Beef Tallow Recipes You Need to Try: From Fries to Biscuits

Written by: Najma A.

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Time to read 5 min

Introduction


For centuries, beef tallow was a cornerstone of cooking. This rendered beef fat, known for its rich flavor and high smoke point, was used for frying, baking, roasting, and even making pastries. It was only in the mid-20th century that vegetable oils and shortening began to replace it in kitchens, mainly due to marketing campaigns and shifting food trends. But now, beef tallow is making a comeback. Health-conscious cooks, carnivore diet enthusiasts, and traditional food lovers are rediscovering its benefits. From nutrient density to unbeatable flavor, beef tallow is proving to be a versatile and sustainable cooking fat once again. In this blog, we’ll explore the best beef tallow recipes, from savory fried foods to roasted vegetables, slow-cooked stews, and even baked goods. Whether you’re new to cooking with tallow or looking for new ways to utilize it, this guide will provide you with plenty of delicious ideas.

Classic Beef Tallow Recipes

Let’s dive into some recipes where beef tallow truly shines.


1. Crispy Beef Tallow French Fries


French fries cooked in tallow were once the standard in fast food restaurants before vegetable oils took over. The result? Fries that are extra crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.


Ingredients:

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 2–3 cups beef tallow (for frying)
  • Sea salt, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Peel and cut potatoes into fries. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
  2. Heat beef tallow in a deep pot or fryer to 325°F (163°C).
  3. Fry potatoes for 4–5 minutes until soft but not browned. Remove and drain.
  4. Increase heat to 375°F (190°C). Fry again until golden and crispy.
  5. Sprinkle with salt and serve hot.
  6. Tip: Double-frying is the secret to achieving restaurant-style crispiness.

2. Beef Tallow Roasted Vegetables


Tallow transforms simple roasted vegetables into a hearty, flavorful side dish.


Ingredients:

  • 1 lb carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts
  • 3 tbsp beef tallow
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).Toss vegetables with melted tallow and seasonings.
  2. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway.
  4. Result: Vegetables with caramelized edges and a rich, savory flavor.

3. Pan-Seared Steak with Beef Tallow Basting


If you want a steakhouse-quality crust at home, beef tallow is the key.


Ingredients:

  • 1 ribeye or New York strip steak
  • 2 tbsp beef tallow
  • 2 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the cast-iron skillet over high heat, and add beef tallow.
  3. Sear steak 2–3 minutes per side.
  4. Reduce the heat, add garlic and herbs, and spoon melted tallow over the steak for 1–2 minutes.
  5. Rest before slicing.
  6. Pro Tip: Tallow basting creates a deep, beefy flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled or pan-seared meats.

4. Beef Tallow Biscuits


Yes, you can bake with tallow! It gives biscuits a flaky, buttery texture without using butter or shortening.


Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup cold beef tallow
  • ¾ cup buttermilk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).Mix dry ingredients. Cut in beef tallow until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Stir in buttermilk until dough forms.
  3. Roll out and cut biscuits.
  4. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden.
  5. Flavor Note: Tallow adds a subtle richness, making these biscuits incredibly tender.
Crispy Beef Tallow French Fries

Recipes With Beef Tallow

5. Beef Tallow Pie Crust


For savory pies, such as pot pie or meat pies, tallow makes an excellent crust.


Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups flour
  • 1 cup beef tallow (chilled)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup ice water

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour and salt. Cut in chilled tallow until crumbly.
  2. Add ice water gradually until the dough forms a cohesive mass that holds together.
  3. Chill for 30 minutes.
  4. Roll out and use for savory pies.
  5. Result: A sturdy, flaky crust with a rich, old-fashioned taste.

6. Beef Tallow Tortillas


Tallow gives tortillas a hearty, authentic flavor.


Ingredients:

  • 3 cups flour
  • ½ cup beef tallow
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm water

Instructions:

  1. Mix flour and salt. Cut in tallow.
  2. Gradually add water until the dough forms a smooth consistency.
  3. Divide into balls, roll them out, and cook in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides.

7. Beef Tallow Popcorn


Swap butter for tallow for a movie-night snack with a savory twist.


Ingredients:

  • ½ cup popcorn kernels
  • 3 tbsp beef tallow
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat tallow in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Add kernels, cover, and shake until popping slows.
  3. Season and enjoy.

8. Beef Tallow Fried Chicken


The traditional method for frying chicken is with tallow. The result? Perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat.


Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups buttermilk (for marinade)
  • 2 cups flour + seasonings (paprika, garlic, cayenne)
  • 3 cups beef tallow

Instructions:

  1. Marinate chicken in buttermilk overnight.
  2. Dredge in seasoned flour.
  3. Heat tallow to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Beef Tallow Pie Crust

Tips for Cooking with Beef Tallow

9. Beef Tallow Yorkshire Pudding


Traditional English Yorkshire pudding is baked with beef dripping or tallow.


Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup beef tallow

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).Place the tallow in a muffin tin and heat until it sizzles.
  2. Whisk the batter and pour it into the hot tin.
  3. Bake 20–25 minutes until puffed and golden.

10. Beef Tallow Soap (Bonus Non-Food Recipe)


Tallow has also been used traditionally for soap-making. While not edible, it’s a great way to use excess tallow.

Basic Method: Combine rendered beef tallow with lye and water, then cure for several weeks. The result is a hard, moisturizing soap.


Tips for Cooking with Beef Tallow

  1. Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 6 months or freeze for more extended storage.
  2. Reusability: Strain and reuse frying tallow up to 2–3 times.
  3. Flavor Pairing: Best with savory foods—meats, vegetables, and hearty baked goods.
Beef Tallow Yorkshire Pudding

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Conclusion

Beef tallow is more than just old-fashioned cooking fat—it’s a flavorful, nutrient-dense, and sustainable ingredient that deserves a spot in every kitchen. From crispy French fries and golden fried chicken to flaky biscuits and savory pie crusts, tallow adds richness and depth to any dish. By embracing the beef tallow recipe, you’re not only enhancing your meals but also upholding a culinary tradition that dates back centuries. The next time you cook, consider swapping out the vegetable oil or shortening for beef tallow—you’ll taste the difference.

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