Chef Big DA high-protein, smoke-kissed breakfast that bridges the gap between a Calabrian hillside and an offset smoker. Soft-scrambled eggs infused with spicy nduja, topped with cold-smoked guanciale.
Place the thick-sliced guanciale in a cold smoker at 80°F (27°C) for 30 minutes to absorb a delicate kiss of cherry wood smoke without rendering the fat.
If you don't have a cold smoker, a handheld smoking gun works perfectly here.
Whisk the eggs with the heavy cream until completely homogenous. Do not season with salt yet; the nduja and guanciale provide plenty of salinity.
Whisking thoroughly incorporates air for a lighter curd.
In a cold skillet, add the smoked guanciale and turn the heat to medium-low. Render the fat slowly until the edges are crispy but the center remains tender. Remove and set aside on a paper towel.
Save that rendered fat for roasted potatoes later.
Wipe the skillet and add the butter and nduja over low heat. Stir until the nduja melts into a vibrant red oil.
Keep the heat low to avoid scorching the spices in the nduja.
Pour the egg mixture into the nduja oil. Using a silicone spatula, move the eggs constantly using small circular motions to create extremely small, silky curds.
Remove from heat while they still look slightly wet; residual heat will finish them.
Plate the eggs immediately, topping with the crispy smoked guanciale, a snowdrift of pecorino romano, and the fresh chives.
Serve on a warmed plate to maintain the emulsion's viscosity.
The key to this dish is the emulsion of the egg yolk with the nduja oil. Don't let the pan get too hot or you'll lose that beautiful silkiness. If you can't find nduja, a high-quality soppressata minced into a paste with a little smoked paprika will get you close, but the fermented funk of real nduja is irreplaceable. Serve with a crisp glass of Franciacorta if you're feeling particularly Michelin-minded this morning.
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.