Elegant Beef Carpaccio with thinly sliced beef tenderloin, caper vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, crispy capers, microgreens, and balsamic reduction.

Looking to bring elegance and sophistication to your table? Beef Carpaccio with Caper Vinaigrette is a timeless fine dining dish that embodies luxury and simplicity. Featuring paper-thin slices of tender beef, a tangy caper vinaigrette, and garnishes like shaved Parmesan and crispy capers, this dish combines exquisite flavors with visually stunning presentation.

Perfect for a chic appetizer or an impressive dinner party starter, this recipe will guide you step by step to create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to plate like a pro.


Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these premium ingredients to create an unforgettable Beef Carpaccio.

For the Beef Carpaccio:

  • 8 oz beef tenderloin (chilled)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt (to taste)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

For the Caper Vinaigrette:

  • 2 tbsp capers, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp honey (optional, for balance)

For the Garnishes:

  • Shaved Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup)
  • Crispy capers (1 tbsp)
  • Microgreens (baby arugula or watercress)
  • Lemon zest (curls for garnish)
  • Balsamic reduction (1 tsp, dotted on the plate)


Step 1: Prepare the Beef

The key to an exceptional carpaccio is the quality and preparation of the beef.

Ingredients Used in This Step:
Beef tenderloin, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper.

Method:

  1. Chill the Beef: Place the beef tenderloin in the freezer for 20–30 minutes to firm it up for easier slicing.
  2. Slice Thinly: Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice the beef into paper-thin rounds. For ultra-thin slices, place the beef between two sheets of parchment paper and gently pound with a meat mallet.
  3. Season the Beef: Lightly brush each slice with olive oil, then season with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

💡 Pro Tip: Use the sharpest knife you have for clean cuts that preserve the texture and presentation of the beef.


Step 2: Make the Caper Vinaigrette

This tangy vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the rich, tender beef.

Ingredients Used in This Step:
Capers, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey.

Method:

  1. Mix the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together finely chopped capers, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  2. Set Aside: Let the vinaigrette rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a pinch of lemon zest to the vinaigrette for an extra burst of citrus brightness.


Step 3: Crisp the Capers

Crispy capers add texture and a salty crunch that elevates the dish.

Ingredients Used in This Step:
Capers (for frying) and olive oil.

Method:

  1. Heat the Oil: In a small skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Fry the Capers: Add the capers to the hot oil and fry for 1–2 minutes, or until they puff up and turn golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel to drain.

💡 Pro Tip: Make extra crispy capers—they’re addictive and great for snacking!


Step 4: Assemble and Plate

Plating is where the artistry comes to life, turning this dish into a fine dining masterpiece.

Ingredients Used in This Step:
Shaved Parmesan, microgreens, balsamic reduction, and lemon zest.

Method:

  1. Arrange the Beef: Lay the thin slices of beef in an overlapping circular pattern on a white ceramic plate, leaving some space around the edges for garnishes.
  2. Drizzle the Vinaigrette: Spoon the caper vinaigrette over the beef, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
  3. Add Garnishes: Scatter shaved Parmesan, crispy capers, and microgreens on top. Add a few drops of balsamic reduction around the plate for color and sweetness.
  4. Finish with Lemon Zest: Sprinkle lemon zest curls on the microgreens for a burst of freshness.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a squeeze bottle for precise dots of balsamic reduction to create a clean, professional look.


Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Luxurious and Elegant: A classic fine dining dish that’s simple yet stunning.
  • Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Rich, tender beef paired with tangy vinaigrette, salty Parmesan, and crispy capers.
  • Visually Captivating: The vibrant red beef, green microgreens, and golden capers make this dish a feast for the eyes.


Pairing Suggestions

Pair Beef Carpaccio with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a sparkling Prosecco to balance its richness. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a twist of lemon.


Share Your Creation with #BeyondEveryBite

We’d love to see your take on Beef Carpaccio with Caper Vinaigrette! Share your stunning creations on Pinterest or social media using #BeyondEveryBite, and you could be featured in our next article.

Enjoy creating this timeless fine dining classic and elevating your culinary skills. Bon appétit! 🥩✨