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Food

Beef Tartare

What is beef tartare?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Definition Highly seasoned ground beef eaten raw[1]
Main ingredient Raw ground or minced beef[2]
Common seasonings Onions, capers, parsley or chive, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce[3]
Typical topping Raw egg yolk[3]
Dish type French dish[2]

Beef tartare is a dish of raw, finely chopped or ground beef that is served uncooked, typically seasoned with ingredients like onions, capers, and Worcestershire sauce [1]. It is closely associated with steak tartare, a French preparation that often includes a raw egg yolk on top [2].

Context

Beef tartare is a dish of raw beef that is finely chopped or ground and served uncooked, often seasoned with ingredients such as onion, capers, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and egg yolk [1]. It is commonly identified with steak tartare, which is described as a French dish [2]. The meat is served raw, and the dish is typically accompanied by seasonings like onions, capers, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce [3]. A raw egg yolk is a common topping [3]. Because the meat is uncooked, it can harbour bacteria [2].

Documented claims

  • Beef tartare is served uncooked, with the meat finely chopped or ground. [1]
  • The dish is often topped with a raw egg yolk. [3]
  • Raw meat like steak tartare can harbour bacteria. [2]

Related

  • Beef TenderloinBeef tartare is often made from beef tenderloin, so readers may want to learn about that cut.
  • Wagyu BeefWagyu beef is a premium type of beef that could be used in tartare, and readers may be interested in its qualities.

Questions and answers

Is beef tartare completely raw?

Yes, beef tartare is served uncooked, with the beef finely chopped or ground [1].

What is beef tartare seasoned with?

It is typically seasoned with onions, capers, parsley or chive, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce [3].

Is beef tartare the same as steak tartare?

Beef tartare is commonly identified with steak tartare, which is a French dish [2].

Sources

  1. What is Beef Tartare? A Complete Guide to This Raw Meat Delicacy — tatnuckmeatandsea.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Beef tartar — thefreedictionary.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. What the heck is steak tartare and is it safe to eat? — ouiinfrance.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Food