Seared Beef Tataki: Crispy Outside, Tender Inside Recipe
Enjoy the rich and tender flavor of homemade beef tataki, a restaurant-quality dish
Experience the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and savory richness of beef tataki, easily made at home. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight meal.
Main Ingredients
- 300g fresh beef round (prepared for tataki)
- 1/4 onion
- A small amount of carrot
- 1 handful of baby greens
Tataki Ponzu Sauce
- 2 Tbsp katsuobushi broth (dashi)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp mirin (or cooking sake)
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp katsuobushi broth (dashi)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp mirin (or cooking sake)
- 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Heat a pan over high heat. Add a very small amount of oil and sear the beef quickly on all sides, just until lightly browned. Aim for about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side. This step is crucial for locking in the juices and creating a flavorful crust.
Step 2
As soon as the exterior is nicely seared, immediately plunge the beef into a prepared ice bath. This stops the cooking process instantly, preventing the heat from penetrating the center and ensuring the inside remains fresh and cool, which is key for the authentic tataki texture.
Step 3
For an extra appealing presentation and a hint of smokiness, you can briefly sear the outside of the beef with a culinary torch. This adds another layer of depth to the flavor. (Skip this step if you don’t have a torch).
Step 4
Once chilled, thinly slice the beef. Aim for slices thinner than 0.5 cm (about 1/4 inch) to fully appreciate its melt-in-your-mouth texture. Arrange the slices artfully on a serving plate.
Step 5
Let’s make the delicious ponzu sauce that completes the tataki! In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of katsuobushi broth (dashi), 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, 1 tablespoon of mirin, and 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice. Whisk well. Serve with thinly sliced fresh onion, carrot, and baby greens, and drizzle with the sauce for a delightful culinary experience.
