Chef Big DA high-end breakfast fusion featuring hickory-smoked pork belly, poached eggs, and a silky truffle-infused hollandaise over hand-rolled brioche.
Season the pork belly liberally with salt and coarse black pepper. Set your smoker to 225°F using hickory wood.
Dry brine the belly overnight for a superior bark.
Place the pork belly in the smoker. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and a deep mahogany bark has formed. Remove and let rest.
Patience is a virtue; the pit doesn't lie.
In a stainless steel bowl over a simmering bain-marie, whisk the egg yolks and lemon juice until doubled in volume and pale.
Keep the heat low to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Slowly drizzle in the warm clarified butter while whisking constantly to create a stable, high-viscosity emulsion. Fold in the truffle oil and season with salt and cayenne.
If it gets too thick, a teaspoon of warm water will save the texture.
Bring a pot of water to a gentle simmer with a splash of vinegar. Whirl the water and drop the eggs in, poaching for exactly 3 minutes for a fluid yolk.
Use the freshest eggs possible for clean whites.
Sear the smoked pork belly slices in a hot cast iron pan for 1 minute per side to render the fat further.
You want a crisp edge to contrast the tender interior.
Place the seared pork belly on the toasted brioche, top with a poached egg, and drape generously with the truffle hollandaise. Garnish with chives.
Plate with precision; aesthetics are half the meal.
The key here is the 'emulsion' of the yolk and the 'bark' of the smoked pork. Ensure your hollandaise has a high viscosity—it should coat the back of a spoon like liquid gold. If you don't have an offset smoker, a pellet grill works, but you'll miss that deep hickory nuance. Serve with a crisp glass of dry Franciacorta if you're feeling particularly classy.
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.