Bacon grease, the savory, sweet, and smoky liquid left behind after cooking bacon, is a treasure trove of flavor waiting to be unleashed in your kitchen. While some may view it as a waste product, bacon grease is a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide range of dishes, from classic comfort food to international cuisine. In this article, we’ll explore the world of cooking with bacon grease, highlighting its benefits, uses, and providing you with a plethora of recipe ideas to get you started.
The Benefits of Cooking with Bacon Grease
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s discuss the advantages of cooking with bacon grease. This liquid gold offers several benefits that make it a valuable addition to your cooking arsenal:
- Flavor enhancement: Bacon grease is packed with the rich, meaty flavor of bacon, which can add depth and complexity to a variety of dishes.
- Moisture and tenderness: The fatty acids in bacon grease can help keep meat and vegetables moist and tender, making it an excellent choice for cooking methods like sautéing and roasting.
- Crispy texture: When used in cooking, bacon grease can create a crispy, caramelized crust on foods like vegetables and meats, adding texture and visual appeal.
- Cost-effective: Using bacon grease reduces food waste and saves you money by repurposing a byproduct that would otherwise be discarded.
Choosing the Right Bacon Grease
Not all bacon grease is created equal. The quality and flavor of your bacon grease depend on the type of bacon you use and how you store it. Here are some tips for selecting and storing the best bacon grease:
- Use high-quality bacon: Opt for thick-cut, smoked, or applewood bacon for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Store it properly: Strain the bacon grease through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
- Use it within a few months: Bacon grease can become rancid if stored for too long, so be sure to use it within a few months for optimal flavor and texture.
Breakfast Dishes to Make with Bacon Grease
Bacon grease is a staple in many breakfast kitchens, and for good reason. It adds a rich, savory flavor to a variety of morning favorites. Here are some delicious breakfast dishes to make with bacon grease:
- Bacon and Eggs: Cook scrambled eggs or an omelette in bacon grease for a decadent breakfast treat.
- Bacon Grease Pancakes: Add a spoonful of bacon grease to your pancake batter for a fluffy, flavorful breakfast.
- Hash Browns: Cook diced potatoes in bacon grease until crispy and golden, then serve alongside your favorite breakfast dishes.
Recipe: Bacon Grease Biscuits
These flaky, buttery biscuits are infused with the rich flavor of bacon grease. Perfect for breakfast or as a side dish, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup bacon grease
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add bacon grease and stir until the mixture forms a shaggy dough.
- Pour in buttermilk and stir until the dough comes together in a ball.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable.
- Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1 inch (2.5 cm) and use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out rounds.
- Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Lunch and Dinner Dishes to Make with Bacon Grease
Bacon grease isn’t just for breakfast; it’s a versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide range of lunch and dinner dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Roasted Vegetables: Toss sliced or chopped vegetables (such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes) with bacon grease, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven until tender and caramelized.
- Mashed Potatoes: Add a spoonful of bacon grease to your mashed potatoes for an extra boost of flavor.
- Grilled Meats: Brush bacon grease onto grilled meats (such as steak, chicken, or pork chops) during the last few minutes of cooking for a crispy, caramelized crust.
Recipe: Bacon Grease Fried Chicken
This crispy, juicy fried chicken is infused with the rich flavor of bacon grease. Perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (1 kg) chicken pieces (such as legs, thighs, and wings)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup bacon grease
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour buttermilk into a separate large bowl.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk, coating completely, then roll in the flour mixture to coat.
- Heat bacon grease in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C).
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot bacon grease and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the grease and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
International Dishes to Make with Bacon Grease
Bacon grease isn’t just for American cuisine; it can add a rich, savory flavor to a variety of international dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Korean-Style BBQ: Use bacon grease to cook Korean-style BBQ beef or pork, adding a sweet and spicy flavor to the dish.
- Mexican Street Corn: Grill corn on the cob and slather with a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and bacon grease for a creamy, spicy side dish.
- German-Style Braised Potatoes: Cook diced potatoes in bacon grease with onions and caraway seeds for a hearty, comforting side dish.
