Have you ever craved the luxurious flavors of a high-end restaurant dish but felt it was out of reach? The Toro Tartare with Caviar from Nobu, known for its exquisite balance of buttery toro, briny caviar, and tangy wasabi pepper sauce, might feel like one of those unattainable creations.

This indulgent appetizer is a highlight of Nobu’s menu, leaving diners in awe of its flavors and presentation. But what if you could recreate this show-stopping dish in your own kitchen? Let’s explore how you can bring this masterpiece to life at home.

Toro Tartare With Caviar Nobu Recipe

This recipe, adapted from Nobu: The Cookbook, serves two people:

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Ingredients

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons dashi
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons wasabi pepper sauce

For the Tartare:

4 oz sushi-grade toro fillet or substitute with salmon or hamachi
1 teaspoon finely minced onion such as cipollini onion
1/2 teaspoon grated garlic
1 to 1.5 teaspoons osetra caviar per serving
Menegi young chives for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce

Combine the dashi, soy sauce, and wasabi pepper sauce in a bowl. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator until ready to use. The sauce’s balance of umami, spice, and tang will elevate the dish.

Mince the Fish

Using a sharp knife, finely mince the sushi-grade toro (or your chosen substitute). Spread the minced fish loosely on a plate and chill it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. This helps the fish firm up for easier handling.

Mix the Tartare Ingredients

Quickly combine the minced fish with the finely minced onion and grated garlic. Work swiftly to keep the ingredients cold.

Mold the Tartare

Using a 2-inch metal ring mold, press the tartare mixture into shape on small, chilled serving plates or bowls. Remove the molds carefully.

Add the Toppings

Place a generous portion of osetra caviar atop each tartare. Garnish with menegi or finely chopped chives for a touch of freshness and color.

Serve with the Sauce

Pour the chilled sauce carefully around the tartare in the serving bowls, ensuring not to disturb the arrangement. The sauce should pool attractively at the base of the tartare.

Tasting Notes

When you take a bite, you’ll experience a delightful interplay of textures and flavors: the creamy toro, the slight crunch of onion, the pungency of garlic, and the briny burst of caviar. The wasabi pepper sauce ties it all together with its tangy and spicy profile. It’s no wonder this dish is reminiscent of Nobu’s omakase experience.

If you enjoy luxurious seafood preparations, transition from our toro tartare to the refreshing Basque crab salad.

Additional Menu Inspiration from Nobu

If you’re planning a full Nobu-inspired meal, consider pairing the Toro Tartare with some of their other signature dishes:

Yellowtail Jalapeño (26)
Black Cod Miso (49)
Lobster Salad with Spicy Lemon Dressing (48)
Rock Shrimp Tempura with Creamy Spicy Sauce (32)

These dishes can round out a luxurious dining experience at home.

Recreating a Nobu classic like Toro Tartare with Caviar is a rewarding way to elevate any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a special night in, this dish is sure to impress your guests or loved ones with its elegance and flavor.