Poor beef tallow isn’t used as much as it used to be, which is a shame because it can make savory foods taste better in ways that other oils can’t. In addition to being used in cooking, beef tallow can also be used to make soap, candles, and even cosmetics that you put on your skin.
From a health perspective, beef tallow is an excellent choice due to its richness in essential fat-soluble vitamins. These vitamins not only contribute to overall well-being but also aid in the absorption of other nutrients.
If you store it right, it can be a useful thing to have in the kitchen. Let’s look at how to do that.
People love beef tallow as a cooking fat because it has a high smoke point and a rich, meaty flavor. As more home cooks learn how useful it is to use beef fat, the question of whether or not to reuse beef tallow after frying comes up.
The short answer is yes, you can safely reuse beef tallow multiple times if handled properly. However, there are some best practices to follow.
You can store and use beef tallow again, and I’ll tell you how to tell when it’s gone bad and how many times you can usually use it without getting in trouble. Let’s dive in!.
How Should You Strain and Store Used Beef Tallow?
To reuse beef tallow, the first step is properly straining and storing it after use. Here’s the process
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Allow tallow to cool completely after cooking. Warm tallow can go rancid faster.
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Pour through a fine mesh strainer to remove any food particles. Cheesecloth also works well.
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Transfer strained tallow to an airtight container. Mason jars or plastic tubs with lids work great.
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Store in the fridge for up to 3 months, or freezer for up to a year. Keep away from strong smells.
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Label the container with the type of tallow and date to track freshness.
Proper straining removes any sediment or burnt bits that could degrade the tallow prematurely. Airtight storage prevents oxidation that makes tallow go rancid quickly.
How Many Times Can You Reuse Beef Tallow?
With optimal storage between uses you can typically reuse beef tallow
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3-4 times for battered or breaded foods like fried chicken
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8-10 times for cleaner-frying items like potatoes or fish
Higher contaminants from batter residue make tallow go bad faster. With non-breaded foods, tallow remains fresh longer.
Also note that higher quality tallow rendered from grass-fed beef tends to have a longer shelf life than conventional beef tallow.
What Are Signs Beef Tallow Has Gone Bad?
Watch for these cues that your beef tallow has spoiled and needs to be discarded:
- Rancid smell
- Changes from white to brown or yellow
- Grainy texture
- Makes food taste unpleasant
Fresh tallow should have a neutral scent and white color. Discard if any odd smells, colors, textures arise. Don’t risk getting sick from rancid fats.
Tips for Safely Reusing Beef Tallow
Follow these tips for safely reusing beef tallow:
- Never let tallow sit at room temp more than 2 hours before refrigerating
- Store tallow in smaller batches so you use it quicker
- Mix in some fresh tallow when reusing to replenish
- Don’t reuse tallow more than 10 times maximum
- Replace sooner if using tallow heavily or intermittently
Being diligent about storage, moderate reuse, and mixing in fresh tallow ensures you get the most mileage from this versatile cooking fat.
Is Reusing Hamburgers or Bacon Grease Okay?
You can reuse small amounts of grease leftover from cooking fatty hamburgers or bacon. However, restrict reuse to just 1-2 more times.
The high amount of protein contaminants means these animal fats deteriorate faster. Strain thoroughly through a coffee filter before storing. Keep reuse very limited.
Enjoy the Benefits of Reusing Beef Tallow
With proper handling between uses, beef tallow can be safely reused multiple times. This saves money while reducing waste.
Be sure to let tallow cool completely before straining it through a fine mesh filter into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge or freezer between uses.
Monitor for any unpleasant smells, color changes, or textural differences that are red flags it’s gone bad. With a little diligence, you can cut down on costs and get the most out of your beef tallow.
How To Defrost Beef Tallow
To revive frozen tallow, defrost it with care and patience; that way, you keep its quality intact. Frozen fat should be moved from the freezer to the fridge and left there overnight or for a few hours until it softens and bends easily. To speed up the process, don’t use the microwave or hot water. This could cause the melting to be uneven and change the texture. Once fully defrosted, your tallow is ready for use!.
Can You Freeze Beef Tallow?
Beef tallow can indeed be frozen, which prolongs the shelf life of the fat by a significant margin. By stashing it in the freezer, you can prevent rancidity, ensuring it remains stable and highly usable. You can store tallow for later use if you freeze it, which is helpful if you are a home butcher making it yourself.
Pour beef tallow into a glass or stainless steel container that won’t let air in. This is the best way to freeze it. If you’re not sure if the glass or stainless steel container is completely airtight, put it in a ziplock bag to be safe!
Reuse that lard!
FAQ
What to do with leftover beef tallow?
Does beef tallow go bad?
How many times can you reuse beef dripping?
Can you remelt tallow?
Does beef tallow need to be refrigerated?
Impressively stable on the shelf, beef tallow doesn’t need to be refrigerated to keep its quality over time. Tallow should be kept in a cool, dark area in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and nutritious content. Tallow keeps well for months in storage, so you’ll always have this useful fat on hand for cooking.
How many times can you reuse beef tallow?
It is completely fine to reuse beef tallow. For breaded foods, it’s okay to use it three to four times before needing to discard it. For non-battered or breaded foods, you can reuse beef tallow eight times or more. When frying, it’s important to know how many times you can use cooking oil or fat before having it replaced.
Can You reuse beef tallow for frying?
Yes, you can reuse beef tallow multiple times for frying as long as it is properly strained and stored after each use. Can I store beef tallow in a plastic container? It’s best to store beef tallow in a glass or metal container to prevent the fats from absorbing any odors or flavors from a plastic container.
How do you store beef tallow?
The best way to store beef tallow is in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, such as the pantry or a kitchen cabinet. 5. Can I reuse beef tallow for cooking? Yes, you can reuse beef tallow for cooking multiple times as long as it is strained and stored properly.