What is Cooking Grease?
Cooking grease refers to the semi-solid or liquid fats that remain after cooking. For example, the fat rendered when frying bacon solidifies into a white, waxy substance after cooling, while leftover oils from frying remain liquid. It can be reused in some cooking for added flavor, but when discarded improperly, grease can clog drains and harm plumbing systems.
Uses of Cooking Grease
- Flavor enhancer: Chefs often save bacon grease or beef drippings to season vegetables, gravies, and sauces.
- Cooking medium: Instead of butter or oil, saved grease can be used to fry eggs, potatoes, or cornbread for unique taste.
- Homemade recipes: Some people repurpose grease for making soap or candles, a traditional practice that highlights sustainability.
Proper Disposal of Cooking Grease
- Never pour grease down the sink as it congeals and blocks drainage pipes.
- Collect cooled grease in a container (tin can, glass jar) and throw it in the trash.
- Small amounts can be wiped with paper towels and disposed of with household waste.
- Some municipalities offer recycling programs for cooking oil and grease, turning it into biofuel.
Cooking grease NYT Mini - FAQs
Q: Is cooking grease the same as cooking oil?
Not exactly. Cooking oil is fresh, plant-based fat (like olive or canola oil), while grease is usually the residue left over from cooked fats.
Q: Can you use bacon grease instead of butter?
Yes, bacon grease can substitute butter in many savory dishes like eggs, biscuits, or sautéed vegetables for smoky depth.
Q: What should you avoid when reusing grease?
Avoid reusing grease multiple times at very high heat, as it deteriorates and can create harmful compounds.
