
Rendered beef tallow is a traditional cooking fat made by slowly simmering beef fat until it melts, clarifies, and solidifies into a smooth, shelf-stable product. It is a staple in many cuisines for its high smoke point and rich flavor, particularly favored for deep-frying potatoes and doughnuts to achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
Rendered beef tallow is almost entirely fat, providing a dense source of energy with zero carbohydrates or protein. A single tablespoon offers roughly 112 calories and is a notable source of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin K2.
| Calories | 112 kcal |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Carbs | 0 g |
| Fat | 12.8 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 0 mg |
| Vitamin K2 | 1.5 µg |
| Vitamin E | 0.4 mg |
| Choline | 2.5 mg |
| Saturated Fat | 5.3 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5.4 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 13 mg |
Per 1 tablespoon (14 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Historically a cornerstone of Western and colonial cooking, tallow fell out of favor with the rise of vegetable oils but is now experiencing a revival among chefs and home cooks for its superior frying performance and unique flavor profile.