Bistecca alla Tartara
Category: Main Courses
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Veal (or Beef) | 600g |
| Egg Yolks | 4 |
| Fresh Spring Onion | 40g |
| Pickled Gherkins | 40g |
| Salted Capers | 40g |
| Mustard | 30g |
| Parsley | 10g |
| Anchovies in Oil | 8 |
| Lemon Juice | 1 |
| Lemon Zest | To taste |
| White Wine Vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 tsp |
| Tabasco Sauce | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Veal: Begin by slicing the veal into thin pieces, then carefully chop it into small cubes. Place the finely chopped veal into a large mixing bowl. Season it with a pinch of salt and mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
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Chill the Meat: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the meat to rest and chill for about 5 minutes. In a separate small bowl, prepare a mixture of cold water, white wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Immerse the bowl containing the meat into this cold water mixture for another 5 minutes to help firm it up slightly.
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Prepare the Yolk Mixture: In a separate bowl, place the egg yolks and add the mustard, lemon juice, and a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Using a fork, whisk the ingredients together vigorously to emulsify them into a smooth mixture.
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Chop the Vegetables and Herbs: Finely chop the pickled gherkins, anchovies, capers (make sure they are desalted if necessary), parsley, and the fresh spring onion. Make sure all the ingredients are finely minced, as this will help integrate them seamlessly into the tartare.
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Combine the Ingredients: Add the finely chopped mixture of vegetables and herbs to the bowl with the egg yolk mixture. Stir to combine. Then, add this flavorful mixture to the chilled veal, and stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
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Season and Flavor: Add the Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco sauce to the mixture, adjusting the quantities to taste. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
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Plate the Tartare: To serve, shape the tartare using a round mold (circular cutter) for a neat presentation. Gently press the tartare mixture into the mold, ensuring it holds its shape.
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Garnish and Serve: For a finishing touch, garnish your Bistecca alla Tartara with fresh, finely chopped herbs or vegetable garnishes of your choice, such as arugula or microgreens. Serve immediately, accompanied by crispy bread or toast on the side.
This Bistecca alla Tartara recipe brings a fresh twist on a classic Italian dish, making it a perfect choice for a sophisticated appetizer or a light main course. Its blend of rich, finely chopped veal, creamy egg yolks, zesty lemon, and the umami-packed combination of capers, anchovies, and pickled gherkins creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a gourmet treat, this tartare is a must-try for meat lovers.
