Beef Tataki is a popular Japanese dish that elegantly combines the rich flavors of seared beef with the refreshing zest of citrus-soy dressing. This dish is characterized by its method of preparation, where the beef is briefly seared on the outside, leaving the inside rare and tender, then thinly sliced and served chilled or at room temperature. The beef is typically accompanied by a ponzu sauce—a tangy blend of soy sauce, citrus juice, and mirin, which complements the meat’s umami flavor perfectly. Garnished with finely chopped scallions, grated ginger, and perhaps some daikon radish, Beef Tataki is both a visually appealing and deliciously sophisticated appetizer or main dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef tenderloin or sirloin, in one piece
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup citrus juice (lemon or lime, or a mix)
- 2 tablespoons mirin
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- Optional: Daikon radish, grated for garnish
- Optional: Sesame seeds or crushed garlic chips for additional texture
Directions:
- Prepare the Beef:
- Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper. Let it come to room temperature before cooking.
- Sear the Beef:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat until it’s very hot. Add the beef and sear it quickly on all sides, just enough to brown the exterior while keeping the inside rare, about 1-2 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Remove from heat and let it cool. Then wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly, about 1-2 hours.
- Prepare the Ponzu Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, citrus juice, mirin, grated garlic, and half of the grated ginger. Adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside for the flavors to meld.
- Slice and Serve:
- Once the beef is chilled, remove from the fridge and unwrap. Using a sharp knife, slice the beef as thinly as possible.
- Arrange the beef slices on a plate. Drizzle generously with the ponzu sauce. Garnish with sliced scallions, the remaining grated ginger, and optional grated daikon radish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or garlic chips if using.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the Beef Tataki immediately after assembling for the best taste and texture. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed rice or a simple salad.
Beef Tataki is a testament to the beauty of minimal cooking, where the high quality of ingredients and the simplicity of the preparation shine through. This dish is not only a treat for the palate but also a delightful culinary experience that bridges the gap between raw and cooked with exceptional finesse.
