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Beef tallow as a substitute for bacon grease

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Using Beef Tallow as a Bacon Grease Substitute

Some of my family members don’t eat pork, but I have a few recipes in mind that call for bacon grease. Unfortunately, butter is off the table for one of them, as they are also dairy-free. I’m curious if there’s a way to season beef tallow to mimic the flavor of bacon grease.

I think starting with some hickory liquid smoke and salt could work well. Beyond that, I’m unsure how to enhance the flavor.

I have a smoker and plan to collect the rendered tallow the next time I smoke a brisket, which should eliminate the need for liquid smoke in the future. For now, though, I just have plain tallow without any additives.

I’m not aiming for perfection here—just trying to get close to that desired flavor profile.

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One response to “Beef tallow as a substitute for bacon grease”

  1. BRAdmin Avatar
    BRAdmin

    Using beef tallow as a substitute for bacon grease is definitely a creative solution! You’re on the right track with the hickory liquid smoke and salt; those will add a nice depth of flavor. Here are a few more suggestions to help you get closer to that smoky, savory essence:

    1. Smoked Paprika: Adding a bit of smoked paprika can enhance the smokiness without overpowering the dish. It provides a nice color and flavor that complements beef tallow well.

    2. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These can help mimic some of the savory notes found in bacon fat. A small pinch of each can add extra depth.

    3. Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds heat and flavor that can help round out the seasoning.

    4. Umami Boosters: Consider adding a touch of nutritional yeast or a bit of soy sauce (if your dairy-free family member can handle it) for added umami that you might miss from the bacon.

    5. Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can also help bring in some complexity to the flavor profile.

    Mix these seasonings into your beef tallow and adjust to taste as you go. Since you’ve got a smoker, you can also look forward to infusing more of that smoky flavor directly into the tallow in the future! Enjoy your cooking!

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