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Rant: My aunt swears you need to drain ground beef in a colander after browning
She does it every time for her chili, says it cuts fat. I tested it last month. Weighed the meat before and after draining. Lost maybe a tablespoon of fat, but also a ton of flavor and moisture. The meat got dry. I just tilt the pan and spoon out the excess grease now. Does anyone else skip the drain step?
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kelly_nelson951mo ago
Why drain all the good flavor out just for a spoonful of grease?
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parkerp801mo ago
A spoonful of grease is a big deal though, right?
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fisher.adam1mo ago
My grandma's chili recipe specifically says to keep the rendered fat in the pot. That liquid is where a lot of the beef flavor lives, and it helps carry the spices. Draining it all out just makes the meat dry and the whole dish taste weaker. I spoon off maybe a quarter cup if there's a huge puddle, but that's it.
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