What To Do With Ham Fat? 9 Delicious Ways To Use It

Ham fat is one of those ingredients that often gets overlooked or discarded after cooking a nice baked ham. But don’t be so quick to throw it out! With a little bit of knowledge, you can transform ham fat trimmings into a versatile and flavorful cooking oil.

As a home cook and food blogger, I’m always looking for ways to reduce waste and make the most of my ingredients. So I did some research on how best to use ham fat in my recipes. In this article, I’ll share what I learned about rendering ham fat and 9 delicious ways you can use it in your cooking.

What is Ham Fat?

Ham fat is the thick layer of fat that surrounds a ham steak or roast. It’s sometimes referred to as pork fat or pig fat. Ham fat has a high smoke point which makes it suitable for frying and cooking at high temperatures. It also has a rich, meaty flavor that can impart a savory taste to dishes.

Compared to other animal fats like lard or tallow, ham fat contains a higher percentage of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids These are considered the “healthy” fats. So while ham fat should still be eaten in moderation, it can be a nice alternative to other sources of saturated fat in your diet.

Why Save Ham Fat?

There are a few good reasons to save ham fat instead of throwing it away:

• It adds delicious flavor to cooking, That savory hammy taste takes dishes to the next level,

• It makes use of the whole ingredient. No food waste!

• It can replace oils or butter in recipes.

• It’s economical. Home rendered ham fat costs just a fraction of buying oils or animal fats.

Overall, finding uses for ham fat reduces waste, saves money, and gives you a tasty cooking oil. It’s a win-win!

How to Render Ham Fat

Rendering separates ham fat from any meat, tissue, or skin attached to it. It purifies the fat into a liquid oil that can then be used for cooking.

Here are two easy methods for rendering your ham fat at home:

Stovetop Method

1. Cut ham fat into 1-inch cubes.
2. Place the cubes in a heavy skillet over low heat.
3. Cook slowly until the fat has fully melted and the cracklings are browned and crisp.
4. Drain the melted fat through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth.
5. Refrigerate until the fat is solidified, then scrape off any debris from the bottom.
6. Store rendered fat in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Slow Cooker Method

1. Cut ham fat into 1-inch cubes.
2. Place the cubes in a slow cooker and set heat to low.
3. Cook for 4-6 hours until fat is fully melted.
4. Drain the fat through a cheesecloth-lined strainer.
5. Refrigerate until solidified and scrape off any debris.
6. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

And that’s it! With just a little time and effort you’ll have high-quality ham fat ready to use.

9 Delicious Ways to Use Ham Fat

From savory to sweet, here are my favorite ways to use rendered ham fat in recipes:

1. Refried Beans

Saute onions and garlic in ham fat, then add cooked beans and mash. The porkiness amps up the flavor of the beans deliciously.

2. Eggs and Potatoes

Fry eggs in ham fat for breakfast. Or try cooking home fries, hashbrowns, or cubes of roasted potato.

3. Popcorn

For a savory snack, pop your kernels in ham fat. Sprinkle with just a touch of salt.

4. Sauteed Vegetables

Almost any veggie tastes great sauteed in ham fat – think kale, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, and more.

5. Soups and Stews

Use ham fat to build a flavor base for bean or lentil soups. Or add it to chicken stew for richness.

6. Roasted Vegetables

Toss vegetables in ham fat before roasting. It adds moisture and savory depth to the veggies.

7. Fresh Herb Oil

Heat ham fat and let cool slightly. Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme or sage. Great for drizzling.

8. Pie Crust

For a savory twist, use ham fat in place of butter in your next pie crust recipe.

9. Cookies

In baking, sub ham fat 1:1 for a neutral oil or butter. It’s great in shortbread and other cookies.

These are just a few of my favorite uses for ham fat. Don’t be afraid to experiment – it can be used anywhere you’d use butter, oil, or other animal fat.

Storing and Handling Ham Fat

Storage: Keep rendered ham fat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. For longer storage, keep in the freezer for up to 1 year.

Reheating: Melt slowly over low heat. Ham fat can be used straight from the fridge but it may need time to liquefy if very cold.

Safety: When handling raw or heated ham fat, be cautious as it can cause severe burns. Wear gloves if needed for protection.

Smell/Taste: Refrigerated ham fat may oxidize over time, causing an off smell or taste. If this happens, it’s best to discard the fat.

Appearance: At room temperature, ham fat should be semi-solid and creamy white. If it turns yellow or develops dark spots, it’s time to toss it out.

With proper storage and handling, you’ll be able to keep ham fat on hand for whenever inspiration strikes!

Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Fat

Is ham fat healthy?

In moderation, ham fat can be part of a healthy diet. It has a better fat profile compared to lard or butter. Use portion control when cooking with ham fat.

What’s the best way to store ham fat?

Refrigerate rendered ham fat in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For longer storage, keep it in the freezer for up to 1 year.

How long does ham fat last?

Properly stored, rendered ham fat will keep for about 3 months in the fridge or 1 year in the freezer. Discard if it smells bad or looks off.

What does rendered ham fat taste like?

Rendered ham fat has a rich, meaty, and slightly sweet pork flavor. It will impart subtle ham flavors to any dish it’s used in.

Can you use ham fat like lard or tallow?

Yes, rendered ham fat can be used in place of lard or tallow in most recipes. It performs similarly in baking and frying.

Get Creative with Ham Fat

Now that you know how to render ham fat and the many ways it can be used, it’s time to get cooking!

Ham fat is a thrifty, flavorful cooking oil that allows you to reduce waste and make the most of your ingredients. I hope after reading this article, you feel inspired to give it try in your own kitchen.