🥩 How to Make Beef Tallow at Home
Beef tallow is a versatile, nutrient-rich fat that's been cherished for generations. Whether you're looking to boost your cooking game or craft natural skincare products, rendering beef tallow at home is easy, rewarding, and wonderfully old-school.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Fine mesh strainer
- Cheesecloth
- Heatproof glass jars or containers
Ingredients
- 4 –5 lbs of beef fat preferably suet from around the kidneys
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Fat
- Trim any meat or connective tissue and cut fat into small, uniform chunks. This helps it render evenly and efficiently.
- Load the Slow Cooker
- Place the fat into the slow cooker. Add 1 cup of water to prevent scorching in the early stages.
- Render the Fat
- Set the slow cooker to high with the lid off. Stir occasionally. Over several hours, the fat will melt and golden cracklings will separate.
- Strain the Tallow
- Once the fat is fully rendered and liquid is clear, carefully pour it through a cheesecloth-lined mesh strainer into heatproof containers to filter out impurities.
- Cool and Store
- Let it cool at room temperature until solid. Cover and store in the fridge for up to several months.
Notes
💡 Tips for Success Use suet for best results: It has a cleaner flavor and higher quality fat. Cut evenly: Small, even cubes render more efficiently. Don’t rush: Low and slow prevents burning and preserves flavor. Use cheesecloth: For the clearest, purest final product.
🔍 Nutrition Information (Per tablespoon)
- Calories: 115
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 14mg