Ingredients
Scale
- 2–3 pounds beef fat trimmings or suet
- 1/4 cup filtered water, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, optional
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme, optional
Instructions
- Cut the beef fat trimmings into small 1-inch cubes.
- Place the cubed fat into a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or slow cooker.
- Set the heat to low, around 200-225 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Render the fat slowly, stirring every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours.
- Continue rendering for 4-6 hours until the solid pieces become small, crispy cracklings floating in clear liquid fat.
- Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth.
- Carefully pour the hot rendered fat through the lined strainer into a clean glass bowl.
- Discard the cracklings and cheesecloth.
- Let the strained fat cool at room temperature until a thin layer begins to solidify on top.
- Transfer the partially cooled fat to the refrigerator for 6-8 hours until completely solid.
- Remove the solidified tallow from the refrigerator and scrape away any water or sediment from the bottom.
- Cut the solidified tallow into 1-inch cubes.
- Let the cubes come to room temperature, about 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Transfer the room-temperature tallow cubes to the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment.
- Mix on low speed for 2 minutes to break down the fat.
- Increase to medium speed and whip for 8-12 minutes.
- Continue whipping until the tallow becomes pale, fluffy, and mousse-like.
- Stop the mixer and check the texture.
- Transfer the finished whipped beef tallow into clean glass jars or storage containers immediately.
Notes
Keep the rendering temperature below 225 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scorching and off-flavors. Whip only when the tallow reaches 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit for the best airy texture. Store in sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids for the longest freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Cooking Fat
- Method: Rendered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 13.6g
- Saturated Fat: 6.4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 14mg
