Preparing and storing leftover bacon grease is a great way to save and repurpose this flavorful cooking fat. Bacon grease can be used in various recipes to add rich flavor to dishes. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and store it properly:
Cook the bacon: Start by cooking the bacon strips in a skillet or a frying pan over medium heat. Cook until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness. Remove the cooked bacon from the pan, leaving the bacon grease behind.
Strain the grease: To ensure that your stored bacon grease is free of any solid particles or burnt bits, strain the hot grease through a fine-mesh sieve or a coffee filter. You can also use a designated bacon grease container with a built-in strainer.
Cool the grease: Allow the strained bacon grease to cool for a few minutes in the sieve or the container. Make sure to handle the hot grease with care, as it can cause burns.
Transfer to a storage container: Once the bacon grease has cooled slightly, pour it into a clean and heatproof container with a tight-fitting lid. Glass jars, metal containers, or ceramic crocks are excellent choices for storing bacon grease. Avoid using plastic containers, as hot grease can potentially melt them.
Label and date the container: To keep track of its freshness, label the container with the date you saved the bacon grease. Bacon grease can last for several weeks when stored properly, but it's essential to know when it's time to use it up or replace it.
Store in the refrigerator or freezer: Bacon grease is best kept in a cool, dark place. For short-term storage (up to a few weeks), store it in the refrigerator. For longer storage (up to several months), place the container in the freezer. Bacon grease has a low melting point, so it will solidify in the fridge or freezer.
Use in recipes: Whenever a recipe calls for cooking fat or oil, you can use a spoonful of bacon grease to add a delicious smoky flavor to your dishes. It works well for frying eggs, sautéing vegetables, making gravy, seasoning roasted potatoes, and more.
Remember that bacon grease is high in saturated fat, so it's best to use it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you notice any off odors or signs of spoilage in the stored bacon grease, it's best to discard it and replace it with a fresh batch.