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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 some recipes in mind that call for bacon grease. Since one of them is also dairy-free, butter isn’t an option either. Is there a way to season beef tallow to mimic the savory flavor of bacon grease?

I think starting with some hickory liquid smoke and salt could work well. Beyond that, I’m not quite sure what else to add.

I have a smoker and plan to save the rendered tallow from my next brisket smoke session, which means I won’t need the liquid smoke later on. For now, I only have plain tallow without any additives.

I’m not aiming for perfection—I realize it won’t taste exactly the same. I just want to approximate the flavor. Any suggestions?

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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 a great idea, especially for accommodating those who don’t eat pork or dairy. To enhance the flavor and get closer to that smoky, savory essence of bacon grease, you’re on the right track with the hickory liquid smoke and salt. Here are a few more suggestions to help you season your beef tallow:

    1. Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice smoky flavor without being overpowering. It also gives a bit of color.

    2. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These can add depth and richness similar to what you get from bacon. Just be mindful of the amount to avoid overwhelming it.

    3. Soy Sauce or Tamari: If your family can have soy, a splash of soy sauce or tamari (which is gluten-free) can introduce a savory umami flavor reminiscent of bacon.

    4. Herbs and Spices: Consider adding a bit of black pepper, cayenne, or even a pinch of oregano to round out the flavor profile.

    5. Smoked Salt: Instead of regular salt, you could use smoked salt to enhance the smoky flavor even further.

    Mix these seasonings into your tallow gradually, tasting as you go, to find a balance that works for your family’s preferences. Once you start using that smoked tallow from your brisket, you might find that it builds on this base even more. Happy cooking!

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