Crudo Vs. Ceviche | What Exactly Are They?

If you thoroughly enjoy sushi, chances are high that you are looking for similar tastes. In that case, let me introduce you to crudo and ceviche! Both of these dishes pivot around using raw ingredients but often need clarification to many.

Even though there are some similarities between the two dishes, some distinguishable difference makes ceviche different from crudo. So if you are someone who is new to these dishes, keep on reading!

Both crudo and ceviche are dishes that only use raw materials. Crudo is an umbrella term that includes many dishes that use raw vegetables, fish, or meat as their main ingredient. On the other hand, ceviche typically refers to dishes that are made from cured fish meat.

Crudo and ceviche are too confusing for many people. But not anymore! In this article, we will talk about everything there is to know about crudo and ceviche. Without wasting much time, let’s jump into the article.

Crudo Vs. Ceviche | Difference Table

What Is Crudo?

Crudo is an Italian word that means “raw.” This is a general term used to refer to any dishes made with uncooked ingredients. This could be either fish or meat. These dishes aren’t spicy and are often lightly marinated. 

Crudo is an umbrella term for any dishes prepared using raw ingredients. There is no size, shape, or preparation method for these dishes. Crudo is often served as an appetizer. 

There is very little use of heavy seasonings in crudo dishes. They highlight the original flavor of the main ingredient to a great extent. However, they often come with many dressings. Crudo is one such dish that follows no specifications.

The raw ingredient used for making crudo can be in any form. It can be thinly sliced, minced, or even diced. This can be tossed in olive oil or marinated in some vinaigrette or lime juice but not in high concentration.

Crudo refers not only to fish or meat dishes but also can be made from vegetarian dishes. Zucchini, carrots, or plum are often sliced in place of different fish or meat to make different crudo dishes. 

One of the most popular types of crudo is pesce crudo. This is made of raw fish. This Italian dish is the main attraction of the appetizer section. It is very simple. It consists of thinly sliced fish flavored with salt, olive oil, or lemon juice.

Besides the main ingredient, the taste of crudo mainly depends on the kind of oil drizzled on its top. Most chefs stick with classic olive oil. But if you want to taste something different, try almond or other vegetable oils.

What Is Ceviche?

Ceviche is an umbrella term used to describe the preparation of fish dishes in lime or lemon juice. It is a classic way of cooking in many Latin American countries. However, its origin is believed to be in Peru.

This is a common way of preparing fish dishes in many coastal areas. Some popular fishes used for such cooking include shrimp, lobster, and octopus. They are often served as an appetizer but also work as a great side dish to avocados and mashed potatoes.

The main ingredient used for flavoring in ceviche is lemon or lime juice. However, with it, we could also add onion, tomatoes, and cilantro. If you love spicy food, add some red pepper to brighten its taste.

This method doesn’t include any cooking. But by pouring lemon juice over the fish, the curing process happens. Through this, the color of the fish turns from pink to that pale white. The fish absorbs so much of the citrus flavor through this process and becomes firmer. 

Since no heating process is involved, cooking ceviche can be confusing for some beginners. However, since ceviche doesn’t include any heat, it is safe to make this from fresh ingredients and have it immediately once done.

Crudo Vs. Ceviche | Similarities Between The Two

Both crudo and ceviche are a type of cooking method which employs raw ingredients. There are some differences between the two. However, before moving into the differences, let’s check their similarities. 

Both Use Minimal Ingredients 

Both use only a couple of ingredients for flavoring. Both of these methods highlight the real taste of its main ingredients. 

Often Served As Appetizers

Both crudo and ceviche are often served as appetizers. They can be served as their own or as a side dish to bread or dishes like mashed potatoes or avocados. 

Crudo Vs. Ceviche | Difference Between The Two

Now that we have talked about both let’s look at some of the major differences between them. Even though both dishes sound similar, they have entirely different cooking methods. 

1. Origin 

The method of crudo is mainly followed in Italian cuisines. It is often used as an appetizer. On the other hand, ceviche has its origin in Peru. It is a method commonly employed by many people living in the coastal areas of Latin American countries. 

2. Ingredients Used 

Crudo can be prepared for anything. It can be vegetables, fish, or even meat. This can be of any shape or size. There is no particular way of cutting or using any ingredients. It is often flavored with salt and olive oil dressing. 

On the other hand, ceviche uses raw fish as its main ingredient. They are made into cubes and are garnished with spices before curing them in lemon or lime juice. They are much more flavorful than crudo. 

3. Preparation Technique 

The preparation technique for both dishes might look the same when we look from the outside. But that’s not true. Crudo, as we know it, is served as it is! It is fresh, raw, and slightly marinated in salt and pepper.

But on the other hand, while preparing ceviche, one needs to cure the fish pieces in lime juice until they turn from pink to white. This curing process adds so much flavor to the fish, making it different from a simple fish crudo!

Are Crudo And Ceviche Safe To Eat?

If you are someone who hasn’t tried any food made from raw fish or meat, you might be hesitant for some time before trying crudo or ceviche. Both these dishes don’t include any cooking and use raw fish/ meat as their main ingredient. 

Both crudo and ceviche are safe to eat. However, since no heat is involved, foodborne illness can occur. Thus always keep these points in mind while trying any of these dishes. 

