Américain préparé aka Filet Américain

2016-04-22 a.o.

Filet Américain is a Flemish / Belgian dish of finely-ground raw beef that is served cold.
Various seasonings are added to the beef to flavor it. It is only vaguely similar to French steak tartare.
Even in Flemish/Dutch-speaking Flanders, people use the French/Walloon name by preference.

Always grind coarsely on 1st pass. Optionally, grind a 2nd time for finely ground meat.

As a main meal dish, it is usually served with fries and pickles.
More often it is served as a spread on bread. When used on toast it is called cannibal toast.

All added ingredients are optional. Mix and match to your preference.
I don't usually add eggs, but that is your choice.

Food safety warning for US of A:
Do not make this with store-bought mass-processed ground meat. Grind or mince a roast at home.

INGREDIENTS

This is what you need for 4 servings:

1 lb. lean steak
S&P

optional:

2 tbsp. non-pareil capers
2 egg yolks
In US, pasteurized eggs are recommended.
AND/OR
1-2 tbsp. mayo
1-2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
up to 12 pickled gherkins
1 tbsp. minced parsley
1 tbsp. raw onion, chopped fine
hot sauce to taste

Directions

DIY ground meat:

Pic1: manual-cranked grinder
Pic2: electric grinder, 1st pass always coarse
Pic3: optional 2nd pass can be finer (but doesn't have to be)

Pic4: slice & dice the meat
Pic5: 1st pass always coarse
Pic6: optional 2nd pass can be finer (but doesn't have to be)

DIY ground meat:

Only make this with freshly ground raw beef.
Frozen ground meat leaks and gets mushy when it thaws.
Purchase a large, very lean roast to make this.
Slice and dice the meat into pieces that will easily fit into the grinder feed.
The smaller the pieces, the easier for the grinder.
Cut out any visible gristle, because that clogs up the grinder knives.
Grind the meat with the coarse grinding plate
Optional: make a second pass with a finer grinding plate.
Repackage and refrigerate for up to 3 days until needed.

2020-03-24: not mixed with condiments

Pic7-9: coarsely-ground beef, mayo, apricot jam

Serving suggestion:

Grind the meat coarsely.
This gives a different texture. See which you like best.
Do not mix the sauces into the meat, but spread them on the bread.
That way you can get more flavor variety, no need to make the whole batch with the same sauce.
Serve the meat on top, between. Enjoy.

various filet Américain preparations

Pic10: 2017-05-30 - salt & mayo only, served with greens
Pic11: 2020-02-09 - filet Américain as per recipe on this page
Pic12: 2020-03-14 - capers, mayo, hot sauce

Making filet Américain:
I don't always add the same sauces or spices.

Mix the meat with add 1-2 egg yolks, 1-2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce and S&P to taste.
This is the basic recipe. Add whatever else you like.
Add the remaining ingredients you'd like in there.
Mix well until a smooth paste is obtained.
Mix thoroughly.
Garnish with pickle slices. (Pic10+11)
Alternatively, add 1-2 tbsp. non-pareil capers.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days until needed.
Serve and enjoy.

Pic13: 2016-04-22 - Américain préparé aka prepared filet Américain
Pic14: served on toast = cannibal toast
Pic15: served as a meal internet picture

Serving suggestions:

Use as a spread on bread, toast or sandwich roll.
Make 4 portions and serve cold with fries and pickles. (Pic15)

As a meal

2021-04-21

Américain préparé aka prepared filet Américain is often served (or at least used to be before Covid) in cafe / resto and outdoor dining terraces in the big cities, where it is a popular meal or snack for tourists.

I used the standard recipe minus raw onions because I don't tolerate them.
I didn't have gherkins in the house, substituted with chopped nacho jalapenos and a splash of hot sauce. (Pic17)
Do add the capers. They give a very nice flavor contrast that persists even when cooking the patty.

INGREDIENTS

This is what you need for 2 servings:

See basic recipe above
Adjust for your preferences

Pic16: Américain préparé as a meal

Directions

Pic17-19: preparing the meat

Prepare the meat as per your favorite recipe.
Refrigerate until needed.
Form a hamburger patty for each serving.

Pic20-22: served as a meal

Serve with fries and a sliced beefsteak tomato, and a good-sized clod of mayo. (1 tbsp.)
Enjoy.

See also: Deming, NM gardens, animals and more and avemariasongs.org

See also: Deming, NM gardens, animals and more
and avemariasongs.org