She Strengthens

Unraveling the Mystery of the Elusive Fred

For those who have tasted the legendary Fred, a marinated tritip from Schaub’s in Palo Alto, the quest for recreating this culinary masterpiece at home can be an all-consuming passion. Named after the store owner’s father, who guarded the recipe as a closely kept secret for many years, the Fred has gained a cult-like following among meat enthusiasts.

The Flavor Profile: Earthy and Savory

What sets the Fred apart from other marinated meats is its distinct earthy flavor profile, devoid of bright or sweet notes. Salt and garlic take center stage, creating a rich and savory taste experience that has captivated the hearts of many.

A Recipe Born from Experimentation

After numerous attempts to deconstruct the Fred, I finally stumbled upon a recipe that has been validated by test diners in a blind comparison tasting. This recipe may not be the original, but it comes close to capturing the essence of the Fred.

Easy to Make, Yet Impressive

With a preparation time of just 30 minutes and minimal active cooking required, this recipe is perfect for those who want to impress their friends and family without breaking a sweat.

The Essential Ingredients

• 1.5-2 lb tritip (the star of the show)
• 6-10 cloves garlic, finely chopped (critical to achieving the Fred’s signature flavor)
• 2 heaping T black bean sauce (rich and intense, this is the key to unlocking the Fred’s flavor)
• 1 T olive oil
• 1 T salt
• Optional ingredients: squid ink, cocoa, tamarind paste, chipotle powder, strong coffee, and sugar

The Marinating Process

Combine the garlic and sugar in olive oil and cook slowly until caramelized. Meanwhile, toast the cocoa and chipotle powder in a heavy-bottomed pan until fragrant. Mix all the ingredients together, then add the tritip to a ziplock bag and marinate for 3 days, turning and massaging the meat occasionally. Cook the tritip to your liking, and enjoy the juiciest, most flavorful meat of your life.

Tips and Variations

• For an added depth of flavor, use squid ink to give the marinade a coal-black color.
• Experiment with different levels of spiciness by adjusting the amount of chipotle powder.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic or omit the tamarind paste.

With this recipe, you’ll be well on your way to creating a culinary masterpiece that will leave your friends and family begging for more. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the magic of the Fred for yourself!