BBQ Eggs
Pickled eggs are popular bar food everywhere, but at Backyard Barbecue in Tompkinsville, Ky., they come with a fiery twist. The eggs are pickled in an incendiary amalgam of cayenne, melted butter and vinegar. This is the classic dip for Monroe County pork-shoulder steaks, repurposed to pickle eggs. The preparation is simple, but budget seven days to complete the pickling process.
- Total:
- Serves: 12 persons
Ingredients
- 1quart distilled white vinegar
- ½pound salted butter (2 sticks)
- ½pound lard (or butter)
- 2tablespoons salt, or to taste
- 2tablespoons cayenne pepper (3 if you like your dip really fiery)
- 2tablespoons ground black pepper (3 if you like your dip really fiery)
- 1tablespoon yellow mustard (optional)
- 1tablespoon ketchup (optional)
- 12large eggs
Instructions
Step 1
Make the dip: Place all the ingredients except the eggs in a deep pot along with 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat until the butter and lard are melted, whisking to dissolve the salt, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat and gently simmer the sauce until richly flavored, about 15 minutes. Correct the seasoning, adding salt, cayenne or pepper to taste.Step 2
Place the eggs in a large pot with cold water to cover by 4 inches. Gradually bring eggs to a boil. Reduce heat slightly and briskly simmer for 11 minutes.Step 3
Drain the eggs in a colander and rinse with cold water until cool enough to handle. Shell them under cold running water. Place them in a deep bowl or container and pour the dip over them.Step 4
Pickle the eggs in the refrigerator for 7 days. The butter and lard will congeal on top. Break through and discard this. Drain the eggs and serve.