Lard is a great option for those looking for healthy cooking fat. Unlike vegetable oils, lard is made up of mostly monounsaturated fats, the healthiest fat.
Suppose you’re trying to cook a delicious meal but are out of lard. What do you do?
It can be tough to find a good substitute for lard when you’re in the kitchen. Most people just give up and order takeout.
Not anymore! I’ve got the nine perfect lard substitutes to make your cooking dreams come true. From bacon fat to vegetable shortening, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
9 Best Lard Substitutes
1. Butter
Butter is a dairy product made from the fat and protein in milk. It’s usually made from cow’s milk, but it can also be made from goat’s, sheep’s, or buffalo milk.
Butter is a great substitute for lard because it has a similar consistency and flavor. Plus, it’s easy to find and use, and it’s also a healthy fat.
The only disadvantage is the butter’s lower smoking point. Lard isn’t the greatest option if you’re making a dish that needs to be stir-fried. Because lard is 100% pure, and butter is just 80%, you’ll need more butter to make up for it.
You may combine 1 1/4 cups of butter for each cup of lard to maintain the flavor and texture of many dishes.
2. Coconut Oil
Another good substitute that will serve well in your dish is coconut oil. Coconut oil is made from the meat of coconuts. It’s a type of vegetable oil, but it’s solid at room temperature.
Coconut oil is a good choice because it has a high smoking point and it’s also healthy. Coconut oil is made up of mostly saturated fats, which are the healthiest kind of fat.
You may use the same amount of coconut oil in any recipe as lard. The only disadvantage to using coconut oil is its flavor. If you’re not a fan of the taste of coconuts, this probably isn’t the best substitute.
3. Beef Tallow
Beef tallow is made from rendered beef fat. It’s a great substitution for lard because it has a similar consistency and flavor.
It has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a good choice for cooking.
Beef tallow can be found at most grocery stores and is easy to use. Just like lard, it’s solid at room temperature.
To substitute, use the same beef tallow as lard in your recipe.
4. Vegetable Shortening
Vegetable shortening is made from vegetable oils, usually soybean or cottonseed oil. It’s a type of fat that’s solid at room temperature.
Shortening is a good lard substitute because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. Plus, it’s easy to find and use.
You may use the same amount of vegetable shortening in any recipe as lard.
5. Olive Oil
Olive oil is made from crushed olives. It’s a type of vegetable oil that’s liquid at room temperature.
Baking with extra virgin olive oil is an excellent way to add flavor to your foods. It has a very low smoking temperature, making it unsuitable for frying.
You can use the same olive oil as lard in your recipe.
6. Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil is made from various vegetable oils, such as soybean, corn, or canola oil. It’s a type of fat that is liquid at room temperature.
Vegetable oil is a good choice as a lard substitute because it has a high smoking point and a neutral flavor. It’s also easy to find and use. You can use it as a one-to-one substitution for lard.
7. Ghee
Ghee is made from butter that has been melted and strained to remove the milk solids. It’s a type of clarified butter that’s solid at room temperature.
Ghee has lower fat content than lard, so more ghee will be required to replace it.
You may use it in place of butter or lard, which has the same rich, buttery taste as real butter. It’s excellent in pie crust, tortillas, beans, and other baked dishes.
8. Avocado
Like any other fruit or vegetable, Avocados are a wonderful source of healthy fat. It can be used as a substitute for lard in some recipes for those seeking a vegan or vegetarian option.
It has a smooth, creamy texture that can boost the flavor of your favorite recipes. They are also high in monounsaturated fats and vitamin E.
Avocados are great for baking, especially muffins, cakes, cookies, and bread.
Remember that your final dish may have a different color, texture, and taste than anticipated if you use avocado instead of another fat. Using 1 cup of lard in a recipe, use around 1/2 cup of mashed avocado. However, as needed, you may need to alter the proportion slightly.
9. Mashed Banana
Bananas are a great substitution for lard in some recipes. They are high in potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin B6.
They also have a natural sweetness that can be used to enhance the flavor of your dish.
Mashed bananas work great in cookies, breads, cakes, and pancakes, but they are not well suited for frying or savory recipes. Replace 1 cup of lard with 1/2 cup of mashed banana.
There you have it! These are 9 of the best substitutes for lard.
Related Questions:
What Does Lard Taste Like?
Lard has a subtle flavor that is similar to butter. It is not as strong as bacon fat and has a slightly sweet taste. When used in baking, it gives the final product a moist texture.
Can Crisco Be Used in Place of Lard?
Yes, Crisco can be used as a replacement for lard in most baking recipes. It has a slightly different flavor but will work just fine.
Is Lard the Same as Shortening?
No, lard and shortening are not the same. Shortening is made from vegetable oils and doesn’t have the same flavor as lard. It’s a good substitute for lard in baking but won’t work as well in savory dishes.
Can You Freeze Lard?
Yes, lard can be frozen for up to 1 year. It’s best to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Final Words
When replacing lard with another fat in a recipe, it is important to remember that the end result may not be the same. Be sure to do a taste test before serving to ensure you’re happy with the results.
With some experimentation, you’ll be able to find a great substitution for lard that works best for your needs.
I hope this article was helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below.
