Chef Big DA masterclass in texture and temperature, featuring hand-chopped prime beef tossed in a warm, wood-fired bone marrow vinaigrette.
Preheat your smoker or oven to 425°F. Place the split marrow bones on a tray and roast until the marrow is bubbling and slightly charred.
If using a smoker, use hickory for a bold profile.
While the bones roast, hand-chop the chilled beef tenderloin. Precision is paramount here; do not use a food processor. Keep the beef in a metal bowl over ice.
A cold bowl prevents the fats from smearing.
Scoop the hot roasted marrow into a small saucepan. Whisk in the minced shallots and cook over low heat just until softened. Set aside to cool slightly but remain liquid.
The marrow acts as our primary lipid for the emulsion.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with Dijon mustard and lemon juice until thickened and pale.
This creates the base for our warm emulsion.
Slowly drizzle the warm (not hot) liquid marrow into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to create a glossy, stable vinaigrette.
If it breaks, add a teaspoon of warm water and whisk vigorously.
Fold the marrow vinaigrette, capers, and chives into the chopped beef. Season with the cracked pepper and flaky sea salt.
Taste as you go; the marrow provides significant saltiness already.
Plate immediately using a ring mold for a Michelin-standard presentation. Garnish with a few extra chives and serve with charred bread.
The temperature contrast between the cold beef and warm marrow is the 'wow' factor.
The key here is the contrast between the cold, velvety beef and the warm, smoky tallow. Ensure your knife is razor-sharp; we want clean cubes, not a mash. The bone marrow adds a primal depth that standard butter simply cannot match. Serve with grilled sourdough or sophisticated crostini.
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.