Steak tartare facts for kids
Steak tartare with raw egg, capers and onions
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| Main ingredients | Raw beef |
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| Variations | Tartare aller-retour |
Steak tartare is a special dish made from finely chopped or ground raw meat. Most often, this meat is beef, but sometimes it can be horse meat. In countries like Belgium and Luxembourg, people call this dish filet américain.
The meat used for steak tartare is usually very high quality. This is important because it is eaten raw. The name "tartare" comes from the Tatars, a group of people who were said to have carried meat under their saddles while riding. Because the dish is eaten raw, it's very important to be careful. There can be tiny bacteria or parasites in raw meat. But don't worry, these risks are much lower when chefs follow strict hygiene rules and use only the freshest meat.
Contents
What is Steak Tartare?
Steak tartare is a unique dish because its main ingredient is raw meat. The meat is not cooked at all. Instead, it is cut into very small pieces or ground up. This gives it a special texture.
How is it Served?
Often, steak tartare is served with a raw egg yolk on top. It also comes with different seasonings. These can include capers, onions, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. You mix these ingredients together with the meat. People usually eat it with toast or French fries.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The name "tartare" has an interesting story. It is linked to the Tatars, who were a group of people from Central Asia. Legend says that the Tatars would place raw meat under their saddles while riding. The meat would get tenderized by the horse's movement. Then, they would eat it.
However, modern historians believe the dish we know today probably came from France. It became popular in French restaurants in the early 1900s. The name was likely inspired by the idea of "Tartar sauce," which was often served with raw meat dishes.
Is Steak Tartare Safe to Eat?
Because steak tartare uses raw meat, there are some things to know about safety. Raw meat can sometimes have tiny germs called bacteria or parasites. These can make people sick if not handled properly.
How to Enjoy it Safely
- Fresh Meat: The most important rule is to use very fresh, high-quality meat.
- Cleanliness: Chefs must keep everything super clean. This means clean hands, clean knives, and clean cutting boards.
- Quick Serving: The dish should be prepared and eaten quickly. It should not sit out for a long time.
By following these rules, the risk of getting sick is very low. Many people enjoy steak tartare safely around the world.
Images for kids
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Steak tartare in the French Quarter of San Francisco
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Filet américain, or préparé, is eaten as a spread in the Netherlands and Belgium.
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Malgogi-yukhoe (Korean horse meat tartare)
See also
In Spanish: Filete tártaro para niños
