Beef tallow, also called beef drippings, is an exceptional rendered fat for frying and roasting, where it can impart a subtle meaty flavor to ingredients. It’s actually what McDonald’s originally used for their fries until the 1990s. (That’s why old-fashioned Mickey D’s fries were so addictive!) However, they also have many applications outside of the kitchen, such as making candles and soaps, salves medicinal and seasoning for cast iron pans.

Beef suet can be purchased at the store or made yourself from rendered beef fat trimmings that are cooked slowly and drained until clear. Although homemade and store-bought suet will keep for a long time, lasting about 12 months at room temperature, freezing can extend its shelf life even further. Freezing is also extremely simple and a great way to ensure you always have suet on hand when needed. Frozen beef tallow will keep for one to three years. To properly freeze beef tallow, pour or pour it into an airtight container and place it in the freezer, preferably in the back, where temperature changes from opening the door are less likely to freeze. have an impact on him.

When you’re ready to use it, let your frozen suet thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Never put it in the microwave or let it thaw at room temperature, as this may encourage bacterial growth and promote spoilage. Slow and steady is the key when thawing beef tallow.

Learn more: 15 Myths About Cast Iron Skillets, Debunked

The Best Ways to Use Beef Tallow

Now beef tallow can make perfect friesbut there are also many other ways to use it in your kitchen. One of the easiest ways to use it is to sauté and roast vegetables, which imparts a subtle flavor while making everything crispy on the outside. Pan-fried potatoes with beef suet? Yes please!

Suet can also be used to sear steak as a replacement for oil. If you feel like baking, it can be incorporated into pie crusts to give a nice earthy flavor. This can be especially delicious if used to make beef pies. Of course, it can even be used in sauces for an extra touch of richness or added to barbecued meats in foil packets. There are a ton of easy things ways to use beef tallow in the kitchen, and the best part is that it’s actually quite healthy!

Although tallow should be used in moderation, it is not as unhealthy as it seems. Beef tallow is primarily saturated fat, but it also contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, as well as vitamins that can help support immune and cellular function as well as bone and skin health. Of course, you shouldn’t be wolfing down tallow-fried fries on a daily basis, but you can still feel pretty good about cooking with them regularly.

Read the original article on Chowhound.