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, we’ll cover:
✔ What beef tallow is & why it’s beneficial
✔ The best cuts of beef fat to use
✔ Step-by-step instructions for rendering tallow
✔ How to store and use beef tallow
Let’s get started!
🥩 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?
✔ High smoke point (400°F/204°C) – Perfect for frying & roasting
✔ Rich in healthy fats – Contains essential fatty acids
✔ Boosts flavor – Adds a rich, umami depth to food
✔ Long shelf life – Can be stored for months without refrigeration
✔ Great for skincare – Used in balms, lotions, and soap-making
Now that you know why beef tallow is amazing, let’s go over how to make it.
🔍 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:
✔ Kidney fat (suet) – The purest, highest-quality fat, best for cooking and skincare.
✔ Back fat or trimmings – Still great for rendering but may have a stronger beefy flavor.
📌 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.
🛠️ How to Make Beef Tallow (Step-by-Step)
📝 What You’ll Need:
✔ 2-5 lbs of beef fat (more fat = more tallow)
✔ Sharp knife & cutting board
✔ Slow cooker, stovetop pot, or oven-safe dish
✔ Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
✔ Glass jars for storage
🔥 Step 1: Prepare the Fat
1️⃣ Trim off any meat or connective tissue – Meat scraps can cause spoilage.
2️⃣ Cut the fat into small pieces – The smaller, the better (or use a food processor for finer cuts).
3️⃣ Optional: Freeze the fat for 30 minutes to make cutting easier.
🔥 Step 2: Render the Fat (Three Methods)
1. Slow Cooker Method (Easiest) 🥘
✔ Add chopped fat to a slow cooker.
✔ Set to LOW heat and let it melt for 6-8 hours.
✔ Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
✅ Best for: Hands-off, minimal monitoring.
2. Stovetop Method (Faster) 🍳
✔ Place fat in a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat.
✔ Stir occasionally as it melts (takes 3-5 hours).
✔ Keep the heat low to avoid burning.
✅ Best for: Faster results but requires monitoring.
3. Oven Method 🔥
✔ Spread chopped fat in an oven-safe dish.
✔ Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 4-5 hours.
✔ Stir occasionally to help even melting.
✅ Best for: Batch-making with even heat distribution.
🔥 Step 3: Strain & Purify the Tallow
1️⃣ Once the fat has fully melted and looks golden liquid, strain it through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a heatproof jar.
2️⃣ Discard any solid bits (cracklings) or save them as a crunchy snack!
3️⃣ Let the tallow cool at room temperature—it will turn solid and white.
🔥 Step 4: Store Your Beef Tallow
✔ At Room Temperature: Store in a sealed jar for up to 3 months.
✔ In the Fridge: Lasts up to a year.
✔ In the Freezer: Keeps for 2+ years.
📌 Pro Tip: Use airtight containers to prevent tallow from absorbing odors.
🥄 How to Use Beef Tallow
Now that you’ve made your own homemade tallow, how can you use it?
🍳 For Cooking:
✔ Frying – Perfect for crispy fries, fried chicken, or eggs
✔ Roasting – Use on meats, vegetables, or potatoes
✔ Baking – Great for biscuits, pie crusts, and tortillas
🧴 For Skincare:
✔ DIY Balm – Mix with essential oils for a natural moisturizer.
✔ Lip Balm – Helps with dry, chapped lips.
✔ Soap Making – Used in traditional cold-process soap.
🕯️ Other Uses:
✔ Candle Making – A natural alternative to paraffin wax.
✔ Leather & Wood Conditioner – Protects and moisturizes leather goods.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Does beef tallow need to be refrigerated?
✔ No, tallow is shelf-stable at room temperature. But refrigerating extends its life.
Q: Can you reuse beef tallow for frying?
✔ Yes! Strain used tallow and store it separately for reuse.
Q: What does beef tallow smell like?
✔ 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?
✔ Yes! It’s free from unhealthy trans fats, has a higher smoke point, and is more nutrient-rich than processed vegetable oils.
🔚 Final Thoughts: Why You Should Make Beef Tallow
✔ It’s healthier than processed cooking oils.
✔ It’s versatile—use it for cooking, skincare, and more!
✔ It’s easy to make at home with minimal equipment.
✔ It’s budget-friendly—especially 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!
💬 Have you made beef tallow before? Share your experience in the comments!