Ingredients
Beef
- 8 oz Filet mignon (beef tenderloin)
- Flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Salad & Dressing
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (plus more for squeezing over the beef)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
Cheese
- 2 oz Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano cheese
Instructions
- Freeze the Beef: Place the filet mignon in the freezer until it is firm but not fully frozen, about 1 to 2 hours. This step makes it easier to slice the beef very thinly.
- Slice the Beef: Using a very sharp knife, cut the beef into slices about 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick, ensuring the slices are as uniform as possible for even texture and presentation.
- Flatten the Slices: Working one slice at a time, sandwich the beef between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound it with the flat side of a meat mallet until very thin, aiming for paper-thin slices to maximize tenderness and presentation.
- Arrange the Beef: Remove one piece of plastic wrap and carefully transfer the beef slice onto a chilled serving plate. Then remove the other piece of plastic wrap. Repeat with remaining slices.
- Cover the Plate: Arrange the beef slices so they cover the entire plate, overlapping slightly as needed. This recipe serves 4 and yields enough to cover two dinner plates or one large platter.
- Season the Beef: Drizzle olive oil evenly over the beef slices, add a slight squeeze of lemon juice, then season generously with flaky sea salt and freshly cracked pepper for flavor balance.
- Add the Cheese: Use a vegetable peeler to shave long shards of Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano cheese on top of the beef, adding salty, nutty texture and depth.
- Prepare and Add the Arugula: Toss the arugula with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Scatter the dressed arugula over the beef just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Serve Immediately: Present the carpaccio right away while the beef is fresh and chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Freezing the beef before slicing is crucial for achieving the thin, delicate slices necessary for authentic carpaccio.
- Use the freshest, highest quality beef you can find, preferably filet mignon or beef tenderloin, for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Keep the serving plate chilled to maintain the beef’s freshness during presentation.
- For a more decorative presentation, sprinkle microgreens or capers on top along with the arugula.
- This dish is best eaten immediately after dressing to preserve texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat