Separate Grease: Pan Drippings 101

There are several ways to separate grease from pan drippings, depending on the tools you have available and how much time you have. If you have a fat separator, the process is straightforward: pour in the drippings, let the fat rise to the top, and pour out the de-fatted liquid. If you don't have a fat separator, you can use a plastic bag, a glass measuring cup, and a zip-lock bag. First, let the drippings cool, then strain them to remove any solids. Next, line the glass measuring cup with the zip-lock bag and carefully pour in the drippings. Wait for the fat to rise, then cut a small hole in the corner of the bag and let the liquid drain out into another container, being careful to stop before the fat escapes. Finally, dispose of the fat and bag together. If you have more time, you can also separate the fat by letting the drippings cool and refrigerating them for several hours or overnight; the fat will form a hard skin that can be scooped off.

Characteristics of how to separate grease from pan drippings

Using a plastic bag

If you don't have a fat separator, a plastic bag can be used as a simple alternative to separate grease from pan drippings.

Firstly, get a large resealable plastic bag and a large bowl. Place the bag inside the bowl, and pour the pan drippings into the bag. Seal the bag and let it stand for several minutes. The fat will rise to the top.

Next, carefully lift the bag and place it over a cup or bowl. Cut a small hole in one of the corners of the bag, ensuring it is small enough that the fat won't be able to pour out. Let the drippings pour out into the cup. Stop pouring before the fat reaches the opening of the bag. Finally, dispose of the bag and the remaining fat together.

This method can also be used to separate fat from broth or au jus. Simply strain the drippings or broth from any remaining solids in the pan into a large measuring cup with a spout first, and then follow the same process.

Refrigerating and scooping

If you don't have a fat separator, you can use a bowl or a large, heavy-duty freezer bag to separate the grease from your pan drippings.

First, pour the liquid you need to de-fat into a bowl and allow it to cool. Then, place the bowl in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. The fat will rise to the top of the bowl and form a hard skin. You can then simply scoop the skin off.

If you're in a hurry, you can use a turkey baster to suck out the fat after the liquid has cooled for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to remove the fat, although this may be less precise. Another option is to insert the turkey baster deep enough into the liquid so that you only draw out the defatted liquid, which can then be deposited into another container.

If using a freezer bag, wait for the liquid to cool for a few minutes before transferring it to the bag. Once the fat has risen to the top, snip off a bottom corner of the bag and drain the defatted liquid into another container. This method won't work for dishes with chunky vegetables or meats.

Remember to dispose of the fat properly. Allow it to harden in a disposable container before tossing it in the trash. Do not pour fat down the drain as it will clog your plumbing.

Turkey baster

A turkey baster can be used to separate grease from pan drippings. The process is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps. Firstly, pour the drippings through a strainer into a medium-sized bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. The fat will rise to the top, creating a layer of grease. Then, use the turkey baster to suck up the liquid directly below the fat layer. This method is quicker and easier than skimming the fat off with a spoon and eliminates the need to wait for the liquid to cool down completely.

Alternatively, if you don't have a strainer, you can let the liquid sit for a few minutes and then use the turkey baster to directly suck out the fat that has risen to the top. This method is more precise than using a spoon and can be useful if you need to separate the fat and drippings quickly without having to wait for the liquid to cool down.

Another approach is to use the turkey baster in combination with a resealable plastic bag. First, pour the drippings into the bag, seal it, and let it stand for a few minutes. The fat will rise to the top. Carefully lift the bag and place it over a cup or bowl. Cut a small hole in one of the corners of the bag and let the defatted drippings pour out. Make sure to stop pouring before the fat reaches the opening. Finally, dispose of the bag and the separated fat together.

Using a turkey baster to separate grease from pan drippings is an efficient and convenient method. It allows you to quickly remove the unwanted fat from your gravy or sauce, creating a smoother and healthier final product. By following these simple steps, you can easily incorporate this technique into your cooking routine.

Freezer bag

If you don't have a fat separator, a freezer bag is a great alternative for separating grease from pan drippings. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Freezer Bag

Place a large resealable freezer bag inside a large bowl. This will provide stability and prevent any accidental spills.

Step 2: Add the Pan Drippings

Carefully pour the pan drippings into the freezer bag. It's important to let the drippings cool down a bit before handling them, to avoid burning yourself. Seal the bag tightly to prevent any leaks.

Step 3: Let the Fat Rise

Let the bag sit for several minutes. The fat will rise to the top of the bag, creating a layer of fat that separates from the rest of the drippings. This process may take a bit longer, depending on the volume of drippings you have.

Step 4: Cut a Small Hole

Once the fat has risen to the top, carefully lift the bag over a cup or bowl. Using a pair of scissors, cut a small hole in one of the bottom corners of the bag. Ensure the hole is not too big, as you want to control the flow of the drippings.

Step 5: Drain the Defatted Liquid

Gently squeeze the bag to control the flow, allowing the defatted liquid to drain into the cup or bowl. Stop pouring before the fat layer reaches the hole. You may need to tilt the bag slightly to get the last bit of defatted liquid out.

Step 6: Dispose of the Fat

After draining the defatted liquid, you can now dispose of the fat. Simply toss the bag and its contents into the trash. Do not pour the fat down the drain, as it can cause plumbing issues.

Using a freezer bag is a simple and effective way to separate grease from pan drippings without the need for a fat separator. It's important to be cautious when handling hot liquids, and always dispose of the fat appropriately.

Paper towels

Firstly, lay out several sheets of paper towel on a flat surface. The exact number of sheets will depend on the amount of grease you are dealing with, but it is generally recommended to have a generous stack to avoid any potential mess. If you are concerned about waste, you can opt for a more sustainable option such as reusable cotton towels or cloths. However, for the purpose of convenience and hygiene, paper towels are the go-to choice for many.

Next, carefully pour the pan drippings onto the centre of the paper towels. Allow the grease to spread out and be absorbed by the paper. You may need to gently tilt the surface or use a spatula to guide the grease towards the paper towels if your container has high edges. This step should be done slowly and with caution to prevent any splashing or spilling.

Once the majority of the grease has been absorbed, you can carefully lift the edges of the paper towels and bring them together, forming a parcel that encapsulates the grease. It is important to handle the paper towels with care to avoid any tearing or dripping. Twist the edges of the paper towels tightly to secure the grease within.

Finally, dispose of the paper towel parcel in the trash. It is recommended to wrap the parcel in additional sheets of paper towel or place it in a small bag before discarding to ensure no grease escapes and causes mess in your trash can.

By following these steps, you can effectively use paper towels to separate and dispose of grease from pan drippings. While paper towels are a convenient option, it is worth noting that they contribute to waste, and there are reusable alternatives that can be considered for more sustainable grease separation.

Frequently asked questions