Out of Duck fat, one case
Duck fat substitute, in depth
8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Lard
Same amount as the duck fat
The best duck fat substitutes are lard, schmaltz, ghee, or beef tallow for cooking. For vegan options, use coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes, but adjust based on your recipe and dietary needs.
- Best for —
- roast potatoes
One casethe full duck fat card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of duck fat |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lardroast potatoes | Same amount |
| 2 | Schmaltz (chicken fat)roast potatoes | Same amount |
| 3 | Gheeroast potatoes | Same amount |
| 4 | Beef tallowroast potatoes | Same amount |
| 5 | Bacon fatroast potatoes | Same amount |
| 6 | Coconut oilvegan cooking | Same amount |
| 7 | Vegetable shorteningvegan cooking | Same amount |
| 8 | Duck fat spray alternativeroast potatoes | Use cooking spray or brush with oil |
Lard
rich and savory
Pork fat with similar high smoke point and cooking properties to duck fat. Good for roasting, frying, and baking applications.
- Best for
- roast potatoes, frying, roasting, baking, general cooking, when you want similar cooking properties
- Texture
- similar solid fat
Lard is the closest substitute to duck fat in terms of cooking properties. It has a high smoke point and similar texture when solid.
Schmaltz (chicken fat)
rich and savory, similar to duck fat
Rendered chicken fat with similar high smoke point and rich flavor to duck fat. Excellent for poultry-based dishes and traditional cooking.
- Best for
- roast potatoes, confit, frying, roasting, when you want poultry fat flavor, traditional cooking
- Texture
- similar solid fat
Schmaltz provides similar flavor profile to duck fat since both are poultry fats. It has the same high smoke point and cooking properties.
Ghee
rich and buttery
Clarified butter with high smoke point and rich, nutty flavor. Good for high-heat cooking and when you want buttery richness.
- Best for
- roast potatoes, frying, roasting, baking, when you want buttery flavor, high-heat cooking
- Texture
- similar solid fat
Ghee has a high smoke point like duck fat and provides rich, buttery flavor. It's solid at room temperature and melts when heated.
Beef tallow
rich and savory
Rendered beef fat with high smoke point and rich, savory flavor. Excellent for roasting and frying applications.
- Best for
- roast potatoes, frying, roasting, baking, when you want beef flavor, high-heat cooking
- Texture
- similar solid fat
Beef tallow has similar cooking properties to duck fat with a high smoke point. It provides rich, savory flavor to dishes.
Bacon fat
rich and smoky
Rendered bacon fat with smoky flavor and high smoke point. Great for adding smoky depth to dishes.
- Best for
- roast potatoes, frying, roasting, when you want smoky flavor, savory dishes
- Texture
- similar solid fat
Bacon fat adds smoky flavor that complements many dishes. It has similar cooking properties to duck fat.
Coconut oil
subtle coconut flavor
Plant-based oil with high smoke point and subtle coconut flavor. Good vegan substitute for duck fat.
- Best for
- vegan cooking, roast potatoes, frying, roasting, baking, when you want plant-based option
- Texture
- similar solid fat
Coconut oil is solid at room temperature like duck fat. It has a high smoke point and works well in most applications.
Vegetable shortening
neutral taste · similar solid fat
Plant-based solid fat with high smoke point and neutral flavor. Good vegan substitute for duck fat.
- Best for
- vegan cooking, baking, frying, roasting, when you want neutral flavor, plant-based cooking
Vegetable shortening has similar texture to duck fat and works well in most cooking applications. It's completely neutral in flavor.
Duck fat spray alternative
depends on oil used
For duck fat spray, use any high-heat cooking spray or brush with melted fat. Provides similar non-stick properties.
- Best for
- roast potatoes, baking, when you want spray application, non-stick cooking
- Texture
- spray application
Use high-heat cooking spray or brush with melted fat for similar results. Any high-smoke-point oil works for spraying.
How it behaves in this recipe
Duck fat is prized for its high smoke point, rich flavor, and ability to create crispy, golden results in cooking. When substituting, consider the cooking method, desired flavor profile, and dietary restrictions. Solid fats work better for applications requiring solid fat, while liquid oils work for general cooking.
