Can You Reuse Pork Chop Grease

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Wondering if you can reuse pork chop grease? Many people wonder if this is possible. The short answer is yes, it can be.

What Is Pork Chop Grease?

Pork chop grease is a mixture of oil, fat, and other food particles that are produced as a result of cooking. It is also referred to as pork fat or bacon grease.

Pork chop grease has a high smoke point, is flavorful, and contains both saturated and unsaturated fats. It is one of the best types of cooking fat. When I am smoking pork chops on the bone I usually get a lot of grease.

Benefits Of Using Pork Chop Grease

Adds Rich Flavor

Pork chop grease is high in animal fat, so reusing it in different dishes gives each one a flavor boost.

For example, you can use pork chop grease when deep frying comfort food like chicken or frying burgers or eggs. In dishes like hash brown, gravy, cornbread, popcorn, mashed potatoes, and fried rice.

You can even use it to saute vegetables to give them a boost of flavor and use it as a soup base.

Cost Effective

Pork chop grease is more affordable because it is a free byproduct and you can use it in many ways.

It Is A Convenient Substitute

Pork chop grease is a convenient substitute for butter and other oils for cooking. For example olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, and vegetable oil.

Tips For Safe Reuse Of Pork Chop Grease

Store It Proper

Make sure to keep your pork chop grease in an airtight glass container to maintain its longevity. Place it in a cool, dry cupboard away from light and heat or you can refrigerate it. Bacon fat can last about three months to twelve months. 

Strain It Proper

Use a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer to remove the water before reusing the pork chop fat. Doing this removes any food particles and impurities. It also prevents the growth of bacteria and improves the flavor of your dishes.

Limit Reuse

Reusing pork chop grease seldom lowers the possibility of bacterial infection. You can also limit reuse by storing each method of use in a separate airtight container. For instance, if you deep fry foods, you can save an entire bottle of fryer oil and another butter alternative. 

Use In Small Amounts

You can lessen the danger of health issues by using less pork chop fat in your dishes. The reduced amount will still add extra flavor to your food.

Know When To Discard

You will be able to tell if your pork chop grease is still good to consume by its smell and color. When pork chop grease solidifies it is white, so if turns yellow it is unsafe to use. Also, if it smells sour or rancid, you should discard it.

It’s also important to clarify that if the cooking fat was hot or polluted with burnt food, you should throw it away. 

How To Dispose Of Pork Chop Grease

If you don’t want to reuse the pork chop grease, you can dispose of it in the following manner:

1. Prepare your pork chops or bacon by baking on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. The leftover fat will be contained on the paper and when it solidifies you can discard it.

2. If a lot of residual oil after frying bacon or pork chops, you can pour it into a canister for bacon fat and throw it away. You can also let it congeal in the pan and scrape it off into the trash. A designated bacon grease canister can be an old food container or glass mason jar.

3. If only a small amount of leftover bacon grease is in the pan, use a paper towel to absorb it and then throw it out.

Note: Please do not discard the leftover bacon fat from your kitchen sink. It will coat your pipes and clog them.

Smoke On!

Charlie

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