Beef Carpaccio with Crispy Capers and Rosemary

In this elegant starter, superthin, melt-in-your mouth beef tenderloin is seasoned with fruity olive oil and lemon juice and topped with fried capers and rosemary. Slideshow: More First-Course Recipes 

Beef Carpaccio with Crispy Capers and Rosemary
Photo: © Heather Chontos
Active Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
2 hrs 30 mins
Yield:
8 1-course servings

Ingredients

  • One 1-pound trimmed beef tenderloin roast

  • Fruity extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground pepper

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

  • 1/3 cup lightly packed rosemary leaves (from 3 large sprigs)

  • 1/4 cup capers, drained and patted dry

  • Fresh lemon juice, for brushing

  • Snipped chives, for garnish

Directions

  1. Cover the tenderloin tightly with plastic wrap and freeze until well chilled, about 30 minutes. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Brush the tenderloin with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat until nicely charred all over but raw within. Let the tenderloin cool completely, then cover with plastic wrap and freeze until thoroughly chilled, about 1 hour.

  2. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil until shimmering. Add the rosemary and fry over high heat until crispy, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the rosemary to paper towels to drain. Add the capers to the skillet and fry over high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp and browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the capers to the paper towels.

  3. Using a very sharp knife, slice the tenderloin crosswise 1/4 inch thick. Place a slice of beef between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound lightly until very thin. Remove the top sheet of plastic wrap and invert the carpaccio onto a plate or platter. Repeat with the remaining slices.

  4. Brush the carpaccio with olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Scatter the fried rosemary and capers on top, garnish with chives and serve.

Make Ahead

The seared, unsliced tenderloin can be refrigerated overnight. The fried rosemary and capers can be stored on a paper towel–lined plate overnight.

Originally appeared: February 2013

Related Articles