Name: Beef carpaccio, fig and fennel salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 600 gm piece beef fillet, trimmed; 1 baby fennel, trimmed, sliced on a mandolin; 3 figs, cut into thin wedges; 1 cup picked watercress sprigs (loosely packed); 2 tsp pink peppercorns, crushed; Dressing; 60 ml (¼ cup) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling; 1 tbsp finely grated ginger; 1 golden shallot, finely chopped; 2 tbsp Sherry vinegar

Ingredients

600 gm piece beef fillet, trimmed

1 baby fennel, trimmed, sliced on a mandolin

3 figs, cut into thin wedges

1 cup picked watercress sprigs (loosely packed)

2 tsp pink peppercorns, crushed

Dressing

60 ml (¼ cup) extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

1 tbsp finely grated ginger

1 golden shallot, finely chopped

2 tbsp Sherry vinegar

Method

1.Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Drizzle beef with oil and season to taste. Cook beef, turning occasionally, until just seared (5-6 minutes).

2.Transfer beef to a tray and cool slightly. Roll beef tightly in plastic wrap and freeze until firm (2-3 hours).

3.Meanwhile, for dressing, heat oil in a small saucepan over low heat until just warmed through (30 seconds). Place ginger and shallot in a small heatproof bowl; pour hot oil over. Add vinegar and stir to combine. Season to taste.

4.Thinly slice beef across the grain and arrange on a platter. Top with fennel, figs and watercress. Serve drizzled with dressing. Scatter with peppercorns.

PREPARE AHEAD: for a fuss-free starter, sear and chill beef beforehand, ready to slice and serve when guests arrive.
Notes

Recipe by Jessica Brook Recipe Writer and Food Stylist

Jessica’s culinary journey has covered every corner of the food world as a professionally trained chef, recipe writer, food editor, food consultant and stylist. With over 16 years of experience, Jessica has worked across many of Australia's most prestigious food titles, including Gourmet Traveller, Martha Stewart, Donna Hay, and Vogue Entertaining & Travel. When it comes to food, Jessica's all in. With a genuine passion for flavour and a deep appreciation for its diverse cultural influences, Jessica excels in crafting engaging food stories and creating unique recipes. Her style? Tasteful simplicity that highlights the essence of ingredients and heartfelt cooking. You could say she's a bit of a food fanatic, bringing her own unique touch to every dish she creates, particularly in her contributions to Gourmet Traveller through which her dishes resonate with readers seeking new and inspiring culinary experiences.

Linkedin Instagram

Styling by Steve Pearce

Ingredients

Method

Related stories