Crudo

Guide Note

Crudo is an Italian version of Japanese sashimi, typically prepared with raw fish, olive oil and citrus flavors such as lemon, lime or orange.

Fast Facts

1. The word "crudo" means "raw" in Italian and Spanish
2. Similar to ceviche, sushi, sashimi or tuna tartare
3. Chef Mario Batali and his partners David Pasternack and Joe Bastianich are credited for making crudo popular in the United States

1. Tuna
2. Opah
3. Bluefish
4. Halibut
5. Striped bass
6. Black sea bass
7. Fluke
8. Bonito
9. Mackerel
10. Scallops

1. 3 lemons, halved
2. 1 pound albacore fillet
3. Fine sea salt
4. Freshly ground black pepper
5. High-quality extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
6. 16 Sicilian caperberries

1. Put a small puddle of lemon juice—about 1 tablespoon each—in the center of six serving plates then drizzle the lemon juice around the sides of the plates. The lemon juice is put under the fish so that it will not discolor it.
2. Cut each fillet into four strips from nose to tail, first in half along where the spine would be, then the belly and top halves. Cut away the tip ends so that the strips are fairly rectangular, and of equal thickness. Then cut each rectangle into crudo slices about 2 inches wide and 1/4-inch thick. Cut the strips on the bias using a very sharp straight blade. Move your fingers back, slice by slice, making a clean, sure cut. There should be at least 16 slices, though the size and shape of the fillets may allow for more or less. Arrange the slices on the serving plates atop the puddle of lemon juice.
3. Sprinkle a few crunchy grains of sea salt on each slice of fish. Follow with a light grinding of black pepper on each piece and then a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the top. Add 4 caperberries to each plate and serve immediately.Makes 6 servings.