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Using Beef Tallow Question
Posted on 6/12/25 at 2:26 pm
Posted on 6/12/25 at 2:26 pm
I have used beef tallow for my last two cooks; I normally use butter. I have found the crust on the last two steaks has been lacking a bit. Could it be the use of the tallow vs. butter? Below is a pic of a tallow steak and a butter steak. Thanks.
Tallow
Butter

Tallow

Butter
Posted on 6/12/25 at 2:33 pm to TDTOM
I wouldn't think so- maybe some other variables at play. I typically use tallow as my base oil and will go in late with butter and baste. Don't have a problem getting a good crust, but I make sure the steak surface is bone dry and the pan is piping hot
I sous vide first now, so it's pretty easy to get a good crust in a hurry with a screaming hot pan
I sous vide first now, so it's pretty easy to get a good crust in a hurry with a screaming hot pan
This post was edited on 6/12/25 at 2:35 pm
Posted on 6/12/25 at 2:34 pm to Riseupfromtherubble
quote:
I typically use tallow as my base oil and will go in late with butter and baste.
That is how I did the strip last night.
Posted on 6/12/25 at 2:37 pm to TDTOM
Are you cooking from start to finish in the pan or combining with another method?
I would think it would be pretty tricky to get a nice crust and an even medium rare solely in a skillet without being really precise with your temperature control and timing
I would think it would be pretty tricky to get a nice crust and an even medium rare solely in a skillet without being really precise with your temperature control and timing
Posted on 6/12/25 at 2:38 pm to Riseupfromtherubble
Sous vide and finishing in the pan. I guess I can try again tonight. 

Posted on 6/12/25 at 2:40 pm to TDTOM
Was a gamechanger for me. Just pat it dry when you take it out of the bag.
Could be something simple though that you aren't even realizing. Maybe whenever you think the tallow is ready to go in the pan give it another 2-3 minutes and then go
Could be something simple though that you aren't even realizing. Maybe whenever you think the tallow is ready to go in the pan give it another 2-3 minutes and then go
This post was edited on 6/12/25 at 2:42 pm
Posted on 6/12/25 at 2:40 pm to TDTOM
quote:
Sous vide and finishing in the pan. I guess I can try again tonight.
Tough life eating steak nightly haha
Posted on 6/12/25 at 2:43 pm to Buckeye06
quote:
Tough life eating steak nightly haha

Posted on 6/12/25 at 2:47 pm to TDTOM
quote:I have had the opposite results. I find that tallow creates a better crust than butter due to the absence of additional substances like water, and milk solids.
I have used beef tallow for my last two cooks; I normally use butter. I have found the crust on the last two steaks has been lacking a bit.
Also, this shouldn't be too much of a factor, but those are two different cuts of steak. The ribeye is fattier which may promote a better crust than the leaner strip.
I would try using higher heat since the beef tallow has a higher smoke point than butter and see if that solves your dilemma.
Posted on 6/12/25 at 2:48 pm to BigDropper
quote:
I would try using higher heat since the beef tallow has a higher smoke point than butter and see if that solves your dilemma.
I am going to try that tonight. Also, gonna give the tallow a little longer to get hotter.
Posted on 6/12/25 at 2:59 pm to BigDropper
I will say beef tallow on my potatoes in the air fryer makes them really tough to stop eating when they are done
Better than Ghee IMO
Better than Ghee IMO
Posted on 6/12/25 at 3:15 pm to Buckeye06
Ghee better to sear steaks and fish than tallow IMO. I like tallow and duck fat on my veggies roasted.
Posted on 6/12/25 at 3:20 pm to TDTOM
I use tallow all the time, and the crust is always perfect. Probably just needed a few more seconds per side, or you didn't have high heat?
What sauce did you use to dress that beautiful hunk of meat?
What sauce did you use to dress that beautiful hunk of meat?
Posted on 6/12/25 at 3:29 pm to Midget Death Squad
quote:
What sauce did you use to dress that beautiful hunk of meat?
Sauce?
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