The Ultimate Steak Tartare Recipe

You might not like raw meat (many people can’t stand the thought of it), but if you haven’t tried steak tartare yet, you absolutely should. Yes, it’s raw meat, but the seasoning and the quality of the product make it an entirely different experience—you won’t even feel like it’s uncooked.

There are countless steak tartare recipes, and most renowned chefs have their own signature version. What we’re offering in this recipe are essential tips and the basic ingredients for a steak tartare. From there, it’s up to your creativity to make it your own.

Key Tips

  1. This dish is made using beef tenderloin. Let us be clear: the success of this recipe is directly tied to the quality of the meat you choose. A premium tenderloin is essential, even if it costs a bit more.
  2. The meat must be hand-cut, NEVER ground. At Carnes Joaquín, we can prepare it freshly cut to order if you plan to make this dish. It’s a meticulous process, but absolutely critical to achieving the perfect steak tartare.
  3. Some steak tartare recipes include an egg yolk (it helps emulsify the meat), while other chefs, like Joan Roca, choose to skip it. Our advice? If you’re okay with eating raw egg (it doesn’t really add much flavor), use it—at least until you’ve mastered the technique. The yolk helps keep the meat compact (like a burger) and prevents it from falling apart, especially if you’re still perfecting the balance of seasonings.

Ingredients

  • 500–600 grams of high-quality beef tenderloin, hand-cut
  • 1 egg yolk (optional but recommended)
  • 10 g of capers (about six)
  • 10 g of pickles (about five)
  • 10 g of onion (preferably sweet onion or shallot)
  • Dijon mustard
  • Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce
  • Tabasco (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

  1. Once the meat is finely chopped, season it with salt and pepper, and let it rest in the fridge.
  2. Meanwhile, finely chop the capers, pickles, and onion, and add them to the meat.
  3. At this point, mix in the egg yolk as well.
  4. Next, start adding the rest of the seasonings and mix everything thoroughly.
    The most important thing is to taste as you go until the flavor is just right for you. If you prefer a stronger flavor, add more Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. If you prefer it milder, use less. Be cautious with the salt, as the capers and pickles already add a good amount of saltiness.

Tip:

Once everything is well emulsified, shape the steak tartare as if making hamburgers to present it on the plate. It can be served with toast or French fries (if you're up for it, soufflé fries would be the perfect accompaniment). A good wine is also essential to fully enjoy the dish.

Enjoy your meal!

Reference: