Can You Cook Steak in Bacon Grease? Unlocking Tasty Secrets

Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Shari Mason

Ever thought of cooking steak in bacon fat? This idea is often contemplated by meat enthusiasts, myself being one of them.

Combining the rich flavors of steak with the smoky allure of bacon sounds like a culinary match made in heaven. 

Drawing from my kitchen traditions and modern gastronomy, let’s delve into this tantalizing technique. 

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this method elevates your steak game.

Can You Use Bacon Grease To Cook Steak?

Yes. When steak is cooked in bacon grease [1], it undergoes a transformation in texture that many fans appreciate. 

The fat content of the bacon grease promotes a robust sear, creating a crisp, golden-brown crust on the steak’s exterior. 

“Life expectancy would grow by leaps and bounds if green vegetables smelled as good as bacon.”  

– Doug Larson, Columnist

This crust offers a delightful crunch in every bite and seals in the steak’s juices, ensuring the interior remains tender and succulent. 

The contrast between the crispy outer layer and the juicy inside elevates the overall mouthfeel, making for a memorable steak experience.

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Why Use Bacon Grease?

1. Enhanced Flavor: Bacon grease infuses the steak with a rich, smoky undertone, adding depth to its natural taste.
2. Crispy Exterior: The fat in bacon grease can give the steak a pronounced sear, resulting in a delightful crust.
3. Even Cooking: Bacon grease aids in uniform heat distribution, ensuring the steak cooks consistently and evenly.
4. Utilizing Leftovers: It’s an efficient way to use the leftover grease from cooking bacon, reducing waste.
5. Traditional Technique: Many old-school chefs and home cooks swear by this method, claiming it imparts a unique taste that is hard to achieve with oils or butter.
6. Mouthfeel: The fats from the bacon grease can give the steak a richer mouthfeel, making the dining experience more indulgent.
7. Pairing with Bacon: If the steak is part of a dish that includes bacon (like a salad or wrap), using the grease ties the flavors together seamlessly.
8. Cost-Efficient: For those who regularly cook bacon, using its grease can be more cost-effective than using other oils or fats.

Are There Any Health Considerations?

Yes. Bacon grease is high in saturated fats, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to raised cholesterol levels, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease. 

Additionally, bacon and its grease often contain sodium, which might concern those monitoring their salt intake. 

While the occasional indulgence can be a flavorful treat, regular and excessive use of bacon grease should be approached with caution, especially for individuals with dietary restrictions or underlying health conditions.

What Kind Of Steaks Work Best With Bacon Grease?

1. Ribeye: Known for its rich marbling, its fats meld perfectly with bacon grease, enhancing its juicy and flavorful profile.
2. Sirloin: A versatile cut, sirloin benefits from the added richness of bacon grease, balancing its leaner sections.
3. T-bone: This steak combines the fillet’s tenderness with the sirloin’s flavor, and bacon grease amplifies its overall taste.
4. New York Strip: With a good balance of tenderness and flavor, the strip steak’s outer layer crisps up nicely in bacon grease.
5. Porterhouse: Similar to the T-bone but with a more extensive section of tenderloin, the smoky notes of bacon complement its complex profile.
6. Skirt Steak: Often used in fajitas, the intense beefy flavor of skirt steak pairs harmoniously with the smokiness of bacon grease.
7. Flat Iron: A tender cut from the shoulder, the flat iron steak’s grains soak in the flavors of bacon grease beautifully.
8. Hanger Steak: Known as the “butcher’s cut,” its meaty flavor boosts when seared in bacon grease.

“In the symphony of flavors, steak and bacon grease dance as a duet, where sizzle meets savory.”

– Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

Tips For Cooking Steak In Bacon Grease

1. Heat Matters: Start with a hot pan. When the bacon grease is shimmering and slightly smoking, it’s ready for the steak. This ensures a proper sear.
2. Grease Quantity: Use just enough bacon grease to coat the bottom of the pan. More can make the steak overly greasy.
3. Seasoning: If you’re using bacon grease, remember it has salt. Adjust your seasoning accordingly to avoid over-salting.
4. Thickness of Steak: Thicker cuts may need to be finished in the oven after searing to ensure even cooking without burning the exterior.
5. Rest Before and After: Allow the steak to come to near room temperature before cooking, and let it rest after cooking to redistribute juices.
6. Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to check for desired doneness, remembering that the steak will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the pan.
7. Pair with Herbs: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the pan while the steak cooks, imparting additional flavor.
8. Deglazing: After cooking the steak, deglaze [2] the pan with wine or broth to make a delicious sauce using the flavorful bits left behind.
9. Avoid Crowding: If cooking multiple steaks, ensure enough space in the pan. Overcrowding can reduce the pan’s temperature and affect the sear.
10. Ventilation: Cooking with bacon grease can produce smoke. Ensure good ventilation in your kitchen to avoid setting off smoke detectors.

FAQs

In Conclusion

Cooking steak in bacon grease is feasible and offers a delightful culinary twist. The rich, smoky undertones of the bacon grease infuse the steak, enhancing its natural flavors and providing a crisp, golden sear. 

However, while the combination yields a mouthwatering result, it’s vital to use bacon grease in moderation, balancing flavor and health considerations.

For those looking to elevate their steak game, this method is a flavorful journey worth exploring.

References:

1. https://www.southernliving.com/food/meat/bacon/how-to-store-bacon-grease
2. https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-deglazing-995769