• If you are not making it at home, make sure to have it from a reliable place.
• Always make both crudo and ceviche with the freshest ingredient. Whether you make it with meat or fish, ensure the ingredient is fresh. 
• Fresh fish would have firm meat. Thus when you poke it, it comes back to its original shape. Also, check its eye; if it has cloudy eyes, leave it there and look for one with shiny eyes. 
• While purchasing the meat, take a look at its color. Any color variation is an indication of spoilage. 

Top Ceviche Recipes To Try At Home 

If you have never had a chance to have either crudo or ceviche dishes from a restaurant and are planning to have some, here are some dishes recommendations! You can try them at home or from a restaurant at your convenience. 

1. Easy Shrimp Ceviche Recipe 

If you are looking for a side dish to serve along with your favorite tortillas, try this shrimp ceviche recipe. This is yummy and looks very pretty. For making this recipe, you can either use cooked shrimp or raw shrimp. 

Start by chopping the shrimp into small pieces. Add some lime juice to it. Into it, add some chopped tomatoes, red onions, and jalapenos for taste. Once done, serve it immediately. 

2. Salmon Ceviche Recipe 

If you love seafood dishes, salmon must be something you regularly have. You must have tried a lot of salmon recipes till now, but if you haven’t tried this salmon ceviche recipe, you are missing out on a great dish!

For making this recipe, besides salmon, we need some chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, olive oil, jalapenos, chilies, and some dried oregano. Start by curing some sliced salmons in lemon juice. 

Wait until the meat turns from pink to white. Meanwhile, mix all other ingredients in a bowl. Combine both of them together and serve them along with some tostada shells. 

3. Halibut Ceviche Recipe 

If you enjoy halibut in any form, try this halibut ceviche recipe. To make this recipe, cut halibut into bite-size pieces. Then cover this fish in lime juice and left it in the fridge until it tenderizes. 

Mix some chopped tomatoes, cilantro, green pepper, jalapenos, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Add the fish to this and allow it to rest in the refrigerator for the next hour.

4. Red Snapper Ceviche

You can use any fish to make some ceviche. But if you need the best-tasting ceviche, cook it with red snapper.

The red snapper ceviche recipe is tasty and a flavorful treat. To make them, we need some freshly cut red snapper diced into bite-size.

Place them in a bowl with some diced tomatoes, onion, and chili, and marinate them with salt. Add lemon and lime juice and add some oregano to it. Cover it and rest it for an hour in the refrigerator.

Once it is well marinated. Take it out and serve it with mashed avocados or tortilla chips.

Top Crudo Recipes To Try At Home 

1. Tuna Crudo

This Italian tuna crudo is exceptionally easy to make and can be served as both an appetizer and as well as a side dish. To make this recipe, thinly slice tuna. Arrange the thinly sliced tuna on a plate and serve it along with olive oil, a little lemon, and salt.

2. Crudo Vegetable Salad Recipe 

If you are a vegetarian, then this crudo vegetable salad recipe is something you shouldn’t miss. This salad is crunchy and flavorful and can be incorporated as a mid-day meal considering its nutritional benefits. 

3. Beef Crudo With Burrata, Basil, & Grapes.

 If you are looking for a perfect part starter dish, look no more! This beef crudo with burrata, basil, and grapes is the ideal dish. It is low in calories and high in flavor. It is so rich in flavor that once you make it, it will gain a permanent place on your party tables. 

4. Chianti Crudo 

If you want to try new tastes, this Chianti crudo is a perfect option. It is a specialty of the Tuscan wine region and has so much flavor to offer. Making this recipe is an easy task.

Cut the beef into small pieces and season it well with salt and pepper. Add greeted garlic, chili oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and parsley to the meat. Check the taste and transfer it to a bowl. Serve it immediately.

Crudo Vs. Ceviche | Which Is Healthier?

The nutritional value of both dishes mainly depends on the ingredients used for making this recipe. However, when compared between the two, crudo is much healthier than ceviche. Crudo uses a wide variety of ingredients. Hence its nutritional value is also higher.

Crudo Vs. Ceviche | Which Is Tastier?

When compared between the two, ceviche is much tastier than crudo. This is because ceviche uses so many ingredients other than its main ingredients. Thus if you are not a great fan of the raw taste, try the ceviche!

Crudo Vs. Ceviche | Which Is More Versatile?

When it comes to versatility, we have to give it up for crudo. There is no bound for the way or ingredients used to make crudo. Thus when it comes to versatility, we have to give it up for crudo.

Crudo Vs. Ceviche | Which Is Better?

Both crudo and ceviche are great ways of making dishes. However, when compared between the two, crudo is better than ceviche. It is because there are too many options in crudo. You can be a vegetarian or a vegan and still enjoy some crudo dishes.

Ceviches are also great. Suppose you are a lover of fish dishes. You are going to love ceviche. Moreover, ceviche is more flavorful than crudo. Thus choose between the two according to your preference. 

Conclusion 

Now that we are at the end of the article, I hope you enjoyed reading about crudo and ceviche. Both crudo and ceviche are dishes that don’t use any heat and present raw ingredients as it is!

But compared to the two, we could say that crudo is better than ceviche in multiple ways. Both crudo and ceviche are extremely delicious! But if you want to enjoy your food and are concerned about flavors, try ceviche.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)