Beef Carpaccio with Parmesan

Name: Beef Carpaccio with Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz beef tenderloin, thinly sliced; 4 oz Parmesan cheese, shaved; 2 cups arugula; 2 tablespoons capers; 1 lemon, juiced; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Favorite World Food Ideas

I love preparing Beef Carpaccio with Parmesan because it’s a dish that feels elegant yet is surprisingly simple to make. The fresh, thin slices of beef paired with the nutty flavor of Parmesan create an unforgettable combination. Each bite offers a delicate balance of seasoning and flavors, making it perfect for entertaining or a quick weeknight dinner. Disclaimer: while it can be served in a matter of minutes, the quality of the ingredients truly elevates this dish, allowing you to savor every morsel.

Created by

Allegra Stone

Last updated on 2026-01-08T13:09:34.751Z

Preparing Beef Carpaccio was an exhilarating experience for me. I remember the first time I tried it at a cozy Italian bistro, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. By using quality beef and sharp, fresh Parmesan, I was able to capture that restaurant-quality flavor. A secret I learned is to freeze the beef for about 30 minutes; this makes it easier to slice it thinly, ensuring each piece is delicate and tender.

For dressing, I combine fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of quality olive oil, which enhances the beef’s flavor without overwhelming it. Each time I've served this dish, guests rave about how the simplicity of the ingredients results in something extraordinary. It's a dish that never goes out of style and always impresses!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the beef
The interplay of flavors between the rich Parmesan and zesty dressing
A visually stunning dish that requires minimal cooking

      

Key Techniques for Perfect Carpaccio

Slicing the beef tenderloin thinly is crucial for achieving the right texture in carpaccio. A sharp knife is essential—consider using a chef's knife or a deli slicer if you have one. If you find the slices aren't as thin as you'd like, try partially freezing the beef longer, but avoid letting it freeze completely. The goal is to have translucent slices that almost melt in your mouth.

When arranging the carpaccio on the platter, try to create a visually appealing pattern. Overlapping the meat slightly not only enhances the presentation but also allows for balanced flavor distribution. If you're preparing this for a gathering, consider using individual plates to create personal servings for an elegant touch.

Ingredient Insights

The quality of your beef is paramount when making carpaccio. Always opt for the freshest beef tenderloin available, as its flavor will shine through in this simple dish. Organic or grass-fed beef can enhance the taste and quality. The beef should ideally be bright red and firm to the touch, with a marbled appearance that indicates a good balance of fat for flavor and tenderness.

For the cheese, consider using Parmigiano-Reggiano for its robust flavor and impeccable texture. It can be worth splurging a little, as the right cheese will elevate your dish dramatically. If you're looking for a lower-cost alternative, Grana Padano offers a similar flavor profile, though it's slightly milder.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

To elevate your carpaccio experience, consider pairing it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir. These wines complement the richness of the beef and cheese beautifully. Additionally, serving the carpaccio with warm, crusty bread can help soak up the delicious dressing and balance the meal.

For a creative twist, you can experiment with additional toppings like sliced radishes for crunch, or pomegranate seeds for a pop of sweetness and color. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also introduces new flavor dimensions to the dish. Feel free to mix things up—culinary creativity is always encouraged!

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create the perfect Beef Carpaccio:

Ingredients

8 oz beef tenderloin, thinly sliced
4 oz Parmesan cheese, shaved
2 cups arugula
2 tablespoons capers
1 lemon, juiced
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Now that you have all the ingredients, let's move on to the next steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Beef Carpaccio:

Prepare the Beef

Wrap the beef tenderloin in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will help you slice it thinly. Once chilled, remove it from the freezer and slice it as thin as possible using a sharp knife.

Arrange the Plate

On a large serving platter, arrange the slices of beef in a single layer. Overlap the slices slightly for a beautiful presentation.

Add Toppings

Top the beef with shaved Parmesan, arugula, and capers, distributing them evenly over the meat.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the plated carpaccio, serve immediately, and enjoy!

Enjoy your delightful Beef Carpaccio with a side of your favorite crusty bread!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use high-quality olive oil and freshly shaved Parmesan. Feel free to garnish with some crushed black pepper for an added kick.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Beef carpaccio is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prepare it in advance, consider slicing the beef and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the accompaniments separate until you're ready to serve, as wet ingredients can make the beef lose its texture over time.

For the dressing, you can make it ahead as well. In fact, allowing it to sit for an hour in the fridge can help blend the flavors together beautifully. Just be sure to whisk it again before drizzling over the dish to re-emulsify, ensuring the oil and lemon juice are well combined.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your beef slices are tearing instead of remaining intact, you may need a sharper knife or a chilled tenderloin. Make sure the beef is sufficiently chilled before cutting, as this will help maintain the integrity of the slices.

Should you find that the dressing is too tart, adding a pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity. Conversely, if it's too oily, a splash of lemon juice will brighten the flavor without overwhelming the dish. Always taste-test and adjust according to your preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure you thaw it completely in the refrigerator before slicing.

→ What can I serve with Carpaccio?

It pairs well with a fresh salad, or you can serve it with bruschetta or crusty bread.

→ Is Beef Carpaccio safe to eat raw?

As long as you use high-quality, fresh beef from a reputable source, it is safe to consume raw.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

It's best made just before serving, as the beef will lose its quality and freshness over time.