This has got to be my favourite starter (I recently had it served with delicious crushed potatoes in aioli) but I am having trouble making it at home.

The butcher can't slice it thinly enough. The cooked meats he sells are the perfect size but he can't slice the raw beef on the machine due to health and safety.

So, I have heard 2 suggestions:

1) freeze the steak so it is easier to slice

2) put it between 2 slices of cling film and bash it out

Any thoughts?

my dad semi freezes beef to make it easier to cut (if it is fresh) or if he is defrosting it, cuts it when it is a bit defrosted.
i have tried it, but it freezes my hand, so i have to wear a glove!

if you bash it out, it won't have that smooth finish will it?

failing this, you could always buy your own slicer. - i've always wanted one of those....

buy a very expensive knife, from jamie oliver collection

I'll go along with the last two replies. Freeze for 2 - 4 hours depending on your freezer and use a good sharp (not serrated) knife. Take care as the steak tends to skate around on the chopping board.
regards
Mike

Thanks - I can't get enough of this stuff but just found out that I'm pregnant (5 weeks) so will have to put on the back burner for another 8 months!

Oh congratulations Wino!!! You won't be able to live up to your nickname for a while then!

congrats from me too - especially as i assumed from your name you were a man good work!

you'll be needing lots of liver recipes then?!?!

LIver is also out for pregnancy due to excess Vit A . Check with your doctor

Unfortunately, with my name, I can normally drink quite a lot of wine but not for the time being!

Thanks for the congrats although still keeping it under wraps as I'm only 5 weeks (so fingers crossed!).