Bordelaise Ribeye on the Grill is one of the iconic recipes of French culinary heritage, reimagined for the BBQ. Combining the richness of Bordeaux wine, the buttery depth of smoked marrow, and the tenderness of a well-marbled ribeye, this dish delights both meat lovers and fine food enthusiasts. Perfect for low and slow grilling, this BBQ version elevates the classic flavors of the Bordelaise sauce with an unmistakable smoky touch. Ideal for a Sunday feast, a festive dinner, or to impress your guests. BBQ, ribeye, Bordelaise sauce—everything comes together for a truly authentic gourmet experience.

The Harmony of Bordeaux Flavors

What sets Entrecôte Bordelaise apart is its signature sauce, rich in tradition. The Bordelaise sauce—made with Bordeaux red wine, shallots, beef marrow, and veal stock—adds a deep, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meat. The combination of tender steak and the depth of the sauce creates a refined and indulgent tasting experience.

The Grill: A Flavor Enhancer

Choosing to cook this dish on the barbecue adds a smoky layer that enhances the meat’s natural flavors. The pairing of grill-fired ribeye and Bordelaise sauce creates a perfect symphony of textures and aromas, capturing the essence of this classic French preparation.

🎗️Is this recipe healthy for someone with cancer?

Here is the English (US) translation of your health analysis regarding Entrecôte Bordelaise in the context of cancer:

⚠️ Health Concerns

Grilled / Smoked Red Meat:
Ribeye is a red meat, high in heme iron, which has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer when consumed in large quantities.
Grilling at high temperatures, especially over open flames, promotes the formation of carcinogenic compounds such as:

  • PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
  • HCAs (Heterocyclic Amines)

Bone Marrow:
Extremely high in saturated fats, it significantly increases the caloric and fat density of the dish.
Limited nutritional benefit aside from collagen content.

Wine-Reduced Sauce with Veal Stock:
Rich in salt, concentrated flavor compounds, and sometimes glutamates (especially in store-bought stocks).
Although the wine is cooked (no residual alcohol), its acidity and sugar can irritate sensitive intestinal linings.

✅ How to Improve (Without Losing the Spirit of the Dish)

  • Indirect grilling at lower temperatures: excellent! Greatly reduces the formation of carcinogenic compounds.
  • Use homemade veal stock, or replace it with a light homemade vegetable broth to cut down on additives and salt.
  • Serve with fiber- and antioxidant-rich roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or sweet potatoes.
  • Limit marrow to one bone per serving.

🟢 Health Verdict

Not suitable for frequent consumption in the context of cancer or strict cancer prevention.
Acceptable in a modified and occasional version, if:

  • eaten in moderation,
  • grilling is controlled (no high-intensity direct flame),
  • and the meal is balanced with high-fiber vegetables.

🔵 Nutritional Analysis for People with Diabetes

Here is the English (US) translation of your diabetic-focused nutritional analysis, maintaining the original structure and tone:

Positive Points

Low in Simple Carbohydrates
This recipe contains very little fast-acting sugar. No added sugars or refined starches.
Red wine has a small amount of residual sugar, but most of it is cooked off during reduction.

Good Source of Protein
Ribeye is rich in protein, which promotes satiety and helps prevent post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Fat and Marrow
While high in saturated fat, these components have no direct impact on blood glucose levels.
However, long-term excess of saturated fat can worsen insulin resistance and lipid profiles.

Low-Temperature Slow Cooking
This method helps avoid the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which are pro-inflammatory and harmful to metabolic health.

⚠️ Points to Watch

Reduced Wine Sauce + Veal Stock
Reduction concentrates the natural acids and sugars in wine.
Store-bought sauces or veal stock may contain starch, maltodextrin, or added sugar—best to avoid or make your own.

High Fat Load
Marrow + marbled meat + butter = a high intake of saturated fat.
This can negatively impact blood lipid levels, which are often already a concern for people with diabetes.

Lack of Fiber in the Core Recipe
Without vegetables or a fiber-rich side, nutrient absorption is faster.
This may cause a slight glycemic rise, especially if served with bread or potatoes.

🟢 Diabetes Verdict
Overall, this dish is compatible with a diabetes-friendly diet if served with the right sides, such as:

  • Roasted green vegetables (broccoli, green beans)
  • Mashed celery root or cauliflower (instead of potatoes)
  • Limit the sauce if it's store-bought or overly concentrated.

History of the Recipe

Entrecôte Bordelaise was born in the Bordeaux region, in the heart of southwestern France. Originally pan-seared, it became a bistro classic thanks to its signature wine and bone marrow sauce. Reimagined here for the barbecue, it blends French tradition with American-style smoking techniques.

Preparation Time

  • Prep: 15 min (+ resting)
  • Cook: 30–45 min
  • Total: ~1h

Ingredients

  • A well-marbled ribeye roast (boneless, trimmed)
  • 4 or 5 marrow bones, split lengthwise
  • 1 bottle of red Bordeaux (use 30cl for the sauce)
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • A few sprigs of thyme
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 40 cl veal stock
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt/pepper
  • A rub of your choice

Instructions

  1. Rub the meat with a bit of olive oil. Season with your preferred rub or simply salt and pepper.
  2. Set up your BBQ for indirect cooking at 120°C (250°F).
  3. If using charcoal, add 1–2 wood chunks for light smoke.
  4. Place the meat and marrow bones on the grill and close the lid. Do not touch the meat until the internal temperature reaches 50°C (122°F).
  5. While the meat cooks, prepare the Bordelaise sauce.
  6. In a saucepan, sauté the shallot in butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  7. Add 30cl of wine, increase the heat, and reduce by half.
  8. Add thyme, marrow from one bone, and veal stock. Reduce again until thickened.
  9. Once the meat reaches 50°C, wrap it in foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  10. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve, reheat, and serve.

Wine Pairing

A red Bordeaux is the obvious choice: Saint-Émilion, Médoc, or Pessac-Léognan.
For bold wine lovers, a young Cahors or Madiran also works well.

Plating

Serve on a warm plate with a marrow bone and a drizzle of sauce.
Suggested sides: roasted baby potatoes or celery root purée.

Dietary Variations

  • Alcohol-free: Replace wine with reduced grape juice.
  • Low-carb: Omit marrow and veal stock, replace with clarified butter and vegetable broth.
  • Dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Serving size: 1/4 of recipe (Bordelaise ribeye)

Calories: 1357 kcal 🟥


Total Fat117.42 g🟥 167.7% DV
… Saturated Fat45.00 g🟥 225.0% DV
… Omega-30.35 g🟧 21.9% DV
Carbohydrates7.19 g🟩 2.8% DV
… Sugars3.50 g🟩 3.9% DV
Dietary Fiber1.20 g🟩 4.0% DV
Protein73.36 g🟥 146.7% DV
Cholesterol180.00 mg🟥 60.0% DV
Sodium0.96 g🟩 16.0% DV
Calcium60.00 mg🟩 6.0% DV
Iron4.80 mg🟧 34.3% DV
Vitamin B123.00 µg🟥 120.0% DV

*DV: Daily Values based on a 2,000-calorie diet (8400 kJ)


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