but garlic, rosemary, or paprika can liven up foods fried in tallow.

Seasoning food while it’s still warm allows the flavor to absorb and can be quite tasty.

Can You Use Beef Tallow for Frying Again?

Beef tallow is also reusable, which is economical and environmentally friendly.

Fry, and then let the tallow cool slightly.

Then, pour that through a fine strainer or cheesecloth to get rid of the remaining cell particles.

Strain the tallow and store it in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator for later use.

Beef tallow can be used several times, but if you notice any changes in color, smell, or taste, it’s time to replace it.

Beef tallow can be reused for frying several times, if it’s properly stored, and this will reduce waste and save on cooking fats.

Beef Tallow Tips to Choose the Best

Beef tallow quality has a large impact on its flavor and nutritional value.

If you’re going to fry with beef tallow, buy the highest quality, additive-free options possible.

Sustainable and grass-fed sources

Omega 3 content and overall nutrition are superior in grass-fed beef tallow.

The highest quality tallow is looking for tallow that comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle.

Wild Foods strives to promote products with clean and ethically sourced ingredients and sources from sustainable producers.

Pure and Additive-Free

Products made from some tallow may contain preservatives or additives.

For the healthiest option, go with tallow, which is 100% pure and has no added ingredients.

Wild Foods is one of many health-conscious brands that stress purity in their products.

Where can you buy beef tender for frying?

Specialty grocery stores, local butcher shops, and online stores all have quality beef tallow.

If you’re looking for the convenience of online shopping, check out companies like Wild Foods with sustainably sourced, natural beef tallow.

Another option are farmers’ markets and local butchers, who frequently stock fresh, additive-free tallow.

Purchasing locally can help you learn where the product came from, thereby relieving your mind regarding quality and origin.

Final Thoughts

Rich, savory flavors are brought out by frying with beef tallow, and there’s no way to beat them.

Its high smoke point, stability and nutritional benefits make it the top choice for those wanting to cook in a more natural way.

Besides cooking delicious meals, beef tallow helps with the absorption of fat soluble vitamins and is full of essential fats, especially if the tallow comes from grass fed cattle.

Beef tallow can be the traditional cooking fat that you’re ready to experience if you’re looking to align with your health goals.

Wild Foods has an excellent product for those interested in sustainable cooking alternatives that respect quality and natural ingredients.

Use beef tallow to start cooking and get the benefits of healthier frying.

🍟 Upgrade Your Frying Game! Savor the Richness of Beef Tallow! 🍟

FAQs

Is frying with beef tallow good for you?

Yes, beef tallow is a rich source of stable, saturated fats and essential nutrients, and is therefore a healthier oil in which to fry than many processed oils.

How many times can I use beef tallow to fry?

If beef tallow is strained and stored after each use, it can be reused multiple times.

What foods do you think taste best when fried in beef tallow?

Chicken and eggs are popular choices that become savory when fried in beef tallow, but potatoes are good, too.

Is beef tallow suitable for deep frying?

Its high smoke point means that beef tallow is a great deep-frying oil.

Is beef tallow healthier than vegetable oil for frying?

Beef tallow is superior to vegetable oils for stability and flavor, especially when frying at high temperatures.

Related Studies

1. Title: Beef Tallow Increases the Potency of Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Reducing Tumor Metastasis
This research demonstrates that dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from beef tallow significantly reduces mammary tumor metastasis in animal models, highlighting its unique flavor and nutrient profile.

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16365064/

2. Title: The Effect of Partial Substitution of Beef Tallow on Selected Properties of Beef Burgers
This study analyzes the impact of substituting beef tallow with various oils on the physical properties and oxidation stability of beef burgers, confirming that beef tallow maintains a high smoke point suitable for cooking.

Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9266241/

3. Title: A Review on Effects of Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) upon Body Composition and Health
This review discusses the beneficial effects of CLA found in ruminant fats like beef tallow, including its role in reducing body fat and improving metabolic health.

Link: https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-015-0097-4

4. Title: The Nutritional Value of Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef Tallow: Omega-3 to Omega-6 Ratios
This study examines the differences in omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratios between grass-fed and grain-fed beef tallow, indicating health implications for dietary choices.

Link: https://extension.psu.edu/conjugated-linoleic-acid-cla-in-animal-production-and-human-health

5. Title: Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) in Animal Production and Human Health
This article outlines the health benefits of CLA, emphasizing its cancer-fighting properties and metabolic advantages associated with consumption of ruminant-derived fats like beef tallow.