What Is Suet? Its Use And Alternatives

By Juliet D'cruz

If you are British you must have heard about what is suet? Suet is commonly used in the UK and not in other places. Suet is used in British recipes. If you are curious that what is it, how to use it, and are there any alternatives to it then you are in right place. Below we have described everything you should know about what is suet?

What Is Suet?

Suet is a saturated fat made by using animal fat. The fat that is around the kidney is used to make it. Commonly this fat is of cows and mutton. The fat separated from the meat, cleaned, chopped, and boiled. This process cleans the fat. Once this is boiled properly it is been cooled and the water and fat are separated. The fat that remains is called suet. 

Cooking Suet

Here is how you can cook and use Suet.

  • Suet is to be cooked in a heavy saucepan. 
  • It is to be cooked until it looks clear and should be melted plus golden. 
  • It should be cooked on moderately low heat. 
  • It may take about 20 to 25 mixtures to cook suet. 
  • Once it is done cooking then transfer the suet to a bowl.
  • After is called freeze it till it turns firm and white

Using Suet

Suet for cooking is used in many recipes of savory and dessert dishes. After it is been frozen you can use it by chopping it or by grating it on recipes. Below are some examples of dishes in which you can use suet

  • Christmas Pudding
  • Mincemeat
  • Cranberry, Almond Pudding

Click here – What is Twill? Definition and Everything About It

Suet Alternatives

You can use suet substitute in some recipes. But you cannot expect the same results by using them. Below you can find the alternatives to Suet

  • Butter 

Butter can be used in some recipes. But when using butter remember that it melts much faster than suet. This can make your dish greasy and heavy. 

  • Vegetable Shortening

Vegetable Shortening is the best alternative in vegetable dishes. Before using shorting in your dish you can freeze it then grate it and freeze it again. Another way to grate it in a food processor will resemble the same as suet.

Where To Buy Suet For Cooking?

To buy suet for cooking you can go to these places

  1. Grocery store
  2. British food shops
  3. Online on grocery websites
  4. Supermarkets

Nutrition Value Of Suet

The nutrition value of the suet per ounce is as follows

  • Calories – 242
  • Fat – 27 grams
  • Protein – 4 grams
  • Sodium – 0
  • Carbs – 0
  • Vitamins – 0 

Click here – How To Disable Pop Up Blocker? In Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Etc

FAQ

Are Suet And Lard The Same Thing?

Suet and lard are similar to each other and both are used in recipes like puddings and mince pies.

Can I Use Butter Instead Of Suet?

Butter can be used in some recipes. But when using butter remember that it melts much faster than suet. This can make your dish greasy and heavy.

What Exactly Is Suet?

Suet is a saturated fat made by using animal fat. The fat that is around the kidney used to make it. Commonly this fat is of cows and mutton.

How Do You Make Suet?

Here is how you can cook and use Suet.

  • Suet is to be cooked in a heavy saucepan.
  • It is to be cooked until it looks clear and should be melted plus golden.
  • It should be cooked on moderately low heat.
  • It may take about 20 to 25 mixtures to cook suet.
  • Once it is done cooking then transfer the suet to a bowl.
  • After is called freeze it till it turns firm and white

What Is Vegetable Suet?

Vegetable Suet is an alternative to suet that is made from animal fats. Vegetable suet is made from vegetable refined oil.

What Is Suet For Human Consumption?

Suet and Tallow Are Healthy Fats.

Suet and Tallow, just like avocado oil and coconut oil consists of natural and healthy unrefined saturated fats ~ an ideal daily addition to your healthy diet. Processed vegetable and seed oils like Canola Oil and Sunflower Oil are high in unhealthy polyunsaturated fats.

What Is Natural Suet?

Suet is a raw, solid, white fat which comes from around the kidneys of cows and sheep. The cows can be fully-grown cows, or calves; the sheep can be lamb, or mutton. It is used as an ingredient in recipes. Suet is not the same as tallow, or beef dripping.

Why Do Birds Need Suet?

Suet is particularly attractive to woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees, jays, and starlings. Wrens, creepers, kinglets, and even cardinals and some warblers occasionally visit suet feeders. Animal fat is easily digested and metabolized by many birds; it’s a high-energy food, especially valuable in cold weather.

What Is A Vegetarian Alternative To Suet?

Vegetarian suet has also become popular and is made from a vegetable oil instead. If you can’t find suet then we have found that grated vegetable shortening (such as Trex, Crisco or Copha) is a good substitute.

What Can Be Used Instead Of Suet?

You may also substitute vegetable shortening, which has a similar melting point: the flavor and texture of a pudding will not be quite the same, but it will be closer than with, say, butter. You can also use lard (rendered and clarifed pork fat), which is close to the consistency of vegetable shortening.

Can You Get Suet In The USA?

If you want to enjoy the rich flavor of suet in your recipes, you can find it at your local grocery store.

Is Suet Healthy To Eat?

Suet and Tallow, just like avocado oil and coconut oil consists of natural and healthy unrefined saturated fats ~ an ideal daily addition to your healthy diet. Processed vegetable and seed oils like Canola Oil and Sunflower Oil are high in unhealthy polyunsaturated fats.

Is Shortening The Same As Suet?

Vegetarian suet has also become popular and is made from a vegetable oil instead. If you can’t find suet then we have found that grated vegetable shortening (such as Trex, Crisco or Copha) is a good substitute.

Conclusion

As you read above that suet is made by animal fats and is used in savory as well as in desserts. Commonly it is used in puddings and pies. We have also mentioned the cooking, using, and where you can buy it. It will be much easier to use suet once you know What Is Suet?