Beef tallow is a nutrient-rich, versatile fat that has been used for centuries in cooking, skincare, and even candle-making. Whether you want to fry the crispiest potatoes, make homemade balms, or have a natural alternative to vegetable oils, learning how to make beef tallow at home is easier than you think.
In this guide, weβll cover:
β What beef tallow is & why itβs beneficial
β The best cuts of beef fat to use
β Step-by-step instructions for rendering tallow
β How to store and use beef tallow
Letβs get started!
π₯© What Is Beef Tallow?
Beef tallow is rendered (melted and purified) beef fat that turns into a solid, shelf-stable cooking fat. It was once a staple in traditional cooking before vegetable oils became popular.
Why Use Beef Tallow?
β High smoke point (400Β°F/204Β°C) β Perfect for frying & roasting
β Rich in healthy fats β Contains essential fatty acids
β Boosts flavor β Adds a rich, umami depth to food
β Long shelf life β Can be stored for months without refrigeration
β Great for skincare β Used in balms, lotions, and soap-making
Now that you know why beef tallow is amazing, letβs go over how to make it.
π What Kind of Fat Do You Need?
To make beef tallow, you need raw beef fat (also called suet). The best fat for rendering comes from:
β Kidney fat (suet) β The purest, highest-quality fat, best for cooking and skincare.
β Back fat or trimmings β Still great for rendering but may have a stronger beefy flavor.
π Where to Get Beef Fat:
- Ask your local butcher for suet or beef trimmings.
- Buy from a farm that sells grass-fed beef.
- Save trimmings from steaks or roasts when cooking.
π οΈ How to Make Beef Tallow (Step-by-Step)
π What Youβll Need:
β 2-5 lbs of beef fat (more fat = more tallow)
β Sharp knife & cutting board
β Slow cooker, stovetop pot, or oven-safe dish
β Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
β Glass jars for storage
π₯ Step 1: Prepare the Fat
1οΈβ£ Trim off any meat or connective tissue β Meat scraps can cause spoilage.
2οΈβ£ Cut the fat into small pieces β The smaller, the better (or use a food processor for finer cuts).
3οΈβ£ Optional: Freeze the fat for 30 minutes to make cutting easier.
π₯ Step 2: Render the Fat (Three Methods)
1. Slow Cooker Method (Easiest) π₯
β Add chopped fat to a slow cooker.
β Set to LOW heat and let it melt for 6-8 hours.
β Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
β Best for: Hands-off, minimal monitoring.
2. Stovetop Method (Faster) π³
β Place fat in a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat.
β Stir occasionally as it melts (takes 3-5 hours).
β Keep the heat low to avoid burning.
β Best for: Faster results but requires monitoring.
3. Oven Method π₯
β Spread chopped fat in an oven-safe dish.
β Bake at 250Β°F (120Β°C) for 4-5 hours.
β Stir occasionally to help even melting.
β Best for: Batch-making with even heat distribution.
π₯ Step 3: Strain & Purify the Tallow
1οΈβ£ Once the fat has fully melted and looks golden liquid, strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a heatproof jar.
2οΈβ£ Discard any solid bits (cracklings) or save them as a crunchy snack!
3οΈβ£ Let the tallow cool at room temperatureβit will turn solid and white.
π₯ Step 4: Store Your Beef Tallow
β At Room Temperature: Store in a sealed jar for up to 3 months.
β In the Fridge: Lasts up to a year.
β In the Freezer: Keeps for 2+ years.
π Pro Tip: Use airtight containers to prevent tallow from absorbing odors.
π₯ How to Use Beef Tallow
Now that youβve made your own homemade tallow, how can you use it?
π³ For Cooking:
β Frying β Perfect for crispy fries, fried chicken, or eggs
β Roasting β Use on meats, vegetables, or potatoes
β Baking β Great for biscuits, pie crusts, and tortillas
π§΄ For Skincare:
β DIY Balm β Mix with essential oils for a natural moisturizer.
β Lip Balm β Helps with dry, chapped lips.
β Soap Making β Used in traditional cold-process soap.
π―οΈ Other Uses:
β Candle Making β A natural alternative to paraffin wax.
β Leather & Wood Conditioner β Protects and moisturizes leather goods.
β Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does beef tallow need to be refrigerated?
β No, tallow is shelf-stable at room temperature. But refrigerating extends its life.
Q: Can you reuse beef tallow for frying?
β Yes! Strain used tallow and store it separately for reuse.
Q: What does beef tallow smell like?
β Properly rendered tallow has a mild beefy scent. If it smells rancid or strong, it may have been overheated.
Q: Is beef tallow better than vegetable oil?
β Yes! Itβs free from unhealthy trans fats, has a higher smoke point, and is more nutrient-rich than processed vegetable oils.
π Final Thoughts: Why You Should Make Beef Tallow
β Itβs healthier than processed cooking oils.
β Itβs versatileβuse it for cooking, skincare, and more!
β Itβs easy to make at home with minimal equipment.
β Itβs budget-friendlyβespecially if you source fat from local butchers.
Making your own beef tallow is a rewarding process that gives you a natural, multi-purpose ingredient. Try it today and enjoy the rich flavors and health benefits!
π¬ Have you made beef tallow before? Share your experience in the comments!