https://parnellthechef.com/how-to-render-lard-on-the-stove-from-pork-fat/
Wet Method for Rendering Lard
Bits of fat are boiling in a small amount of water. As the fat melts, the water evaporates, leaving liquid fat that can then be strained. Although stirring is required, you don’t have to stir as much as with the dry method. The resulting lard is white and neutral-flavored.
Dry Method for Making Lard
On the other hand, bits of fat are melted down with no other liquid. If done on the stove, this method involves more frequent stirring. The resulting fat is browner in color and has a more pronounced flavor.
In this recipe, I’m going to use the wet method because it requires less stirring and results in a purer product. However, if you use the dry method, let me know how it turns out.
How to Render Lard On The Stove (From Pork Fat) Ingredients
To make lard from pork fat on the stove top using the wet method, you only need 2 ingredients:
Pork Fat – I used a 1.7 lb package of pork fat from the butcher. For this recipe, I recommend using about 1.5 pounds, but a bit more or less should be fine.
Water – I planned on using 1/4 cup of water for the first round of rendering, so I kept an extra cup off to the side. The temperature of the water doesn’t matter – straight from the faucet is fine.
And you’ll also need a few tools:
Pot – For rendering lard on the stove, I recommend a heavy, thick-bottom pot.
Sharp Knife – Raw pork fat is actually fairly tough, so you need a sharp knife to cut through it.
Wooden Spoon – You’ll need to stir the pork fat as it melts down. Wood doesn’t conduct heat, so it’s a good option.
Strainer – To strain out the bits of meat, skin, and other impurities.
Paper Towels or Cheesecloth – I put paper towels in the strainer to catch the impurities.
Glass Bowl – You need a large glass bowl or other container to put under the strainer to catch the liquid fat.
Glass Jars – The melted fat will be hot, so I recommend pouring it into a glass jar. Depending on several factors, you may need up to 3 or 4, 16-oz glass jars.
As you can see, making lard on the stove is easy because you don’t need a lot of ingredients or tools.