Pork Free Beef Carpaccio with Arugula and Capers
Few dishes feel as effortlessly elegant as thinly pounded beef tenderloin fanned across a platter, and this version delivers every bit of that restaurant-worthy drama right in your own kitchen. The technique of briefly freezing the tenderloin before slicing is the real secret here — it firms up the meat just enough to get those nearly translucent, paper-thin rounds without any special equipment. A bright dressing of lemon juice, lemon zest, and a whisper of ground ginger lifts the richness of the raw beef in a way that feels fresh and unexpected. Peppery baby arugula piled in the center adds texture and color, while briny capers and fresh parsley bring little bursts of flavor in every bite. Because the entire dish is built from pure, whole ingredients — quality beef, good olive oil, fresh herbs, and citrus — there's nothing hidden to worry about, and no processed additions that could complicate your dietary needs. The key is sourcing the freshest tenderloin you can find from a butcher you trust, since the beef is served raw and quality makes all the difference. This is the kind of appetizer that looks like you spent hours on it but comes together with just a sharp knife and a little confidence.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the carpaccio
- 8 oz beef tenderloin, trimmed of any sinew
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For serving
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 2 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Wrap the beef tenderloin tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 25–30 minutes, until the exterior is firm to the touch but not frozen solid — this makes slicing and pounding much easier.
- 2
Remove the beef from the freezer and unwrap it. Using a very sharp knife, slice the tenderloin crosswise into rounds as thin as possible, about 1/8 inch thick.
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