Tips for substituting duck fat
15 tips- For roast potatoes: Use lard, schmaltz, or ghee for best results - they provide similar crispy texture
- For confit: Use schmaltz or lard as they have similar properties to duck fat for slow cooking
- For high-heat cooking: Choose fats with high smoke points like ghee, lard, or beef tallow
- For vegan cooking: Coconut oil or vegetable shortening work best as solid fat substitutes
- For frying: Any of the animal fat substitutes work well, but avoid vegetable oils for deep frying
- For baking: Lard or vegetable shortening provide similar texture and results
- For flavor: Schmaltz provides the closest flavor match to duck fat
- For spray applications: Use high-heat cooking spray or brush with melted fat
- Storage: Store solid fats in the refrigerator, liquid oils at room temperature
- Melting: Melt solid fats gently over low heat before using
- Smoke point: Duck fat has a high smoke point (375°F), choose substitutes with similar properties
- For confit specifically: Schmaltz or lard work best as they have similar slow-cooking properties
- For roast vegetables: Any solid fat substitute works well for achieving crispy results
- For French cooking: Schmaltz or lard provide the most authentic flavor profile
- For health-conscious cooking: Use coconut oil or ghee for better nutritional profiles
Notes on duck fat
- For authentic flavor: Use schmaltz or lard for the closest match to duck fat's rich, savory taste
- For vegan cooking: Use coconut oil or vegetable shortening for plant-based alternatives
- For high-heat cooking: Choose fats with high smoke points like ghee, lard, or beef tallow
- For confit: Use schmaltz or lard as they have similar slow-cooking properties
- For roast potatoes: Any solid fat substitute works well for achieving crispy results
- For spray applications: Use high-heat cooking spray or brush with melted fat
- For French cooking: Schmaltz or lard provide the most authentic flavor profile
- For health-conscious cooking: Use coconut oil or ghee for better nutritional profiles
- Roast potatoesLard, schmaltz, or gheeSame amountHeat the fat before adding potatoes for best crispy results. These fats provide similar texture and flavor to duck fat.
- ConfitSchmaltz or lardSame amountUse for slow cooking as they have similar properties to duck fat. Schmaltz provides the closest flavor match.
- FryingLard, schmaltz, ghee, or beef tallowSame amountChoose fats with high smoke points. Avoid vegetable oils for deep frying as they break down at high temperatures.
- BakingLard or vegetable shorteningSame amountThese provide similar texture and results in baked goods. Lard adds flavor, shortening is neutral.
- Vegan cookingCoconut oil or vegetable shorteningSame amountBoth are solid at room temperature and work well in most applications. Coconut oil adds subtle flavor.
- French cookingSchmaltz or lardSame amountThese provide the most authentic flavor profile for French cuisine. Schmaltz is particularly traditional.
- Spray applicationHigh-heat cooking spray or brush with melted fatUse as neededAny high-smoke-point oil works for spraying. Brush with melted fat for more control.
- High heat cookingGhee, lard, or beef tallowSame amountChoose fats with smoke points above 375°F. These can handle high-heat cooking without breaking down.
Questions
15 questionsWhat's the best substitute for duck fat in roast potatoes?
For roast potatoes, lard, schmaltz, or ghee work best as they provide similar crispy texture and high smoke point. Use 1:1 ratio and heat the fat before adding potatoes for best results.
Can I substitute ghee for duck fat?
Yes, ghee is an excellent substitute for duck fat. It has a similar high smoke point, solid texture at room temperature, and provides rich, buttery flavor. Use 1:1 ratio.
What's the best vegan substitute for duck fat?
For vegan cooking, coconut oil or vegetable shortening work best as duck fat substitutes. Both are solid at room temperature and have high smoke points. Use 1:1 ratio.
Can I use duck fat substitute for confit?
Yes, schmaltz or lard work well for confit as they have similar slow-cooking properties to duck fat. They provide the same gentle cooking method and flavor development.
What's the difference between duck fat and lard?
Duck fat is rendered from duck and has a rich, gamey flavor, while lard is rendered from pork and has a different flavor profile. Both have similar cooking properties and high smoke points.
Can I substitute butter for duck fat?
Regular butter isn't ideal as a duck fat substitute due to its lower smoke point. Ghee (clarified butter) works better as it has a high smoke point similar to duck fat.
What's the best substitute for duck fat spray?
For duck fat spray, use any high-heat cooking spray or brush with melted fat. High-smoke-point oils like avocado oil or ghee work well for spraying applications.
Can I use olive oil instead of duck fat?
Olive oil can work as a duck fat substitute, but it has a lower smoke point and different flavor. Use extra virgin olive oil for better flavor, but be careful with high-heat cooking.
What's the best substitute for duck fat in French cooking?
For French cooking, schmaltz or lard provide the most authentic flavor profile. Schmaltz is particularly good as it's also a traditional French cooking fat.
Can I substitute vegetable oil for duck fat?
Vegetable oil can substitute for duck fat, but it has different properties. It's liquid at room temperature and has a neutral flavor. Use for cooking but not for applications requiring solid fat.
What's the best substitute for duck fat in baking?
For baking, lard or vegetable shortening work best as duck fat substitutes. They provide similar texture and results in baked goods. Use 1:1 ratio.
Can I use bacon fat instead of duck fat?
Yes, bacon fat can substitute for duck fat and adds smoky flavor. It has similar cooking properties and high smoke point. Use 1:1 ratio but expect smoky flavor in your dish.
What's the healthiest substitute for duck fat?
For health-conscious cooking, coconut oil or ghee are better choices than duck fat. Coconut oil provides medium-chain triglycerides, while ghee has beneficial compounds from clarified butter.
Can I substitute duck fat for butter?
Yes, you can substitute duck fat for butter in many recipes. Duck fat has a higher smoke point and different flavor, but works well in cooking applications. Use 1:1 ratio.
What's the best substitute for duck fat in frying?
For frying, lard, schmaltz, ghee, or beef tallow work best as duck fat substitutes. They all have high smoke points and provide similar cooking results. Avoid vegetable oils for deep frying.