topic Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat? in Kitchen

Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

2zbeach — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:18:30 GMT

Hi everyone, Does anyone know an easy way to skim off fat from pan juices? I have never really been too good at it,but I love sauces,gravies,etc. Any and all help appreciated! Thanks.

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

sidsmom — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:22:29 GMT

Growing up, my mom used to put pan juices in a bowl & stick in the refrigerator for an hour/so, then skim off.

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

LoLa — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:23:09 GMT

Hi 2zbeach,

I usually pour the drippings into a fat separator measuring cup.

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

oceantown — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:25:16 GMT

I have a measuring cup that has the spout on the bottom of the cup. It is made for removing the fat from the pan juices or broth. Pour the entire amount of pan juices into the cup and let it sit for a while until the fat rises to the top. Then carefully pour the juices back into the pan. It siphons from the bottom of the cup and the fat stays on the top layer. Pour off the broth and leave the fat layer in the cup.

BTW, mine is about 1 1/2 cup capacity.

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

DoneTryin — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:28:15 GMT

If I don't need it right away, I refrigerate it overnight. The fat congeals when it gets cold so you can just pick it right up. Otherwise the fat separator that LoLa mentioned. In a pinch, I've just lightly swept a clean coffee filter or thick paper towel across the top of the liquid to absorb some of the fat.

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

hondagirl — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:44:57 GMT

I went to a cooking class many years ago and the chef would put a paper towel on top of the soup, gravy, etc. for one or two seconds and this pulled off most of the grease. Several tries will get it all off....It does work if you are in a hurry...

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:48:06 GMT

I like the fat separator measuring cup, but years ago I ended up with something called a "fat mop". I don't know where it came from - a Pampered Chef gathering or school fundraiser? Anyway, it's a little mop that draws up/wicks away the grease/fat as you skim it over your pan juices. Rinse with hot water and clean with hot soapy water or in the dishwasher.

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

HonnyBrown — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:48:15 GMT

2z, I hope you don't mind me sharing a funny story in your thread. The suggestions everyone gave you are great ones, so I can't suggest anything else.

In the winter, I used to make ox tail stew. On the first day, I cook the tails and refrigerate the pot. The next day, I remove the fat layer (very thick) and cook the stew.

I was waiting for the pot to cool down so I could move it to the fridge on Day 1. DH came home and ate most of what was in the pot! He said it was the best stew ever

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

Another new name Sue — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 19:06:14 GMT

On 9/12/2014 VCamp2748 said:
If I don't need it right away, I refrigerate it overnight. The fat congeals when it gets cold so you can just pick it right up. Otherwise the fat separator that LoLa mentioned. In a pinch, I've just lightly swept a clean coffee filter or thick paper towel across the top of the liquid to absorb some of the fat.

Great question, OP. I have used that fat separator measuring cup, but mine is plastic, and I don't like to put warm liquids in plastic.

I usually refrigerate overnight, but sometimes it's difficult to peel off the fat. It flakes up and breaks up. I'd like to get it all, but I do get most.

Great idea about the coffee filter or paper towel. I once saw someone press paper towels down on top of a greasy pizza! It was still loaded with fat, of course, but a little less.

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

luvdoodles — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 20:18:33 GMT

When I want chicken broth, I cook boil the chicken in water with seasonings. Remove the chicken and bring the broth to room temp and then put in the fridge over night. I can make gravy or soup the next day. I use a spoon to remove the hardened fat. It's simple and much less fat.

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

chickenbutt — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 20:43:49 GMT

The fat will rise, as already stated. So you can either just pour it into a container and let it cool - the fat will come up to the top. Or you can use one of those separater measuring cups. I have one and it works really well, especially if you are dealing with a large volume of liquid/fat. I think it's made by OXO, but I could be wrong.

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

2zbeach — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 20:43:56 GMT

Thanks,everyone. I think a fat measuring cup will be on the agenda for tomorrow. I will keep in mind the coffee filter/paper towel idea. I've been doing the refrig thing,but don 't always have time for it. Honny Brown...loved your ox tail tale! With a story like that,you can hijack my thread anytime! : )

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

this is my nic — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 21:01:52 GMT

I use a turkey baster, but the fat separator cup is probably better. It's on my need to purchase list!

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

wagirl — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 21:10:02 GMT

I put ice in a bowl and then pour the liquid over top and let it set for awhile and then throw the cubes with the congealed fat around them away. Works everytime!!!

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

DiamondGirly — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 21:15:27 GMT

Have any of you tried the Fat Mop? I've used one, and it works well, if you don't have time to just let the pots sit so the fat rises....

The Original Fat Mop

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

chickenbutt — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 21:20:35 GMT

On 9/12/2014 di-mc said:
I use a turkey baster, but the fat separator cup is probably better. It's on my need to purchase list!

I've also done it that way a lot of times over the years, especially when I needed to knock it out right from the original pan/pot. It's pretty effective, but a little tedious.

That fat separator cup really works well, as long as you are in a position to be able to either pour or ladle out the liquid into the cup.

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

jaxs mom — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 22:01:58 GMT

A fat separator if you need it right away otherwise refrigeration will make the fat solid so it can be easily lifted off.

I have this one and really like it

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

JeanLouiseFinch — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 22:34:17 GMT

On 9/12/2014 DiamondGirly said:
Have any of you tried the Fat Mop? I've used one, and it works well, if you don't have time to just let the pots sit so the fat rises....

The Original Fat Mop

Yes I mentioned this in my post (#6)

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

spookyghost — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 22:43:13 GMT

I can't believe I was thinking about this very subject this week! I sometimes cook a whole chicken in the crock pot. Of course the juice is amazing but I really need to get the extra fat out for a healthier meal. I did not know there was a fat seperator cup! Ha. I'm pretty excited. My only problem is that I load the crock pot with sweet potatoes and carrots which makes taking the fat off once its cold more difficult. So maybe I will get a cup and take out the veggies the use the cup. Is this a quick process? I will have quite a bit of broth to do.

Re: Is there an easy way to skim off fat?

mac116 — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 22:52:50 GMT

I usually refrigerate overnight, or at least for a few hours. In a pinch I have used the ice cube trick, a paper towel, or a Pampered Chef fat skimmer. I really try to get rid of as much fat a possible. Along those lines, have you watched how much fat is in the food on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives or Pioneer Women? It sort of make me sick to my stomach. I would weigh a ton if I ate all that fat!