Seasoning Griddles & Cookware with Tallow: A Forgotten Tradition Worth Bringing Back

When it comes to seasoning cast iron, carbon steel, and flat-top griddles like the Blackstone, there are dozens of oils and fats people turn to — flaxseed, avocado, grapeseed, canola. But there’s one natural, nutrient-dense fat that’s been largely forgotten in modern kitchens: tallow.

Once a staple in traditional cooking and maintenance, beef tallow is making a comeback — not just on the plate, but as a powerful tool for seasoning cookware. And it turns out, it’s one of the best fats you can use.

Let’s dive into why tallow is superior, how to use it, and the surprising benefits it brings to your kitchen tools and your health.

 

🧽 What Is Seasoning and Why Does It Matter?

Seasoning is the process of bonding oil or fat to the surface of your cookware through heat. This creates a hard, protective, non-stick coating that:

• Prevents rust and corrosion
• Improves cooking performance
• Adds flavor over time
• Makes cleanup easier

Traditionally, oils with high smoke points are used. But not all fats are created equal when it comes to seasoning.

🥩 Why Use Tallow for Seasoning?

1.  High Smoke Point

Tallow has a smoke point of 400–420°F, making it ideal for high-heat cooking and seasoning. It doesn’t burn easily, which helps create even, durable layers on griddles and pans.

 

2.  Natural & Non-Toxic

Unlike industrial seed oils, tallow is a whole, single-ingredient animal fat. It’s minimally processed, free from chemicals, and doesn’t go rancid quickly like some plant oils. You don’t need to worry about coating your cookware with inflammatory or synthetic residues.

 

3. Harder Seasoning Layer

Tallow creates a strong, glossy finish that’s highly resistant to sticking and scraping. Many users find tallow-based seasoning more resilient than flaxseed or vegetable oil layers, which can flake or crack.

 

4. Antimicrobial & Shelf-Stable

Tallow is naturally antimicrobial and shelf-stable for months (even years) when stored properly. This makes it not only great for seasoning but also for ongoing maintenance — just rub a bit on your griddle or pan after cooking.

 

5.  Ancestral Wisdom

Before industrial oils took over, tallow was the original fat used by cooks, homesteaders, and blacksmiths. It was prized for its ability to protect cast iron, nourish skin, and fry food — all in one.

🔥 How to Season Your Griddle or Cookware with Tallow

What You’ll Need:

• Clean, dry griddle or cast iron pan
• Pure beef tallow (preferably grass-fed)
• Lint-free cloth or paper towels
• Heat source (stove, oven, or griddle burners)

Step-by-Step:

1. Clean the surface with hot water, soap and a scraper to remove any food or rust. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all soap.
2. Heat your cookware until hot (10–15 minutes) to open the pores of the metal.
3. Apply a thin layer of tallow using a cloth or towel. Rub it in well and remove any excess (you want a thin sheen, not puddles).
4. Let it smoke over high heat until it stops (about 10–15 minutes).
5. Repeat 2–3 times for a strong, deep seasoning layer.
6. Once cooled, apply a final light layer for storage.

 

💪 Bonus Benefits: Tallow for Skin and Cooking

Don’t stop at the griddle! Tallow is also:

• Incredible for skin — use the same jar you season with (or a separate one) to moisturize dry hands, elbows, or even lips.
• Perfect for frying — it’s stable, flavorful, and loaded with fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K2.

 

🌿 Better Than Plant Oils — And Here’s Why

Many popular oils used today are:

• Highly processed (requiring industrial chemicals to extract)
• High in omega-6s, which can promote inflammation
• Quick to go rancid, especially when heated repeatedly

Tallow, on the other hand, is:

• Naturally stable and solid at room temperature
• Full of nourishing saturated fats
• Time-tested and traditional

 

🧂 Final Thoughts

If you’re already cooking with cast iron or a griddle, you’re likely someone who appreciates real food, old-school tools, and intentional living. Tallow fits perfectly into that lifestyle — offering a more natural, durable, and healthful way to season your cookware and nourish your home.

So next time your skillet or griddle looks dry or needs a refresh, skip the seed oils and reach for a jar of good old-fashioned tallow.

Your cookware — and your body — will thank you.