What does crudo mean?
Crudo is a Spanish-derived English word used chiefly in culinary contexts to mean raw or uncooked. As an adjective, it can describe fish, meat, or vegetables served without cooking, as in “beef served crudo.” As a noun, crudo usually refers to a preparation of thinly sliced raw fish or other seafood, often dressed with citrus, oil, herbs, or chili. The expression entered wider North American English restaurant use through Spanish and Spanish American cuisine and may sound fashionable on contemporary menus, but it remains specialized rather than a general substitute for “raw.” Its appeal lies partly in its foreignness: a concise, vivid label that signals both the uncooked state of the food and the culinary tradition behind its preparation. Although the Latin ancestor of Spanish crudo also lies behind English “crude” and “crudity,” crudo retains the narrower culinary sense of being uncooked, especially in dishes presented in thin slices and seasoned at the table.
Raw or uncooked, especially of food intended for preparation without heat.
"The restaurant is known for serving scallops crudo with citrus and herbs."
A dish or preparation of raw fish or seafood, typically sliced thinly and served with a dressing.
"We shared a crudo of yellowtail with a dressing of soy, lime, and sesame oil."
The plural is uncommon because the singular is often used collectively for the preparation or style.
"The menu offered several crudos, including yellowtail, tuna, and octopus."
The Latin ancestor of Spanish crudo also gave English “crude” and “crudity,” but crudo has remained tied to the vivid culinary idea of food served raw.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does crudo come from?
Crudo entered English from Spanish crudo, meaning “raw” or “uncooked.” Spanish crudo continues Latin crūdus, an adjective that could mean “raw” and, in other contexts, “bloody,” “harsh,” or “cruel.” That Latin root also underlies English crude and crudity and is related to cruel through Latin crudelis.
How crudo is actually used
Crudo is a specialized culinary term rather than a general-purpose substitute for “raw.” Its use in restaurant and menu language is especially common in North America and can carry a fashionable or internationally influenced connotation. As an adjective, it often suggests a deliberate raw preparation rather than food that is merely uncooked.