Gordon Ramsay Steak Tartare Recipe

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Gordon Ramsay Steak Tartare takes this timeless dish to the next level. It’s not just about great ingredients; it’s about the precision, passion, and creativity that Ramsay infuses into every bite.

How to make Gordon Ramsay Steak Tartare

Gordon Ramsay Steak Tartare is a fine-dining version of the classic French dish steak tartare associated with chef Gordon Ramsay.

Ingredients

For the Steak Tartare:

• 200g (7 oz) beef tenderloin (filet mignon or sirloin, carefully trimmed and cleaned)
• 1 egg yolk (optional: raw or cured for heightened flavor)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp capers (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp shallots (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp cornichons or pickles (finely chopped)
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• Sea salt (to taste)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
• Few drops of Tabasco sauce (optional, for a hint of heat)

For Plating and Serving:

• Thin slices of toasted bread or crackers
• Microgreens or fresh herbs for garnish
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Start by trimming and cleaning the beef. Remove any excess fat, sinew, or connective tissue, as you want the tender parts of the meat only.
2. Using a very sharp knife, finely chop the beef into small, uniform cubes, ensuring the texture is delicate. Resist the urge to use a meat grinder, as hand-chopping gives better control and texture.

Step 2: Make the Tartare Mixture

1. Place the chopped beef in a bowl.
2. Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, finely chopped capers, shallots, parsley, cornichons, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and mix gently but thoroughly using a spoon or spatula. Aim for even seasoning throughout the mixture.

Step 3: Check for Flavor

1. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. If you enjoy heat, add a few drops of Tabasco sauce.
2. Remember, the flavors should complement the beef without overpowering it.

Step 4: Shape and Plate

1. Use a round mold or form the mixture neatly into a patty-like shape on the plate. Ramsay often opts for clean plating styles that allow the tartare to be the star.
2. If including an egg yolk, gently place it on top of the tartare. A raw egg yolk adds creaminess, while a cured egg yolk (made by curing it in salt and sugar for 24 hours) adds a more concentrated flavor.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the Steak Tartare with thin slices of toasted bread or crackers for crunch.
2. Garnish with microgreens or freshly chopped herbs for added color and freshness.
3. Add lemon wedges on the side for those who prefer a touch of acidity.

Tips for Nailing Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Tartare

• Invest in Quality Beef: The beef is the heart of this dish. Choose freshly cut, high-grade beef from trusted butchers. Filet mignon works beautifully due to its tenderness.
• Knife, Not Grinder: Use your knife to chop the beef by hand finely. This gives the tartare a superior texture and prevents over-processing.
• Cleanliness is Key: Since the dish is served raw, maintain strict hygiene standards. Use sanitized surfaces, utensils, and freshly cleaned hands.
• Balance Flavor: The sharpness of the shallots, tanginess of the capers, and creaminess of the egg yolk should harmonize with the beef. Avoid overpowering the meat with excessive seasoning.
• Experiment with Garnishes: Ramsay often elevates the Gordon Ramsay Steak Tartare with small twists, like pickled vegetables or cured egg yolk. Feel free to add your own flair while keeping the dish elegant.

What to serve with

Gordon Ramsay Steak Tartare is a luxurious and flavorful dish that is often served as an appetizer or a light main course. However, what you serve alongside this delicate raw beef masterpiece can elevate the dining experience even further.

1. Crispy, Toasted Breads or Crackers

The rich and creamy Steak Tartare contrasts beautifully with crunchy textures, making toasted bread and crackers a classic pairing. They also serve as vessels to scoop up the tartare.

Recommended Options:

• Thinly sliced baguette crostini, brushed with olive oil and toasted until golden.
• Rustic, seeded whole-grain bread for a hearty, nutty flavor.
• Light, crispy crackers or lavash for a delicate crunch.

2. Shoestring Fries or Thick-Cut Chips

If you’re serving steak tartare as a light main course, pairing it with crispy fries is a nod to the French classic, “steak frites.” The crunch and saltiness of fries balance the velvety tenderness of the tartare.

Types of Fries:

• Shoestring fries: Light and crispy.
• Truffle fries: Fries drizzled with truffle oil and sprinkled with Parmesan for a touch of decadence.
• Parmesan rosemary fries: A great twist using fresh herbs.

Ingredients Substitutes

Gordon Ramsay’s Steak Tartare is a dish built around premium ingredients and precise flavors. However, depending on availability, dietary preferences, or personal taste, you might need to use substitutes without compromising the integrity of the dish.

1. Beef Tenderloin (Main Ingredient)

Substitute Options:

• Venison or Lamb: Both of these meats work as lean, tender alternatives to beef. Venison offers a slightly gamey flavor, while lamb brings a subtle richness.
• Tuna or Salmon: For a seafood twist, replace beef with sushi-grade raw tuna or salmon. These ingredients retain the creamy texture while offering an entirely new flavor profile.
• Plant-Based Ground “Meat”: For vegetarians or vegans, use high-quality plant-based ground meat alternatives like Impossible Meat or Beyond Meat, seasoned to mimic traditional tartare.
• Mushrooms (Vegan Alternative): Finely chopped cooked portobello or shiitake mushrooms can provide an umami-rich, meaty feel, though they will lack the raw component of traditional tartare.
• For vegan options, balance umami with seasonings like miso or soy sauce.

2. Egg Yolk

The egg yolk is a creamy element traditionally added to bind the tartare, enhance its richness, and add a slightly luxurious feel.

Substitute Options:

• Pasteurized Egg Yolks: If raw eggs are a concern, opt for pasteurized egg yolks, which are safe to eat uncooked.
• Cured Egg Yolk: Cure the yolk in a mixture of salt and sugar for 24 hours to create a firmer, intense flavor.
• Avocado Puree (Vegan Alternative): A dollop of mashed avocado adds creaminess and depth without using eggs.
• Vegan Mayonnaise or Cashew Cream: For a vegan-friendly option, use plant-based mayonnaise or blended cashew cream to mimic the texture and richness of egg yolk.

3. Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard provides a tangy, zesty kick that elevates the flavors of tartare.

Substitute Options:

• Whole-Grain Mustard: Adds texture and a more subtle mustard flavor.
• Yellow Mustard: A milder, slightly sweeter option if Dijon is unavailable.
• Spicy Brown Mustard: Offers a similar heat profile to Dijon with more boldness.
• Vegan Dijon or Mustard Alternatives: Ensure the mustard is vegan (some Dijon mustards contain animal-based products).

Final Thoughts

Gordon Ramsay Steak Tartare is proof that simplicity, when done right, can yield extraordinary results. With its delicate balance of raw beef, sharp seasonings, and elegant presentation, this dish is both daring and delicious.

More Steak Recipes:

• Copycat Gordon Ramsay Ribeye Steak Recipe
• Copycat Gordon Ramsay Filet Mignon Recipe