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Slovak Tatarák (steak tartare) served on a wooden board with a raw egg yolk on top, surrounded by chopped onions, garlic, mustard, ketchup, and crispy garlic-rubbed rye bread.

Tatarák: Slovak Steak Tartare 🍔🇸🇰

Slovak Tatarák is a bold and flavorful steak tartare made from finely minced raw beef, mixed with rich seasonings, and served with crispy garlic-rubbed toast. A must-try Slovak pub classic!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Slovak
Servings 2
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g high-quality beef tenderloin (finely minced)
  • 1 raw egg yolk
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp ground caraway (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 slices rye bread (for serving)
  • 1 garlic clove (for rubbing the toast)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the beef: Finely mince the beef tenderloin with a sharp knife for the best texture.
  • Seasoning: In a bowl, mix the minced beef with Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, and caraway.
  • Add the yolk: Create a small well in the center of the beef mixture and place the raw egg yolk inside.
  • Prepare the toast: Lightly toast the rye bread slices until crispy, then rub them with a cut garlic clove for added flavor.
  • Serving: Serve the beef mixture with chopped onions and minced garlic on the side. Guests can mix the ingredients to their preference and spread the tartare on garlic toast.
    Step-by-step preparation of Slovak Tatarák (steak tartare): mincing raw beef, adding seasonings, mixing, shaping with a raw egg yolk on top, and serving with crispy garlic-rubbed rye bread

Notes

  • Use only fresh, high-quality beef from a trusted butcher to ensure safety.
  • Tatarák is best enjoyed with a cold Slovak beer for an authentic experience. 🍺
  • Adjust seasonings to taste – some prefer a spicier version with a pinch of chili flakes! 🌶️

A Bold Slovak Delicacy for Adventurous Food Lovers 🚀🌟

If you're an adventurous eater looking for an authentic Slovak experience, Tatarák, or Slovak steak tartare, is a must-try! While the idea of raw beef might sound unusual to some, this dish is a beloved delicacy in Slovakia, commonly enjoyed in bars and restaurants as the perfect accompaniment to a cold beer.

What is Tatarák? 🍽️

Tatarák is a dish made from high-quality raw beef, finely chopped or ground and mixed with a blend of seasonings to create a bold, umami-packed flavor. Unlike some variations of steak tartare where the ingredients come pre-mixed, Slovak Tatarák is often served deconstructed, allowing diners to mix the flavors to their own preference.
Traditionally, the beef is formed into a rounded mound with a small indentation on top, where a raw egg yolk is placed. Surrounding the beef, diners will find an array of condiments and seasonings to customize their tartare just the way they like it.

Key Ingredients 🍲

To create an authentic Slovak Tatarák, you'll need:
  • High-quality raw beef (such as tenderloin or sirloin) – finely chopped or ground
  • Raw egg yolk 🍳 – for a rich, creamy texture
  • Finely chopped onion 🧅 – adds crunch and a slight sharpness
  • Salt and black pepper – essential for seasoning
  • Worcestershire sauce 🍽 – deepens the umami flavor
  • Mustard 🌶️ – provides a tangy kick
  • Ketchup 🍟 – balances the flavors with a hint of sweetness
  • Minced garlic 🧄 – enhances the overall aroma and taste

How is Tatarák Served? 🍾

Once the beef, egg yolk, and seasonings are mixed, Tatarák is traditionally served with toasted rye bread – often in the form of topinky, slices of crunchy garlic-rubbed Slovak bread. The crispy texture of the toast perfectly complements the smooth tartare, making every bite irresistibly satisfying.

Why You Should Try Tatarák 🚀

Still hesitant about raw beef? Here’s why Tatarák is worth stepping out of your comfort zone:
A true Slovak specialty – a staple in traditional pubs and restaurants ✅ Perfectly balanced flavors – umami-rich beef, tangy mustard, and crispy toast ✅ Customizable to your taste – mix in your preferred seasonings ✅ Pairs beautifully with Slovak beer – a must-try food and drink combo

A Must-Try Experience in Slovakia 🇸🇰

Whether you're in a cozy Slovak pub or a high-end restaurant, Tatarák is a dish that captures the heart of Slovak culinary culture. If you're a fan of steak tartare, carpaccio, or sushi, you’re likely to fall in love with this bold and flavorful delicacy.
Next time you visit Slovakia, don’t miss the chance to try Tatarák – it’s a taste adventure you won’t forget! 🌟🍾
More Slovak recipes
Keyword raw beef dish, Slovak appetizer, Slovak tartare, steak tartare, Tatarák
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