Chef Big DA technical, keto-friendly take on the Roman classic, utilizing heavy smoke-cured guanciale and a precision-tempered egg yolk emulsion.
Spiralize the zucchini and place them in a colander with a pinch of salt to draw out excess moisture. Let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with a paper towel.
Dry zucchini is the difference between a silky sauce and a watery mess.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the grated Pecorino Romano and half of the cracked black pepper until a thick paste forms.
Ensure the cheese is room temperature for better integration.
In a cold skillet, add the diced pancetta and turn the heat to medium. Render the fat until the meat is crispy and golden. Add the smashed garlic for the last 2 minutes of rendering, then discard the garlic.
Start with a cold pan to maximize fat rendering without burning the protein.
Add the spiralized zucchini to the pan with the pancetta fat. Toss for 1-2 minutes just until slightly softened but still al dente. Remove the pan from the heat entirely.
Residual heat is your friend; overcooking zucchini turns it to mush.
Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the zucchini. Toss vigorously. The residual heat from the pan and noodles will cook the egg into a creamy, glossy emulsion without scrambling it.
If it's too thick, add a teaspoon of warm water to reach the perfect viscosity.
The key here is the emulsification of the 'liquid gold' egg yolks with the rendered pancetta fat. Use high-quality eggs; the yolk is your sauce. If you want to take it to the Michelin level, use a smoking gun to trap a bit of applewood smoke under a cloche right before serving. This is keto-friendly and high-protein, designed to keep your focus sharp for the afternoon.
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.