Print

Perfect Beef Carpaccio Recipe with Arugula and Parmesan

beef carpaccio - featured image

A quick and elegant dish featuring paper-thin slices of fresh beef tenderloin paired with peppery arugula and nutty Parmesan, dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) beef tenderloin, very fresh, partially frozen
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh arugula
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, shaved (preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano)
  • 3 tbsp (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1 tbsp capers, drained (optional)
  • Sea salt, to taste (flaky salt preferred)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: fresh basil or microgreens for garnish

Instructions

  1. Freeze the beef tenderloin wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for about 30 minutes until firm but not solid.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
  3. Using a very sharp knife, slice the beef as thinly as possible (about 1/8 inch or 3 mm thick). Arrange slices overlapping slightly on a large platter.
  4. Lightly toss the arugula with a drizzle of the prepared dressing in a medium bowl, coating leaves without making them soggy.
  5. Scatter the dressed arugula over the beef slices. Add capers if using, then shave Parmesan generously on top.
  6. Drizzle a little more olive oil and sprinkle flaky sea salt over the entire dish. Finish with a crack of black pepper.
  7. Serve immediately, ideally with crusty bread or a light white wine.

Notes

Freeze beef for about 30 minutes to firm it for thin slicing. Use a very sharp knife to avoid tearing the meat. Dress arugula lightly to prevent sogginess. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours. Not recommended for pregnant women, young children, or immunocompromised individuals.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef carpaccio, arugula, Parmesan, raw beef, Italian appetizer, easy recipe, quick starter, elegant dish