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Beef fillet tataki with onion ponzu salsa and garlic
Ingredients
For the ponzu sauce
- 25ml/¾fl oz soy sauce
- 50ml/2fl oz rice vinegar
- 10ml/2 tsp lemon juice
For the onion ponzu salsa
- 1 white onion, finely diced
- ¼ tsp garlic purée
- 40ml/1â…“fl oz grapeseed oil
For the garlic crisps
- 3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
- 200ml/7fl oz whole milk
- 500ml/18fl oz vegetable oil, for frying
For the beef fillet tataki
- 100g/3½oz beef fillet, trimmed
- 1 dash grapeseed oil, or another neutral-flavoured oil
- sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
To serve
- bunch spring onions, washed and finely sliced
Method
To make the ponzu sauce, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar and lemon juice, stirring until well combined. Weigh out 35g/1¼oz into a bowl for the salsa, reserving the rest for serving.
To make the onion ponzu salsa, combine the ponzu sauce with the onion and garlic purée and mix well. Slowly whisk in the grapeseed oil, then chill until required.
To make the garlic crisps, use a mandoline to finely slice the garlic into thin pieces and place them into a saucepan.
Cover with the milk and bring to the boil, then immediately remove from the heat.
Drain the garlic and rinse gently in cold running water, patting dry on a piece of kitchen paper.
Heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan until it reaches 140C, then fry the garlic slices in small batches until they are golden brown. (CAUTION: hot oil can be dangerous. Do not leave unattended.) Drain well on kitchen paper and keep in a warm place until required.
To make the beef fillet tataki, place a cast iron pan over a high heat and allow to heat up until almost smoking.
Meanwhile, generously season the beef fillet all over with salt and pepper.
Drizzle over a small amount of grapeseed oil, then place the fillet into the hot pan to sear on all sides.
Once the fillet has colour on the outside but is still very rare quickly remove it from the pan. Place on a sheet of kitchen paper to rest.
To serve, thinly slice the fillet into even pieces and arrange across a deep plate or dish. Spoon a line of the onion ponzu salsa across the beef slices and top with a row of sliced spring onion. Drizzle over a little of the leftover ponzu sauce and garnish with the garlic crisps.
A Brief History of Japanese Food and Its Cultural Meaning
Japanese food, known as Washoku, has a history stretching back thousands of years. Its traditions have been influenced by geography, religion, seasonal changes and contact with other countries. Rice became a staple food, while fish, vegetables, seafood and fermented ingredients formed the foundations of traditional Japanese cooking.
During the Nara and Heian periods, Chinese influences introduced new ingredients and cooking techniques. Later, Buddhist traditions encouraged vegetarian cooking, while the Edo period saw sushi, tempura and soba noodles become popular. Today, Japanese cuisine combines traditional dishes with modern international influences.
Food has a special meaning in Japanese culture, representing respect, harmony, gratitude and appreciation for nature. Seasonal ingredients are particularly important, with meals often reflecting the time of year. Before eating, Japanese people traditionally say Itadakimasu, expressing gratitude to everyone involved in preparing and providing the food.
There are several important etiquette rules to follow when eating in Japan. Chopsticks should be held correctly, and food should not be passed directly between people’s chopsticks. Never stick chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
It is polite to finish your meal, avoid wasting food and say Gochisousama deshita afterwards. Slurping noodles is generally acceptable and can show enjoyment. However, talking loudly, playing with chopsticks or pointing them at others should be avoided.
Understanding Japanese food etiquette helps visitors appreciate the country’s traditions, values and hospitality.
