What can I substitute for beef dripping?
Running low on beef dripping? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About beef dripping
Beef dripping is the rendered fat collected from roasting beef, prized for its rich, savoury flavour and high smoke point. It is a traditional cooking fat used for roasting potatoes, frying, and as a spread on toast. Its distinctive beefy depth of flavour makes it difficult to replicate exactly, though other animal fats come closest.
Best substitute
lard
Rendered pork fat has a similarly high smoke point and neutral-to-savoury flavour, making it an excellent all-purpose swap. It won't impart the same beefy taste but performs identically in frying and roasting applications.
Use 1 tbsp for every 1 tbsp of beef dripping
roastingfryingbakingpastryNot suitable for: beef-flavoured dishes
Alternative
duck fat
Duck fat is a refined animal fat with a silky texture and rich, savoury flavour that rivals beef dripping for roasting vegetables and potatoes. It has a slightly lower smoke point but produces exceptionally crispy results.
Use 1 tbsp for every 1 tbsp of beef dripping
roasting potatoesfryingsautéingNot suitable for: spreading on toast
Alternative
ghee
Clarified butter with milk solids removed, ghee has a high smoke point and a nutty, rich flavour. It lacks the meaty depth of beef dripping but performs very well in high-heat cooking and roasting.
What is beef dripping called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | beef dripping |
| Canada | beef tallow |
| New Zealand | beef dripping |
| United Kingdom | beef dripping |
| United States | beef tallow |
Common names for beef dripping
drippingbeef tallowrendered beef fatroast drippings