Image by Farhad Ibrahimzade

Salmon tartare

I am a huge fan of dishes that feature seafood, but I recently encountered one that truly blew me away: salmon tartare. This delectable delicacy is made with raw salmon, finely diced and mixed with complimentary flavors such as herbs, sea salt, and capers that add a punch of flavor and texture.

Salmon tartare


The salmon used for this dish is usually sourced from premium source, ensuring that it is of the highest quality and freshness - a must for such an exquisite dish. The salmon is then finely diced and artfully arranged on a plate usually with herbs or spices for further flavor. The end result is a tantalizing tartare that looks downright luxurious.

The taste is divine, with the buttery smooth texture of the salmon paired perfectly with the crunchy texture from the herbs, capers, and sea salt. The subtle contrast in textures gives this dish a unique and unforgettable flavor profile.

Salmon tartare is fairly easy to make at home, but if you’re not feeling confident enough, there are plenty of restaurants that specialize in this dish. Despite being simple, the dish requires a great amount of finesse, which is why some people prefer to leave it to the experts.

I definitely recommend trying out salmon tartare for yourself, as it is sure to captivate all your senses and leave you with a touch of culinary euphoria.

The origin of Salmon tartare

The enigmatic dish of Salmon tartare has a long and illustrious backstory that would make even the most jaded gourmand wax nostalgic for days gone by. The history of this delectable dish stretches all the way back to 18th century France, where the use of raw fish began to become popular in the court of Louis XIV. This trend was set off by his royal chef Louis de Béchamel who, while seeking to tantalise the King's palate, experimented with using diced raw salmon, lightly marinated in lemon juice, with a dollop of crème fraîche, then served atop slices of toast.

The idea soon spread around Europe until it eventually arrived in England in the 19th century, where its popularity as a refined entrée steadily increased. High society dinners and soirees often featured Salmon Tartare, an ethereally delicate dish that lent a certain je ne sais quoi to any occasion. Increased access to fresh salmon in England allowed for the perfect preparation of this dish, which became a luxurious emblem of status and privilege.

In the modern era, Salmon tartare remains a high-end delicacy, due in part to the ever-rising popularity of sushi throughout Europe and America. Accompanied by dollops of crème fraîche, freshly chopped parsley and capers, Salmon tartare has been transformed from its rather stodgy 19th century roots into an exquisite appetiser that can be enjoyed in many fine restaurants and homes around the world.

At its core, Salmon tartare is an exquisite example of a classic dish. Endlessly adaptable and ever soothing, this timeless dish is sure to remain a gastronomic favourite for years to come.

FAQs about Salmon tartare

How do you cut salmon for tartare?

When cutting salmon for tartare, it is best to use a very sharp knife and cut the salmon into small, uniform cubes. If desired, season the cubes lightly with salt and/or pepper before serving.


Is salmon tartare safe?

Yes, salmon tartare is generally considered safe to eat. It is important to make sure that the salmon used in tartare is sashimi-grade and from a reputable source. When preparing salmon tartare, it is also important to be aware of food safety and hygiene guidelines to ensure that the dish is free from potentially harmful bacteria.


What is salmon tartare made of?

Salmon tartare is made of finely chopped raw salmon, usually mixed with diced onion and capers, along with a variety of seasonings such as lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.


What is tartare grade salmon?

Tartare grade salmon is a grade of wild-caught raw salmon that has been specially treated to kill bacteria and parasites. The salmon is then frozen, vacuum-sealed and stored at -20°C or below until it's ready for use. Tartare grade salmon is considered the highest quality salmon available, as it is fresher and more flavorful than other grades.


Types of Salmon tartare

Salmon Tartare is a seafood dish that has been enjoyed for centuries, but in recent years it has gained a huge following among seafood connoisseurs. The delicate flavor of this dish comes from its finely diced or chopped raw salmon, and is usually seasoned with herbs and spices, a bit of mayonnaise and some type of citrus juice.

The traditional preparation method for Salmon Tartare involves an intricate process of carefully chopping the fresh fish by hand with a sharp knife before mixing it with the other ingredients. Nowadays, many chefs opt to use a food processor to cut the salmon into thin cubes and mix the other ingredients. This method can be more convenient, although it may also lead to a less rustic and more uniform end product.

When it comes to seasoning Salmon Tartare, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some chefs opt to keep things simple and go with just salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon, while others prefer to add a variety of herbs and spices to give the dish a more complex flavor. In addition, many chefs will also add onion and tomato along with capers and olives for extra zing.

Finally, Salmon Tartare can be served in a variety of ways, from sushi-style rolls to an elaborate tartare-stuffed pastry. No matter how it is served, Salmon Tartare is sure to tantalize your palate with its distinctively delightful flavors. With its combination of delicate textures and savory herb accents, this delicious dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering.