Chef Big DA high-protein, high-viscosity snack featuring premium macadamias cold-smoked over cherry wood, tossed in rendered duck fat and a fermented kimchi-gochugaru glaze.
Place the raw macadamia nuts on a perforated tray inside your offset smoker. Cold-smoke using cherry wood for 60 minutes, ensuring the temperature remains under 80°F to infuse the smoke without altering the nut's natural oils.
Use a smoke tube if you don't want to fire up the main pit for a cold smoke.
In a small copper saucier, whisk together the rendered duck fat, strained kimchi liquid, gochugaru, and honey over low heat until an emulsion forms and the mixture reduces to a thick, syrupy consistency.
Don't let the glaze boil aggressively; we want to preserve the nuance of the fermented flavors.
Increase the oven or smoker temperature to 325°F. Toss the cold-smoked macadamias into the glaze until every surface is evenly coated with the high-viscosity reduction.
Use a rubber spatula to ensure you don't bruise the nuts.
Spread the coated nuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 5 minutes until the glaze sets and becomes tacky, but before the sugars in the honey start to carbonize.
Keep a close eye here; macadamias have high oil content and can burn quickly.
Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle with Maldon sea salt and black sesame seeds while the glaze is still warm. Allow to cool completely on the tray to achieve maximum structural integrity and crunch.
The cooling phase is non-negotiable for the texture.
The secret to this snack is the balance of textures. The duck fat provides a luxurious mouthfeel, while the fermentation from the kimchi adds a necessary acidic counterpoint. Ensure your smoker stays below 80°F (27°C) for the cold-smoking phase to avoid melting the fat before the smoke can penetrate the cellular structure of the nuts. Store in an airtight glass jar to maintain the crunch.
Nutrition data is estimated and may not be fully accurate. This is not medical advice — consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Prices shown reflect the estimated cost of the portion used in this recipe, not the full item price. Actual costs may vary by store and location.