How to Shape Tartare Without a Ring Mold

You don’t need special tools to make tartare look restaurant-ready. A simple ramekin gives you the same clean shape.

Method 1: The Plastic Wrap Trick

This gives you the cleanest release and works with any small bowl or ramekin.

1. Line a small ramekin with plastic wrap.
2. Spoon in the tomato base, then the tartare.
3. Press lightly to remove air pockets.
4. Place your serving plate on top, flip, and lift the ramekin.
5. Peel away the wrap for a clean, compact stack.

Perfect for salmon tartare, poke-style salads, and anything soft you want to mold neatly.

Method 2: Lightly Oiled Ramekin

Skip the plastic if you want fewer steps.

1. Swipe the inside of the ramekin with a thin film of oil.
2. Add tomatoes and tartare, pressing gently to pack.
3. Invert onto a plate and lift straight up.

If the ramekin sticks, give it a small twist—nothing aggressive.

Method 3: The Cookie Cutter Hack

This one feels like cheating in the best way.

1. Place a round cookie cutter on the plate.
2. Spoon the tartare inside, packing gently.
3. Smooth the top.
4. Lift the cutter straight up.

Wipe any edges and it looks intentional—not improvised.

You can see this in action in our Salmon Tartare recipe. It also works beautifully for beef tartare, and is a fun plating trick for stacked ceviche or molded poke preparations.