Skim Fat From Ground Beef In Seconds With This Simple Trick

Everybody knows one of the most common mistakes to avoid when cooking ground beef is not skimming off the fat. At times, this step can be the only difference between a well-balanced dish and one too greasy to be enjoyable. If only it weren't such a time-consuming hassle every single time. Not to mention the potential plumbing damage from pouring grease down your kitchen drain. Unless, of course, you've got some paper towels and a pair of tongs nearby, in which case, it should only take less than a minute and very little trouble.

This paper towel hack starts a few minutes after you brown the beef, right when you see that enough fat has rendered. Do it by tilting the pan slightly upward and gently pushing the meat to the side so the fat will pool in one spot. Then, use a pair of tongs to dab crumbled paper towels onto those spots. Once they have gone soggy from absorbing too much grease, replace them with clean paper towels and repeat the process until almost all of the fat has been removed.

"Almost" is the keyword here, because draining it off completely is a mistake that can leave your ground beef with a bland bite. Just as removing the grease can make your beef leaner, it can also lead to a decrease in flavor since the fat is what gives it that meaty richness. The beef is better off without excessive grease, but just the right amount of fat is still essential for flavor impact and juiciness.

Handy as this paper towel trick is, it's important to note that it doesn't work for every ground beef dish. It's quick and easy when you have a moderate amount of grease, but if you're cooking in large portions or making brothy dishes, it might be wise to consider other methods. Of course, for the average homemade ground beef recipes, such as tacos and pasta, this shouldn't be too much of a problem. Did you know this hack also works off-the-pan? For those who use ground beef to make meatballs and patties, this can be done right when it's finished cooking. Just set them on paper-towel-lined plates and blot off the excess grease along the top and sides. 

Since it's still hot oil you're dealing with, don't forget to be cautious. Always use tongs to move the paper towels around instead of your bare hands. You never know when the oil might soak through the towels or splash onto your skin. If possible, opt for high-quality paper towels that can withstand the heat and grease without falling apart instantly. If you don't have any paper towels on hand, tea towels are the next best thing, as long as you wash them afterward with vinegar, hot water, and soap.