Cooking in beef tallow is not a new concept. But over the course of the 2024 election cycle in the United States, it was brought up again and again and again. Politics aside, what makes this frying method different? How can you use it at home? And, are the fries really that much better than seed oils alternatives?
The Mayo Clinic talks about beef tallow as such, “Once a staple in your grandparent’s or great-grandparent’s savory roasts, buttery-flaky pastries and greasing pans, beef tallow is making an unexpected return to households — marketed as a wellness superstar.” This long-standing form of cooking has made a triumphant return in the past two years.
Mayo Clinic continues, “Tallow is a whiteish substance that is solid at room temperature. It’s made by removing, simmering and clarifying the fatty tissue that surrounds the organs of ruminant animals. Ruminant animals chew their cud and include cows, buffaloes, sheep, goats and deer. Beef tallow is commonly made from cows and is sometimes called “beef drippings.”
JUST IN: Trump HHS Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cooks his turkey in beef tallow, says this is the "MAHA way." pic.twitter.com/r95yC5lf3j
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 28, 2024
Beef Tallow, RFK Jr. and my novice expertise
Let me begin this article with some necessary info. I am not a fry expert or a trained cook. This is a personal adventure into learning more about beef tallow – and why a random frying ingredient kept flooding my social media feeds. If you are looking for beef tallow recipes by those with experience, check here:
- How to make beef tallow at home
- Beef Tallow recipes hosted by SAMSUNG
- Beef Tallow steak topping
- Spicy Paprika Potatoes
This article will not be based on political beliefs or values, but I will be honest, RFK Jr.’s adamant talks about beef tallow during his 2023-2024 Presidential campaign snagged my interest in the subject. While he did not win the presidency, he did make myself and many others Google, “what is beef tallow?”
Is Beef Tallow the 2025 version of the 2015 Coconut Oil obsession?
A fad? Perhaps. But beef tallow is more of a returning classic, something that was used for more of human history than almost any other type of oil. Olive oil, animal fats (like beef tallow), palm oils and coconut oils have been used in food, skin care, soaps and candles for well over 1,000 years. Seed oils, such as soybean, canola, sunflower, sesame and peanut oil are more commonly used now and are considered “newer options” when compared to the longstanding oils like olive oil.
This returning interest in beef tallow isn’t regulated to those who endlessly scroll through social media all while being targeted specifically by algorithms. It has reached “the real world,” making changes to large brands like Steak n Shake.
Stake n Shake released a statement, “When fries were created centuries ago, they were made with tallow. ‘Our fries will now be cooked in an authentic way, 100% beef tallow, in order to achieve the highest quality and best taste,’ said Chris Ward, chief supply chain officer for Steak n Shake. Chief global development officer for Steak n Shake, Kristen Briede, stated: ‘The consumer wants the best and deserves the best. By adopting 100% beef tallow, Steak n Shake is delivering the best fries possible.’ By the end of February 2025, all locations will use 100% all-natural beef tallow.”
Beef tallow used at famous chicken locations
Other brands have already been using beef tallow, like Buffalo Wild Wings and Popeyes. And while this return is celebrated by some, don’t get it confused that this is a healthy way to make food. This is still fried food cooked in fat. Beef tallow will not magically make food healthy for you, in the same way that using an air fryer will not make tater tots a more nutritious option. But, if you are looking to avoid seed oils, it can be a tasty alternative – I tried it out to make sure of it myself.
Making my own beef tallow french fries
Finally, you say in your head, the author got to the part of the article I was looking for, the recipe. It is very simple:
- Potatoes, cut into a thin or thick fry shape
- Beef Tallow (make sure to confirm it is for frying/cooking, some are designed for facial cream)
- Salt
You will need some equipment as well:
- Slicer or a knife – to cut the fries
- A bowl – to soak the cut potatoes in for 15-30 minutes in cold water
- Metal tongs – to safely get the fries out of the hot oil
- A stovetop or deep fryer
- A pan for frying, such as stainless steel or cast iron – unless you have a dedicated fryer
Step by step: how to make Beef Tallow Fries
You will want to clean your potatoes and get any excess dirt or “grocery store germs” off of them. Afterwards, use a knife or a slicing device to cut your potatoes up into a fry shape of your preferred thickness. During my testing, I preferred the thinner shoe-string style fries. Place these fries in a bowl with ice cold water for 15-30 minutes to cut down on the excess starch. While they are cooling, heat up your pan or fryer to 375º Fahrenheit with the beef tallow in it.
Next, carefully dry your fries and place them in the fryer or pan of beef tallow. Now, let the smells and sizzling begin. As this isn’t a meat, you don’t need to wait for a specific fry temperature – instead keep an eye on them as they turn golden brown. During my personal experience, the fries that looked almost too cooked ended up being the best. They appear slightly more brown in the oil than they really are.
Lastly, take your fries carefully out of the oil and onto a paper towel to soak up the excess grease and heat. Pat down the fries to get the extra grease and then dust them to your desired level of saltiness. Wait a few minutes for them to cool down, and you are ready for some seriously good fries. Enjoy!
