Some fast-food restaurants are using bovine tallow instead of frying oil, which alters the flavor of their french fries and, regrettably, eliminates one menu item for vegetarians. Before converting to vegetable oil in 1990, McDonald’s famously used beef tallow for their well-known fries decades earlier. Even after the business added beef flavoring to the vegetable oil mixture, this change was still controversial. Mickey D’s switched to vegetable oil with less trans fat by 2007. Despite this change, hungry patrons still yearned for the comforting tastes of the past. McDonald’s continues to hold the top spot in the rankings of fast food french fries despite concerns.
While other fast food restaurants are eager to revive beef tallow fries, McDonald’s is not. Customers’ growing mistrust of seed oils as a result of dubious allegations that they induce inflammation and other health problems is one factor driving these chains. Because of its high smoking point (around 400 degrees Fahrenheit), beef tallow is also a good option for chains. The crispy texture and buttery resemblance of beef tallow fries produce an umami flavor that is difficult to duplicate with vegetable oil. With restaurants like Steak ‘n Shake declaring that they will follow suit by the end of February 2025, this traditional frying technique may soon return to the mainstream.
Portillo’s
Even though Portillo’s now sells vegan hot dogs, its fries aren’t made for plant-based eaters. This Chicago-based company enhances the flavor of its crinkle-cut potatoes by preparing them with a blend of vegetable oil and animal tallow. Although the equipment used to filter the fryer comes into contact with gluten elsewhere in the restaurant, Portillo’s cooks its fries in a separate fryer in an apparent sincere effort to keep them gluten-free. Notwithstanding this distinction, Portillo’s uses its blend of beef tallow for its onion rings, so beef tallow isn’t just being used to enhance fries.
This method enhances the flavor of Portillo’s sides and goes well with its well-liked main courses, such as the Chicago Dog and the prized Italian beef sandwich—one of the finest in the game, in our opinion. Its chili cheese fries, which come with American cheese, beans, chili sauce, and minced beef, also have the taste of beef tallow.
Smashburger
Despite operating in a very competitive sector, Smashburger has amassed a sizable empire. Since its first burger shop opened its doors in Denver, Colorado, in 2007, the burger brand has gained international notoriety and developed more than 350 locations across nine countries. The chain’s beef-infused french fries, which are prepared using a mixture of canola oil and beef tallow, are one item that keeps patrons coming back for more. Both the standard fries and smash fries, which are also coated with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, have the deep, savory flavors of tallow.
The dedication of Smashburger to beef tallow goes beyond just fries. The burger chain’s Smash Tots, Scorchin’ Hot Fries, sweet potato waffle fries, basic tater tots, and even the crispy Brussels sprouts all have the same unique flavor. This implies that you can savor the flavor of beef tallow in every Smashburger side. The chain’s famous smash burgers, however, are surprisingly grilled with butter rather than beef tallow.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings, another success story, has established a compelling business that draws consumers for everything from Super Bowl Sunday appetizers to casual working lunch combinations. In its fryer, Buffalo Wild Wings employs only beef shortening, which is formed of cow fat and similar to beef tallow. You may anticipate tasting BWW’s preferred beef fat in the fries, boneless wings, regular wings, and even cauliflower wings because it’s the sole component used in their fryers.
Buffalo chicken tots, mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, onion rings, cheese curds, and tortilla chips are all fried in this preferred beef rendering, in addition to fries and wings. Wings and fries, which reflect the benefits of food cooked in beef tallow by being crispy on the exterior and tender on the inside, are, of course, the best option. Whether or not you’re cutting back on your intake of seed oil, this combination is fantastic for foodies. But if you would rather not eat the beef fat, you can order anything like grilled cheese or chicken that is made on the grill without beef fat.
