Tataki, the Japanese technique for preparing fish or meat

Tataki is a Japanese cooking technique that consists of quickly searing fish or meat over a hot flame, then cooling it immediately before slicing it into thin strips. This preparation method is popular for its unique taste and tender texture. In this article, we will explore tataki in detail, from its history to its preparation and the types of fish and meat used.

Here is a simple recipe for tuna tataki:

Ingredients:

• 400g of fresh tuna fillet
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of mirin
• 1 clove of garlic, chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, minced garlic and grated ginger. Set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Once hot, quickly sear the tuna fillet on all sides for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Remove the tuna from the pan and immediately place in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking.
4. Remove the tuna from the ice water and gently blot with paper towels to remove excess water.
5. In a dish, combine sesame seeds, salt and pepper. Roll the tuna in the mixture to coat evenly.
6. Place the tuna in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up slightly.
7. Remove the tuna from the refrigerator and cut into thin slices.
8. Serve the tuna tataki with the sauce you prepared at the beginning. You can also add side dishes such as white rice, crunchy vegetables or salad.

Here is another tataki recipe, this time with beef:

Ingredients:

• 400g fresh beef tenderloin
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon of mirin
• 1 clove of garlic, chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground Sichuan pepper
• salt

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, mirin, chopped garlic, grated ginger and Sichuan pepper. Set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil. When hot, quickly sear the beef tenderloin on all sides for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Remove the beef from the pan and immediately place it in a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.
4. Remove the beef from the ice water and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess water.
5. Place the beef in a dish and sprinkle with salt. Let stand for 10 minutes.
6. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
7. Bake the beef for 15 to 20 minutes, until it is cooked to your liking.
8. Remove the beef from the oven and let cool completely.
9. Cut the beef into thin slices and serve with the sauce you prepared at the beginning. You can also add side dishes such as stir-fried vegetables, white rice or salad.

Treat yourself!