Schmaltz, also known as chicken or goose fat, is a beloved and flavorful ingredient used in a variety of dishes, particularly in Jewish cuisine. But what if you don’t have any schmaltz on hand or can’t find it at the store? Not to worry! Here are 6 great substitutes that can be used in its place, depending on what you are cooking, of course!
- Duck fat
- Macadamia oil
- Ghee or Butter
- Lard
- Crisco/Vegetable shortening
- Refined coconut oil
Best All-Around Substitute For Schmaltz: Duck Fat
Schmaltz, a delightful cooking fat, boasts a silky, creamy texture in its solid state at room temperature. When gently heated, it undergoes a tasty transformation, turning into a golden, velvety liquid.
When finding a substitute for schmaltz, duck fat, ghee, and lard emerge as the top contenders. However, duck fat stands out as the closest match, boasting a rich taste that elevates dishes like schmaltz. Widely embraced in French cuisine, duck fat is especially prized for its ability to cook fantastic potatoes.
Best Raw Cooking Substitute For Schmaltz: Macadamia Oil
Schmaltz is not ideal for raw cooking due to its solid state at room temperature. Macadamia oil is an excellent choice if you seek a liquid oil for raw dishes. With its rich buttery mouthfeel, macadamia oil wonderfully emulates the texture of animal fat. It’s probably the butter of plant-based oils and is perfect for mayonnaise, salad dressings and marinades.
Best Schmaltz Substitute for Regular Cooking: Duck Fat
For regular heat cooking methods, such as roasting, sauteing or pan frying, duck fat is a delicious choice. Coat your meat and potatoes with a layer before roasting, or use it as a substitute for butter when frying onions, mushrooms, and other vegetables. Or, use it to fry onion and garlic as a soup base! Delish.
It can also be used in baking. Chill the duck fat and use it instead of butter or shortening for your pastry. Both schmaltz & duck fat have a 375-degree smoke point.
Best Schmaltz Substitute for High-Heat Cooking: Ghee
Ghee, also known as clarified butter, works well for high-heat cooking methods like frying.
While the flavor of ghee is slightly different from schmaltz, it can still add a lovely richness to dishes.
Ghee has a 480 degrees smoke point, which is higher than regular butter, though regular butter also makes a great substitute for lower-heat cooking. Ghee is made by cooking butter until the water in it evaporates and leaves you with something richer in flavor.
Try making a ghee-roasted chicken or a big bunch of stir-fried veggies!
Schmaltz Oil Substitute that is Closest in Flavor: Duck Fat
Duck fat is renowned in the culinary world for its remarkable ability to elevate the taste and texture of food. For those seeking an excellent alternative, schmaltz comes as a close second, boasting a similar flavor profile and luxuriousness.
Duck fat has a unique flavor from the duck’s natural fatty acids, which provide an intense and savory flavor. Schmaltz is not as intense but still adds a delicious savoriness to foods.
Best Neutral Flavored Schmaltz Substitute: Neutral Flavored Lard Or Vegetable Shortening
The best neutral-flavored substitutes for schmaltz are neutral-flavored lard or vegetable shortening, particularly if you are making pastry. Something to note is that if you are seeking schmaltz alternatives, your diet may not include pork. In this case, vegetable lard or shortening is your best option.
Lard and vegetable shortening are used a lot in baking. Neutral varieties that have barely any flavor are available, making it perfect when you aren’t looking to enhance the taste of dishes.
Shortening is typically composed of a combination of vegetable and animal fats. However, the more readily accessible varieties are exclusively derived from vegetable oils and are known for their neutral flavor. Vegetable shortening is widely accessible and readily found in most supermarkets.
Best Budget-Friendly Schmaltz Substitute: Lard or Vegetable Shortening
If you require a budget alternative for schmaltz, then lard or vegetable shortening are your two best options, especially if you are factoring in accessibility. Unlike duck fat and ghee, you don’t have to traipse around town trying to find them; they are usually available at supermarkets for between 11 and 25 cents per ounce.
Best Healthy Schmaltz Substitute: Macadamia Oil
While schmaltz contains a good balance of fats, it’s still important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially if your healthcare provider wants you to reduce your animal fat intake. Luckily, macadamia oil makes it an excellent plant-based alternative to anything that requires a rich mouthfeel and flavor without all the saturated fat and cholesterol.
Macadamia oil is a nutrient-rich source loaded with Vitamin E and beneficial, non-inflammatory fatty acids, including monounsaturated fats. It also has a lower saturated fat content than other cooking oils, making it a healthier option.
Duck fat boasts a favorable nutritional profile, setting it apart from other animal fats like butter or lard, as it contains more heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. It is a rich source of essential fatty acids and vitamin E, further enhancing its appeal from a dietary perspective for those not worried about their animal fat and cholesterol intake.
Best Keto/Paleo/Whole30 Schmaltz Substitute: Duck Fat
Duck fat can be suitable for various dietary needs. Those following special diets like the paleo or keto diet often favour it because it is a whole food with a solid nutritional profile. Chefs like duck fat because it can be used in various recipes to add complex flavors or depth of flavor, but they may also like it as it is approved on plenty of different whole food diets!
Best Plant-Based Substitute Schmaltz: Crisco or Refined Coconut Oil
Crisco or refined coconut oil are two plant-based alternatives instead of duck fat. While Crisco has a very neutral flavor, it is made from hydrogenated vegetable oil, which some prefer to avoid.
Refined coconut oil is not hydrogenated and provides a more neutral flavor than its unrefined counterpart. However, it is important to note that refined coconut oil is not compliant with paleo or Whole30 diets. Nevertheless, this versatile alternative is a suitable substitute for schmaltz, as it remains solid at room temperature and can be utilized in similar applications.
FAQs
No, schmaltz is not only made of chicken fat. Schmaltz can be made from other animal fat, such as goose fat. Schmaltz is made by rendering the fat from poultry, and sometimes other seasonings are added.
Chicken schmaltz certainly holds its own by way of nutrition. It contains high levels of monounsaturated fat and vitamins such as A and E, essential for a healthy immune system. However, it is still a high-fat, cholesterol-containing food that may not be appropriate for someone on a low-fat or low-cholesterol diet.
Schmaltz has been used in many Jewish dishes for centuries, so it is probably quite ingrained in Jewish culture. It can add richness without utilizing dairy, as dairy and meat mixed together is not kosher.
Yes, schmaltz can go bad. It should be stored in an airtight container and kept refrigerated, lasting for about a month. You can also freeze it to help preserve its shelf life, however, the texture may change when thawed. If you notice any changes in smell or color, it is best to get rid of it.
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