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Beef Carpaccio Recipe with Gremolata – Elegant and Easy Starter.

  • Writer: Tim
    Tim
  • May 14
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jul 15


Beef Carpaccio is a classic Italian appetizer that brings elegance and sophistication to any meal. Made from thinly sliced raw beef, typically filet mignon, tenderloin or sirloin, it's often served with a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of lemon juice, shaved Parmesan, and a scattering of capers or arugula. Light, delicate, and full of flavor, it’s the perfect starter to awaken the palate without being too heavy—setting the tone for a refined and flavorful dining experience.

Plate of beef carpaccio topped with arugula, shaved Parmesan, and green herbs (Gremolata). The wooden table backdrop adds a rustic feel.
The merging of different flavors is a true masterpiece

Country of Origin: Italy

Beef Carpaccio was created in the 1950s by Giuseppe Cipriani of Harry’s Bar in Venice for Countess Amalia Nani Mocenigo, who was advised to eat only raw meat. He served her thin slices of raw beef with lemon juice, olive oil, and seasoning. The dish was named after painter Vittore Carpaccio, known for his red and white tones. Today, it's a globally loved appetizer, prized for its simplicity and elegance.

Beef Carpaccio with Gremolata takes this classic dish to another level

After sampling countless variations of Beef Carpaccio, this version stands out as the ultimate favorite. I’d like to acknowledge Gino D’Acampo and his Gino's Italian Family adventure YouTube program, where I first discovered the inspiration for this recipe. Although the original episode later became unavailable, I recreated the dish from memory and flavor, adding my own personal twist.

The gremolata is the star—melding the sweetness of garlic, the briny tang of capers, herbal flavor of parsley, the brightness and acidity of fresh lemon juice and zest, and the silky richness of olive oil. It ties all the elements together, creating a vibrant burst of flavor in every bite. A delicate slice of beef paired with a touch of gremolata, a shaving of Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and a leaf or two of arugula is a perfect harmony of taste and texture.

When plated, the dish is a true visual masterpiece. It’s the kind of appetizer that stops guests in their tracks—so stunning, they might hesitate to be the first to dig in, not wanting to disturb its artistic presentation.


Fresh ingredients for Beef Carpaccio with Gremolata, including raw beef, parsley, lemon, garlic, olive oil, parmesan cheese and capers, arranged on a prep surface. Main ingredients to make Beef Carpaccio with Gremolata
Main Ingredients

Beef Carpaccio with Gremolata Recipe Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this classic Italian dish to life:

  • Beef – The foundation of the show, providing rich, delicate flavor.

  • Flat-Leaf Parsley – Not just for garnish, parsley brings a bright, herbaceous flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the beef. Its vibrant green color adds freshness and depth, while its subtle earthiness enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.

  • Lemon Juice & Zest – Brightens the dish with zesty acidity.

  • Capers – Introduce a briny, salty punch that enhances every bite.

  • Olive Oil – Brings smoothness and depth to the overall texture.

  • Garlic – Raw garlic adds a sharp bite, while the roasted version we suggest offers a mellow, sweet alternative.

  • Arugula (Rocket) – Peppery and fresh, it adds both flavor and visual appeal.

  • Parmesan Cheese – Savory and nutty, it finishes the dish beautifully.

  • Salt & Pepper – Season to taste at the end to tie all the flavors together.

Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s bold, fresh, tangy, and subtly sweet—a perfect tribute to the flavors cherished by Italian Nona's and chefs alike.



Key Steps in the preparation process of the Beef Carpaccio with Gremolata

This recipe comes together with a frying pan, mixing bowl and a cutting board. Detailed instructions are provided in the recipe card below, but here are some key steps to guide you through the preparation process:


Tongs holding seared, seasoned steak in a silver pan on a stovetop. The countertop is visible. Sizzling oil around the steak.
Seared Beef, notice the color from the quick sear.


White bowl of mixed green herbs (gremolata) on a wooden surface in soft lighting, creating a fresh, homemade feel.
The final Gremolata, with all of the ingredients mixed together.

Cheese block beside a black plate with cheese shavings on a wooden board, next to a peeler. Warm tones create a rustic kitchen feel.
Shaved Parmesan Cheese using a vegetable peeler.

Alternatives to the Suggested Ingredients

This recipe has a few options and alternatives for the Beef and Parmesan Cheese. Please see the Recipe Card below for more detail.  


Beef Carpaccio with Gremolata - Preparation, Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Beef Carpaccio Recipe is perfect for preparing ahead of time and is best served at room temperature. Lightly sear the beef tenderloin, then place it in the freezer for about 2 hours to make thin slicing easier. Once frozen, slice the beef thinly and arrange it in a single layer on a serving plate. The slices will thaw completely in under an hour.

Top with Gremolata, shaved Parmesan, and fresh arugula—this final step takes just a few minutes. Serve on a large platter for sharing, or plate individually for each guest.


Thin slices of red, seasoned beef arranged on a clear plate, set on a wooden surface. The setting is simple, with a rustic feel.
Initial plating with thin layers of sliced beef - slightly overlapped. Notice the thin layer of grey color around each piece of beef from the sear.

Plate of beef carpaccio with arugula, cheese shavings, and Gremolata. Vibrant colors and fresh presentation.
Thin layer of Gremolata is spread over the Beef. Then shaved parmesan cheese is spread over the Gremolata and the Arugula centered in the middle of the dish.

Beef Carpaccio with Gremolata - Detailed Recipe




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Comments and Feedback

2 Comments


zatko
Jun 19

The beef carpaccio was so good and so easy to put together. Great touch with tbe gremolata! Definitely a go-to dish for us again.

Like
Tim
Tim
Jun 24
Replying to

Thank you for your feedback, so glad that you enjoyed it. I agree it is a great go-to dish.

Like
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