Sep 06 2026

Beef Tataki Recipe

Time45m
Serves4

Strip steak sliced and served with ginger sauce

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Ingredients

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Beef

Method

Beef

  1. 1

    Bring steak to temperature

    Remove the strip steak from the refrigerator 30–45 minutes before cooking so it comes closer to room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Season

    Lightly season all sides of the steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Press the seasoning into the meat so it adheres.

  3. 3

    Sear the steak

    Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until very hot. Add 2 tablespoons neutral oil and swirl to coat. Place the steak in the pan and sear without moving for 45–60 seconds, until a deep brown crust forms. Turn and sear the next side for 45–60 seconds. If the steak is thicker than 1 inch, briefly sear the edges (10–15 seconds) to render fat. The goal is a rare to very-rare interior — doneness will be preserved by quick chilling.

  4. 4

    Chill and rest

    Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest 3–4 minutes to redistribute juices. Then place it uncovered on a wire rack in the refrigerator or freezer for 10–15 minutes to firm up (this makes thin slicing easier).

Ginger dipping sauce

  1. 5

    Combine sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger, 4 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon mirin, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon sugar or honey until the sugar dissolves.

  2. 6

    Adjust flavors: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallion whites and greens (reserve a little green for garnish). Taste and balance: add the optional 1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice for brightness if desired. If you prefer a smoother, slightly thinner sauce, add 1–2 teaspoons water.

  3. 7

    Finish: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds if using. Transfer sauce to a shallow serving dish for dipping.

Garnish & plating

  1. 8

    Slice the steak: Using a very sharp knife, slice the chilled steak thinly against the grain into 1/8- to 1/4-inch thick slices. For neat presentation, wipe the knife between passes.

  2. 9

    Arrange and garnish: Fan slices on a chilled plate over a small bed of julienned daikon (if using). Spoon or place the ginger dipping sauce on the side. Scatter reserved scallion greens, microgreens or shiso leaves, and pickled ginger as desired.

  3. 10

    Serve: Serve immediately as an appetizer. Diners should dip slices into the ginger sauce. Leftover slices can be refrigerated and used within 24 hours, but are best eaten fresh.

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