Description
Beef Carpaccio is a luxuriously delicate Italian appetizer featuring paper-thin slices of high-quality beef tenderloin, dressed with a bright lemon and olive oil vinaigrette, topped with peppery arugula, shaved Parmesan, and briny capers. This no-cook dish is perfect for an elegant starter that combines fresh, simple ingredients for a refined flavor experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Toppings
- 8 ounces beef tenderloin (very cold or partially frozen for easier slicing)
- 2 cups arugula
- 2 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon capers (drained)
- Optional: Drizzle of balsamic glaze
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Using a very sharp knife, slice the beef tenderloin as thinly as possible while it is very cold or partially frozen to ensure clean, delicate slices.
- Thin the Slices: Place the beef slices between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them using a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are paper-thin, enhancing tenderness and presentation.
- Arrange Beef on Platter: Lay the thinly sliced beef in a single layer on a chilled serving platter to keep the meat fresh and cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Dress the Beef: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the arranged beef slices, distributing the flavorful vinaigrette throughout the dish.
- Add Toppings: Top the beef with fresh arugula leaves, shaved Parmesan cheese, and drained capers to add peppery, nutty, and tangy flavors respectively.
- Optional Finishing Touch: For extra flavor and a beautiful finish, drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the beef carpaccio promptly to enjoy it at its freshest, ideally accompanied by toasted crostini or crusty bread.
Notes
- Partially freeze the beef tenderloin for 30–45 minutes beforehand to make slicing easier and achieve thinner slices.
- Always use high-quality, fresh beef since this dish is served raw for optimal safety and flavor.
- Serve with toasted crostini or crusty bread as a complementary accompaniment to balance the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian