If you have ever tried French fries that are fried in duck fat? You would know what the best flavors are all about. This is because duck fat adds a rich flavor to every recipe in which it’s added, but it can be hard to purchase (it’s not easily available in the grocery stores). So, if you are looking for duck fat substitutes, we are sharing them in the article below!
Duck Fat – What Is It?
Duck fat is used all over the world for adding delicate flavor. For those who don’t know, it is the rendered fat from duck when you are cooking the meat. Generally, people use it in place of cooking oils, olive oil, and butter. Duck fat tends to have a savory and light flavor which adds rich flavor to the recipe.
The duck fat is generally packed in cans and jars. It is known to have a higher burning point which makes it great for baking, frying, and roasting. Now, let’s have a look at the substitutes!
Duck Fat Substitute:
1. Goose Fat
This is the closest substitute to goose fat (the duck and goose are close cousins, you know). The taste profile is pretty similar to duck fat and is known for a higher burning point. However, we do want to mention that the smell is stronger as compared to duck fat, but it can be easily used in substitution. It is a suitable option for frying chicken, goose meat, potatoes, and vegetables.
2. Chicken Fat
The chicken fat is another amazing alternative to goose fat, and it’s simply made by rendering the chicken. What’s best is that making chicken fat is pretty easy, and it can be taken out when you prepare chicken because the fat melts.
Chicken fat is known as schmaltz and can be bought from grocery stores as well. It can be used for frying onions, roasting potatoes, and for adding flavor to chicken soup. Moreover, it can be used to make salad dressings and mayonnaise and makes an amazing alternative for oil and butter as well.
3. Lard
Lard is basically pig fat as it’s made by rendering the pig fat. There are different varieties of lard available, and they are different on the basis of which part of the part was used. For the most part, lard is made from pig’s back, but fat rendered from meat around the kidney is the most delicious.
As far as the usage is concerned, it is suitable for baking and frying. In addition, it makes a delicious ingredient for pates, fillings, and sausages. The flavor might be a bit different than duck fat but still makes a suitable substitute. Overall, the flavor is pretty neutral, and the consistency is soft, just like butter.
4. Turkey Fat
If you are using chicken fat, you can also use turkey fat and can be used in place of duck fat. The fat tastes much more like chicken, and the burning point is pretty high. It can be used for deep frying, and it tastes amazing in soups and stews. Moreover, turkey fat is suitable for frying and roasting potatoes, and people also like it for popcorns. Last but not least, you can simply spread it on the bread loaf and enjoy the rich flavor.
5. Ghee
Ghee is simply made by heating butter. For instance, when butter is heated, the milk and liquid will be separated, which leaves behind ghee. The burning point of ghee is pretty high, which is one reason why it’s a promising substitute for duck fat. It can be used for baking pies, cakes, and cookies. Moreover, it can be used for sautéing, deep frying, and roasting.
6. Butter
We are pretty sure you would have guessed this to be a suitable alternative. Butter is known to be a dairy product made from cow’s milk, but it’s also made from the milk of buffalos, sheep, and goats. There are different butter varieties available, such as organic, unsalted, salted, and clarified. However, we do want to add that unsalted butter is the most suitable option because you will have the ability to manage the salt content.
Butter is known for its creamy and soft taste, but the burning point is pretty low. As for the application, it’s suitable for sautéing, frying, baking, and preparing meat. Furthermore, it can be used to make seafood, and people use it as a spread as well.