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A daring experiment by Guga Foods: a prime 7‑bone rib roast cut into three pieces, each aged for two months in a different liquid – a homemade jet‑black charcoal‑garlic oil, premium argan oil, and a control with no oil. After aging, the steaks are simply seasoned and grilled to a juicy, caramelized finish. Served with optional side dishes, this recipe showcases extreme flavor experimentation while remaining safe and edible.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
Dry‑aging beef is a traditional American technique that concentrates flavor and improves tenderness by allowing natural enzymes to break down muscle fibers over weeks. It is especially prized in high‑end steakhouses and barbecue culture for producing a deep, beefy taste.
Black garlic originates from East Asian countries such as Korea and Japan, where regular garlic is aged under controlled heat and humidity until it turns black, developing a sweet, umami‑rich flavor used in sauces, marinades, and dressings.
In Morocco, argan oil—known as "liquid gold"—is drizzled over salads, couscous, and tagines, and also used for dipping bread. Its nutty, toasted‑almond flavor adds richness, and it is prized both as a culinary ingredient and a beauty product.
Dry‑aged rib roast is often featured at holiday feasts such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Fourth of July barbecues, as well as at special celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries where a premium cut is desired.
The jet‑black charcoal oil combines black garlic, activated charcoal, and avocado oil to create a deep, smoky‑sweet flavor and a striking black color that mimics motor oil without any toxic components, giving the steak an unusual visual and taste profile.
Common mistakes include using non‑food‑grade charcoal (which is unsafe), under‑blending the mixture (leaving specks of charcoal), and not fully submerging the steak, which can lead to uneven flavor and texture.
Activated charcoal not only provides a true black hue but also adds a subtle earthy flavor that complements the black garlic, whereas food coloring would only affect color without any flavor contribution.
Yes, blend the oil up to a week in advance and store it in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator. Shake well before use; the oil will stay fresh due to the low‑acid avocado oil base.
The exterior should have a deep, caramelized crust with a dark sear, while the interior should be pink‑red for medium‑rare (130°F) and feel tender yet springy to the touch. The black‑oil‑aged steak may show a faint black sheen on the surface.
The YouTube channel Guga Foods, hosted by Gustavo "Guga" Tosta, specializes in meat science, experimental cooking, and detailed steak preparation techniques, often exploring unconventional methods and flavor experiments.
Guga Foods blends scientific explanations with hands‑on experimentation, focusing on precise temperature control, aging techniques, and flavor chemistry, whereas many other channels prioritize recipe simplicity without deep technical insight.
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