Beef tallow is becoming popular again because of the popularity of paleo and keto diets and the recent discovery that saturated fats aren’t really bad for us. This is a Rocky-style comeback with all cylinders firing and support from adoring followers. As long as humans have been eating meat, we’ve cooked and enhanced the flavour of foods with tallow.
This item that used to be in every kitchen in the UK is back in the top 10 food charts. We don’t like to brag at Butcher Magazine, but we’re way ahead of the game. Ask us about Tallow, Dripping, or Lard!.
As a home cook who loves crispy fried foods, rich roasts, and savory sautés, I’m always looking for ways to optimize my cooking fats. Recently I discovered that combining beef dripping and vegetable oil creates a wonderfully tasty and versatile blended fat. But is it safe and healthy to mix these very different fats?
After diving deep into research and testing recipes, I’m excited to report that blending beef dripping with oil is absolutely safe healthy and unlocks delicious flavor potential. When used properly, this dynamic fat duo enhances food’s texture and taste.
In this article, I’ll explain the benefits of mixing beef fat and oils, proper blending techniques, usage and storage tips, and health considerations. Let’s get cooking with this winning beef dripping and oil combo!
Benefits of Blending Beef Dripping and Oils
Mixing a small amount of beef dripping into vegetable oils offers several advantages
- Adds rich, meaty flavor from the beef fat
- Balances saturated and unsaturated fats for better nutrition
- Allows for higher-temperature cooking than beef fat alone
- Improves texture and crispiness of fried foods
- Prevents food from sticking to pans during cooking
- Adds moisture to roasts, braises, and savory baked goods
By thoughtfully combining these animal and plant-based fats you get the best of both worlds!
Tips for Mixing Beef Dripping and Oils
Follow these tips for safe, effective blending:
- Use high smoke point oils like avocado, grapeseed or peanut oil
- Start with a 4:1 ratio of oil to beef dripping and tweak as desired
- Melt solid beef fat over low heat before mixing into the oil
- Whisk together thoroughly to evenly distribute flavors
- Strain after cooking to remove browned bits and impurities
Delicious Ways to Use the Blended Fat
This super versatile cooking fat can be used for:
- Frying potatoes, chicken, fish and other foods to crispy perfection
- Getting that perfect sear on steaks, pork chops and lamb
- Sautéing veggies like mushrooms, onions and brussels sprouts
- Adding moisture and flavor to savory baked goods like scones
- Roasting potatoes or root vegetables until tender and caramelized
- Making flaky, savory pie crusts for meat pies or quiche
The options are nearly endless with this winning fat blend!
Oils to Mix with Beef Dripping
The best oils to combine with beef fat include:
- Avocado oil – High smoke point and neutral flavor
- Grapeseed oil – Another high heat oil with mild taste
- Peanut oil – Popular frying oil that mixes smoothly
- Coconut oil – Adds tropical flavor and creamy richness (use refined for high-heat cooking)
- Olive oil – Contributes grassy, peppery notes (best for low- to mid-temp uses)
Storing and Handling the Mixed Fat
Properly storing your beef dripping and oil blend is important:
- Allow to fully cool before transferring to an airtight container
- Store in a cool, dark place like the pantry for up to 3 months
- If using for higher-temp frying, strain first through a fine mesh sieve
- Discard if the fat smells rancid or shows signs of spoilage
Potential Health Considerations
It’s fine for most people to consume beef dripping and oil in moderation. However, those with heart disease or high cholesterol should limit saturated fat intake. Check with your doctor if concerned.
The Takeaway
Blending a small amount of flavorful beef dripping into vegetable oil is a safe, effective way to balance fat types while unlocking delicious flavor potential. With proper storage and handling, you can create a versatile fat for all kinds of great cooking applications. Mix up a batch and take your kitchen creations to the next level!
Is tallow better than ghee for cooking?
Both products serve the same purpose.
Ghee is clarified butter, a by-product of milk. Ghee is a safe milk product for lactose intolerant people. But apart from that, there’s little difference between the two for cooking.
Both are high in saturated fat. Both have high smoke points. And both are delicious. Choosing one over the other would come down to a matter of taste.
So Who Are You And What Do You Know About It?
You’ve probably arrived here seeking more than the Wikipedia one-liner answer to your questions. You might even be looking for a complete guide to tallow. You’re in luck. I’m a butcher with over 40 years experience. I eat beef, dripping, and every other part of the cow (waste not, want not). I know a few things about this lovely ingredient. But be quiet! We don’t want everyone to buy it, do we? I like how cheap this liquid gold is.
Tallow is made from melted and clear cow “lard” that is high in fat and can be used as an oil in cooking or an ingredient in recipes. Tallow is creamy white and solid at room temperature.
Why use dripping or lard instead of cooking oil
FAQ
Can you mix beef dripping with vegetable oil for deep frying?
Can you mix lard and oil?
Is beef dripping healthier than oil?
Can you fry with beef dripping?