Recipe: Bacon Grease Empanadas
These flaky, savory empanadas are filled with a spicy beef and onion mixture, all wrapped up in a crispy bacon grease crust.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup bacon grease
- 1/4 cup lard or vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup warm water
- Filling ingredients (see below)
Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Add bacon grease and lard or shortening, using a pastry blender or your fingers to work them into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add warm water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead a few times until it becomes smooth and pliable.
- Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces.
- Roll each piece into a thin circle, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
- Place a spoonful of the beef and onion filling in the center of each circle, then fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape.
- Brush the edges with a little water and press to seal.
- Heat a large skillet with about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of bacon grease over medium-high heat.
- Fry the empanadas until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
In conclusion, bacon grease is a versatile ingredient that can add a rich, savory flavor to a wide range of dishes, from classic comfort food to international cuisine. By choosing the right bacon grease, storing it properly, and using it in a variety of recipes, you can unlock a world of flavor and take your cooking to the next level. So next time you’re cooking up a batch of bacon, don’t discard the grease – save it and get creative with these delicious recipe ideas!
What is bacon grease and how is it used in cooking?
Bacon grease, also known as bacon drippings or bacon fat, is the liquid fat that is left over after cooking bacon. It is a popular cooking ingredient that adds a rich, savory flavor to various dishes. Bacon grease can be used in place of other oils or fats in many recipes, such as sautéing vegetables, making salad dressings, or frying foods.
When using bacon grease in cooking, it’s essential to note that it has a distinct flavor that can be overpowering if used excessively. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. Additionally, bacon grease can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to six months or frozen for longer storage.
What are some popular dishes that use bacon grease?
Bacon grease is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner. Some popular recipes that use bacon grease include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, fried chicken, and salad dressings. It’s also a key ingredient in traditional Southern dishes like biscuits and gravy, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.
When experimenting with bacon grease in your cooking, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Try using it in place of olive oil or butter in your favorite recipes, or use it as a finishing touch to add a burst of flavor to your dishes. With its rich, savory flavor, the possibilities are endless.
How do I store bacon grease?
To store bacon grease, let it cool completely after cooking, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids. Transfer the strained grease to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or plastic container, and store it in the refrigerator. Bacon grease can be stored in the refrigerator for up to six months.
For longer storage, bacon grease can be frozen. Simply pour the cooled grease into an ice cube tray, let it freeze, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen bacon grease can be stored for up to a year. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw the desired amount and use it in your recipe.
Can I use bacon grease in baking?
Yes, bacon grease can be used in baking, adding a rich, savory flavor to sweet and savory treats alike. It’s a popular substitute for butter or oil in recipes like biscuits, cornbread, and muffins. When using bacon grease in baking, keep in mind that it has a distinct flavor that may not be suitable for all recipes.
When substituting bacon grease for butter or oil in a recipe, use a 1:1 ratio. However, keep in mind that bacon grease has a lower smoke point than other oils, so it may not be suitable for high-heat baking. Start with a small batch to ensure the best results, and adjust the recipe as needed.
Is bacon grease healthy?
Bacon grease is high in saturated fat and calories, making it a less-than-ideal choice for those watching their diet. However, it is also a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamins A, D, E, and K. In moderation, bacon grease can be a part of a balanced diet.
To make bacon grease a healthier option, consider using it in place of other oils or fats that are high in omega-6 fatty acids. Additionally, choose bacon from pasture-raised pigs, which tend to be higher in omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a nutrient with potential health benefits.
Can I make my own bacon grease at home?
Yes, making your own bacon grease at home is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients: bacon, a skillet, and a strainer. To make bacon grease, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then remove the cooked bacon from the skillet and let the grease cool.
Once the grease has cooled, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids. Transfer the strained grease to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Homemade bacon grease is a great way to add a personal touch to your cooking and ensure that you have a steady supply of this delicious ingredient.
What are some creative ways to use bacon grease?
Bacon grease is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of creative ways. Try using it as a finishing touch for soups, stews, or braises, or as a flavor booster in salad dressings and marinades. Bacon grease can also be used to make homemade mayonnaise or as a substitute for oil in homemade granola.
Another creative way to use bacon grease is to make bacon-infused oil. Simply combine bacon grease with a neutral oil, like canola or grapeseed oil, and let it infuse for a few hours or overnight. Strain the oil and use it as a finishing touch for dishes or as a flavor booster in recipes.