Chef Jessica Monty
Refreshing Hamachi Crudo
INGREDIENTS
- Sushi Grade Fish – Yellowtail ~1 lb
- Toasted Pine Nuts, 2 tbsp
- Lemon Zest, 1 tsp
- Cotton Candy Grapes, 6 sliced very thin
- Jalapeño, 1/2 sliced thin
- Scallion, 1 sliced thin on the bias
- Fresh Lemon Juice, juice of 1/2 lemon
- Aleppo Pepper for garnish
- Flaky sea salt to taste
DIRECTIONS
- Slice fish thinly and arrange on a service plate.
- Add grapes, jalapeño and scallions.
- Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and garnish with toasted pine nuts.
- Add flaky sea salt to the entire dish.
THE POPULARITY OF CRUDO
Crudo, an Italian word meaning "raw," refers to the preparation and presentation of raw fish or meat, typically served with simple seasonings like olive oil, citrus, herbs, and sea salt. Its growing popularity can be attributed to several factors related to culinary trends, health consciousness, and the appreciation of high-quality ingredients. Here’s why crudo has become such a beloved dish.
Global Rise of Raw Food Culture: Crudo’s popularity aligns with the broader trend of raw and minimally processed foods, which have become highly desirable in modern cuisine. This movement includes dishes like sushi and sashimi from Japan, ceviche from Latin America, and tartare from France. Diners are more adventurous and eager to try new flavors and textures, especially when presented in fresh, natural forms.
Focus on High-Quality Ingredients: Crudo places a spotlight on the quality of ingredients, particularly fresh seafood or premium cuts of meat. The simplicity of the preparation allows the natural flavors and textures of the food to shine through. This emphasis on purity and freshness appeals to food enthusiasts who value sustainably sourced, high-quality produce.
Health Consciousness: Crudo is often perceived as a healthy option due to its use of lean, raw proteins and simple, natural accompaniments like olive oil and citrus juice. It’s a low-calorie, low-carb, and high-protein dish that appeals to those looking for lighter, nutritious meals. Additionally, the lack of heavy sauces or cooking oils makes it an appealing choice for people focused on clean eating.
Culinary Creativity and Modern Dining Trends: Chefs around the world have embraced crudo as a canvas for culinary creativity. The dish can be tailored with unique combinations of ingredients and seasonings, allowing chefs to highlight local, seasonal flavors. This versatility makes it a popular choice in fine dining as well as casual settings, where diners appreciate both the artistry and simplicity of the dish.
Aesthetic Appeal: In the age of social media, crudo’s vibrant colors and artful presentation make it visually appealing, especially for platforms like Instagram. The careful arrangement of thinly sliced fish or meat, often garnished with colorful herbs, fruits, and edible flowers, creates a visually stunning dish that enhances the dining experience.
Cultural and Mediterranean Influence: Crudo is closely associated with Mediterranean cuisine, particularly Italian coastal regions where fresh seafood is abundant. The Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits, has gained widespread popularity, bringing dishes like crudo to a broader audience. As Mediterranean flavors have become trendy, crudo has emerged as a symbol of the region’s emphasis on fresh, simple, and healthy eating.
Light and Refreshing Nature: Crudo is ideal for warm climates or summer dining because it is light, refreshing, and easy to digest. It offers a break from heavier, cooked dishes, making it a popular choice for those looking for something fresh and flavorful, especially in warm-weather settings like beachside restaurants or outdoor dining venues.
Globalization of Food Culture: As the global food scene has expanded, people have become more open to international and diverse culinary experiences. Crudo reflects the growing global interest in sophisticated yet approachable cuisine. Whether it's served in an Italian trattoria or a modern fusion restaurant, crudo has become a symbol of cosmopolitan dining.
Crudo’s rise in popularity can be attributed to its freshness, health benefits, versatility, and visual appeal. The dish is a reflection of modern culinary values that favor natural, high-quality ingredients and light, unprocessed foods. Additionally, the global fascination with raw preparations, along with the influence of Mediterranean cuisine, has helped crudo become a beloved choice in the contemporary food scene.
KNIIFE UTILIZED
A carving or slicing knife can be used for slicing sashimi due to its thin, long blade, which shares similarities with traditional Japanese knives like the yanagiba, used for preparing sashimi. Here's why it works
Thin, Long Blade: A carving knife has a long, narrow blade that allows for smooth, uninterrupted slices. This is crucial for sashimi because you want to cut through the fish in one fluid motion to preserve its delicate texture and appearance.
Precision: The sharpness and thin profile of a carving knife provide the precision needed to create thin, even slices of sashimi. This ensures that each piece has a uniform thickness, which enhances the eating experience.
Reduces Tearing: Just like a yanagiba, a carving knife is designed to glide through meat with minimal resistance, reducing tearing or crushing of the fish. This helps maintain the integrity of the sashimi and keeps it visually appealing.
Versatile Use: Although designed for cutting meats, a carving knife can handle other delicate foods like fish. Its design allows it to function similarly to a traditional Japanese sashimi knife, especially if you're slicing fish at home without specialized sushi knives.
However, a carving knife might not be as specialized as a yanagiba or other sushi knives, but in the absence of those tools, it can still perform well in making clean, precise sashimi cuts.
