Search locations or food
OR
Sign up

Authentic Steak tartare Recipe France, Europe

JUMP TO RECIPE

We strongly advise you to read the cooking tips before jumping to the recipe though

Introduction & history

Steak tartare is a traditional French appetizer, typically made with ground beef or horse meat. Although its history is jam-packed with various myths and legends regarding the dish’s origins, steak tartare has its roots in the early 20th-century delicacy called steak à l'Americaine. A classic steak tartare is prepared by finely mincing a piece of lean beef, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce, then shaping it into a patty. As a final touch, a raw egg yolk is placed on top of the patty. Steak tartare is typically served with chopped onions, fresh parsley, and caper berries. Although considered revolting by some, steak tartare is by no means the only raw meat appetizer served in restaurants and households worldwide. In fact, many cultures have adapted the steak tartare recipe and made it their own. Rabiff (Swedish steak tartare), gyuniku sashimi (Japanese steak tartare), befsztul tartarski (Polish steak ... Read more

Pair with

Cooking tips

  • fresh meat

    To make the best possible steak tartare, use fresh grass-fed beef that you bought the same day you have intended to make it. Additionally, do not make steak tartare ahead of time. If you do, make sure that it does not sit at room temperature for more than two hours.
  • chopping

    A great trick to make the meat chopping less laborious is to chill the beef for 15 minutes or so before cutting it. If you are not very adept at working with a knife, do yourself a favor and chop smaller portions of meat, one at a time. Also, do the chopping as close as possible to the time of serving. When oxidized, the meat’s flavor and color greatly diminish.
  • mustard

    Using mustard can significantly enhance the flavor and punch of the steak tartare; however, to yield the best possible result, make sure to use proper Dijon mustard.
  • beef cut

    A perfect steak tartare calls for a flavorful cut with not too much fat. Although chuck, sirloin, and ribeye all work well, beef tenderloin is the cut you want to be after. The more tender the meat, the less gristle you will encounter.
  • temperature

    Steak tartare is best served cool. Apart from chilling the meat before chopping it, stick the mixing bowls and the plates you are planning to use into the freezer as well.
  • service

    There are two distinct traditions of serving steak tartare. You can either assemble the steak in the kitchen, enjoying your own company, or you can prepare the dish tableside, as it is done in restaurants, allowing your guests to witness the majestic process of putting together a classic steak tartare.
  • side

    Although steak tartare is a culinary masterpiece in its own right, what you serve on the side can greatly impact the overall dining experience. Most common accompaniments to the steak tartare are freshly baked baguettes, French-fried potatoes, cornichons, assorted condiments, Dijon mustard, capers, chopped onions, parsley, the list goes on. However, if you are on the lookout for more complex textures,... Read more
  • safety

    Eating raw beef is not a safety hazard if you follow the basic guidelines. The first recommendation is to find a reliable and conscientious butcher who uses two separate grinders for beef and pork. The second recommendation is not to expose the raw beef to direct sunlight or leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. Lastly, avoid processed meat at all costs.

Recipe variations

Spicy Steak Tartare

PREP 20min

READY IN 20min

4.5

Rate It

@

The steak tartare recipe by English Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens is a perfect solution for those who like their entrees to pack a strong punch. Apart from the usual seasoning, Tabasco sauce and brandy are added to the meat, along with some chives, cornichons, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, tomato ketchup, and chili flakes. 

Ingredients

4 Servings

Tom Aikens’ Steak Tartare

FOR THE STEAK

1 1/4 lb (550g) beef fillet, diced

1 oz (25g) banana shallot, finely chopped

1 1/2 oz (40g) cornichons, chopped

1 1/2 oz (40g) baby capers, rinsed

1/2 red chili, finely chopped

1/3 cup (80 ml) tomato ketchup

3/4 oz (20g) Dijon mustard

3 1/4 oz (90g) mayonnaise

5 drops of Tabasco

1/2 oz (14 ml) brandy

1 pinch of chives, chopped

1 pinch of parsley, chopped

1 tsp black pepper, plus extra for seasoning

1 pinch of salt, plus extra for seasoning

TO PLATE

4 egg yolks

4 slices of sourdough bread

3 1/2 oz (100g) rocket

Preparation

1

Tom Aikens’ Steak Tartare

Step 1/5

In a large bowl, combine all steak tartare ingredients until they start to bind together.

Step 2/5

Using your hands or a round cutter, shape the meat into 4 patties. You will have some leftover sauce in the bowl, which you will use later.

Step 3/5

Lightly toast the sourdough slices.

Step 4/5

Plate the patties, drizzle them with the leftover sauce from the bowl, and top them with raw egg yolks. Season to your liking with salt and pepper.

Step 5/5

Serve with toasted sourdough bread and fresh rocket drizzled with olive oil.

Rating And Comments

Rate It

Wanna try?

Add To List

Other authentic recipes