Can I Eat Steak Tartare During Pregnancy?
At a Glance:
⚠️ Concern: Steak tartare is made from raw or undercooked beef, which may carry Listeria, E. coli, or Toxoplasma gondii.
🔥 Risk Level: High — Raw beef is not considered safe during pregnancy due to the risk of serious foodborne illness.
✅ Safe Practices: Opt for fully cooked beef dishes to eliminate harmful bacteria and parasites.
Steak tartare may be a delicacy in French cuisine, but during pregnancy, it’s one of the many dishes that raise serious safety concerns. While high in protein and iron, this raw beef preparation is not recommended for pregnant individuals due to the heightened risk of foodborne illness.
Here’s why it’s best to avoid steak tartare and what safer alternatives you can enjoy instead.
Why Steak Tartare Is Risky During Pregnancy
Steak tartare is a dish typically made from finely chopped or ground raw beef, seasoned with onions, capers, mustard, and egg yolk. While it’s prepared with fresh, high-quality meat in most restaurants, it is still completely raw—and that’s the issue.
Key food safety concerns:
Bacterial Infections
Raw beef can carry:
Listeria monocytogenes
E. coli (especially O157:H7)
Salmonella
Toxoplasma gondii
Pregnant women are about 10 times more likely to get listeriosis than other healthy adults. Because immune systems are altered during pregnancy, it is harder for pregnant women to fight off infections.
FDA – Listeria & Pregnancy
These infections can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe complications for the newborn.
Raw Egg Additions
Some steak tartare recipes include a raw egg yolk, which adds an additional layer of risk due to potential Salmonella contamination.
Can I Eat Cooked Steak Instead?
Absolutely! Steak can be a great source of iron, zinc, and protein during pregnancy—when cooked safely.
To enjoy beef safely during pregnancy:
Choose steak that is cooked to at least 145°F (medium) for whole cuts, and 160°F for ground meats
Avoid rare or medium-rare preparations
Skip any dishes that contain raw or undercooked meat or egg
Safer Alternatives to Steak Tartare
If you're craving the texture or flavor of steak tartare, try:
Finely diced cooked beef tenderloin mixed with tartare-style seasonings
Cooked beef and egg salad using hard-boiled eggs and well-done beef
Vegetarian tartare made from beets, mushrooms, or lentils
These give you a similar culinary experience with far fewer risks.
Important Nutrients in Beef—Safely
Beef is a rich source of:
Iron – Important for preventing anemia
Protein – Crucial for fetal growth
Vitamin B12 and Zinc – Support brain development and immunity
The key is choosing well-cooked, high-quality cuts to get these benefits safely.
Conclusion: Avoid Steak Tartare While Pregnant
Though steak tartare is a flavorful, protein-rich dish, it's not a safe choice during pregnancy due to the risk of harmful bacteria and parasites. Instead, enjoy your beef well-cooked and consider safer alternatives that satisfy your cravings without compromising your health or your baby's.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding your health, pregnancy, or medical conditions.
Reference: https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html
