How Do You Use Beef Tallow in Cooking?

Beef tallow is one of the most versatile cooking fats you can keep in your kitchen. With a high smoke point, rich flavor, and impressive shelf stability, it’s perfect for everything from frying to baking. If you’ve never cooked with tallow before, here’s how to get started.

1. Sear and Pan-Fry with Tallow

Beef tallow shines when used for high-heat cooking. Use it to sear steaks, pork chops, or chicken thighs for a crispy crust and deep flavor. Just add a spoonful to your hot skillet and cook as usual — your kitchen will smell amazing.

2. Deep Frying with Tallow

Thanks to its high smoke point (~400°F), tallow is perfect for deep frying. Try it for:

• Homemade French fries or potato chips
• Crispy fried chicken
• Fish and chips

The result is a golden, crispy texture without the oxidized oils or off-flavors that come from vegetable oils.

3. Roast Vegetables or Potatoes

Toss carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or any root veggie in melted beef tallow before roasting. It enhances caramelization and adds a subtle beefy richness you won’t get from olive oil or butter.

4. Bake Like Grandma

Before Crisco or shortening, tallow was the go-to fat for baking. Use beef tallow to:

• Make ultra-flaky pie crusts
• Add depth to biscuits and savory scones
• Substitute it 1:1 for butter or shortening in many recipes

5. Grease Cast Iron and Grill Grates

Rub a bit of beef tallow onto your cast iron pan or grill grates to season them naturally and prevent rust. It’s a traditional method that works just as well today.

Pro Tip: Start with Quality Tallow

Not all tallow is created equal. At Parker County Beef Company, our beef tallow is made in small batches from cattle raised in Texas. No additives, no industrial processing — just clean, old-fashioned fat.

Explore our full collection of beef tallow products for cooking, skincare, and more. Call 817-404-7405 or email orders@parkercountybeefcompany.com if you have any questions or want to place a bulk order.