Beef fillet tataki with onion ponzu salsa and garlic

Delicately seared beef fillet tataki offers a melt-in-the-mouth centre, paired with a zesty onion ponzu salsa and crisp garlic chips. Each bite balances savoury, tangy, and umami notes—a true showcase of refined Japanese technique.

By Scott Hallsworth
From Saturday Kitchen

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This dish offers  a moderate balance. Lean beef and fresh vegetables provide nutrients, while frying and seasoning add richness. Enjoy as part of a balanced diet.

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Ingredients

• 25ml/¾fl oz soy sauce
• 50ml/2fl oz rice vinegar
• 10ml/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1 white onion, finely diced
• ¼ tsp garlic purée
• 40ml/1⅓fl oz grapeseed oil
• 3 whole garlic cloves, peeled
• 200ml/7fl oz whole milk
• 500ml/18fl oz vegetable oil, for frying
• 100g/3½oz beef fillet, trimmed
• 1 dash grapeseed oil, or another neutral-flavoured oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Bunch spring onions, washed and finely sliced

Method

1. Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and lemon juice to make the ponzu sauce. Weigh out 35g into a bowl for the salsa and reserve the rest for serving.
2. Combine the measured ponzu with white onion and garlic purée. Whisk in grapeseed oil slowly to create the onion ponzu salsa. Chill until needed.
3. Using a mandoline, finely slice the garlic cloves and place in a small saucepan. Cover with whole milk and bring to the boil, then remove from heat immediately.
4. Drain and rinse the garlic slices under cold water. Pat dry with kitchen paper.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan to 140°C. Fry the garlic slices in small batches until golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper and keep warm.
6. Heat a cast iron pan over high heat until almost smoking. Season the beef fillet generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and drizzle with a little grapeseed oil.
7. Sear the beef fillet on all sides until coloured but still rare inside. Remove from the pan and rest on kitchen paper.
8. Thinly slice the beef and arrange on a deep plate. Spoon the onion ponzu salsa across the beef, top with sliced spring onions, drizzle with the reserved ponzu sauce, and garnish with garlic crisps.

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Suggested Wine Pairing

Majestic: Definition Beaujolais Villages 2022

This supple, fruity red offers vibrant cherry and subtle spice, complementing the rare beef and balancing the umami of the ponzu salsa. Its light body and fresh acidity refresh the palate with every bite.

Tesco: Finest Argentinian Malbec 2022

With bold blackberry and plum notes, this Malbec stands up to the savoury beef and garlic, while its smooth tannins and balanced acidity work beautifully with the tangy ponzu sauce.

Sainsbury’s: Taste the Difference Barossa Shiraz 2022

This Australian Shiraz delivers ripe black fruit and peppery spice, enhancing the richness of the beef fillet tataki and complementing the sharpness of the onion ponzu salsa and garlic crisps.

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What can you serve with this

1. Steamed jasmine rice – its mildness balances the rich, tangy flavours of the beef tataki.
2. Asian cucumber salad – provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the savoury meat and salsa.
3. Pickled daikon – adds a sweet-sour crunch that cleanses the palate.
4. Edamame beans – for a light, protein-rich accompaniment that complements Japanese flavours.

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Nutri-score Health Check

This Nutri-Score C rating reflects the balance of lean beef and fresh vegetables, with some moderation needed for the fried garlic crisps and seasoning. The score is automatically calculated from the ingredients and serves as a guide.

Positive Factors

• Beef fillet is a lean source of protein and iron.
• Onion, spring onion, and garlic add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Grapeseed oil is lower in saturated fat than many other oils.

Negative Factors

• Fried garlic crisps add extra fat and calories.
• Soy sauce contains sodium, so use in moderation if watching salt intake.