Recipe Idea: Cap’n Crunch Seared Tuna

My friend Sam was on the Today show this morning with a recipe idea that sounds totally random but looks super yummy too – not to mention quick & easy (big bonus!).

The recipe is called Cap’n Crunch Seared Tuna – and it’s pretty much exactly that… tuna rolled in crushed cereal crumbs, then quickly seared and served with easy DIY Japanese mayo. {Full recipe below, after the jump.}

Here’s a shot of the final product, hot off the pan – just before garnishing with onions and Asian chilli sauce…

Click here to watch the video clip online over at the Today website – and to see Al’s reaction to the dish after his taste test!

You can also get more of Sam’s recipes over at the Sam the Cooking Guy website – or in his book, Just a Bunch of Recipes. (And if you’re in the San Diego area, be sure to check out his cooking classes – they’re so much fun!)

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Cap’n Crunch Seared Tuna
by Sam Zien

(Serves 6 as an appetizer)

Why must cereal only be for breakfast? This might sound crazy, but there’s just something about the sweet crunchy outside and the tangy little mix you make for it.

Ingredients
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 cups regular Cap’n Crunch
• Olive oil
• 1 pound fresh tuna, ideally cut in 2 long rectangular blocks
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• Asian chili sauce
• 5 green onions, finely diced

Directions
• Mix mayo and mustard — set aside.

• Put the cereal in a large plastic zip bag and crush it really well, you want it like dust

• Lightly oil the tuna, season it with salt and pepper, then press down into the cereal, making sure it’s covered on all sides.

• Heat a nonstick pan really well first and then add about a tablespoon of oil.

• When it just starts to smoke, add the tuna and sear quickly on all sides until lightly browned — if it’s hot enough, probably no more than about 15 seconds a side.

• Remove and slice into 1/2-inch pieces.

• I serve it by spreading the mayo mix on a plate, topping that with the sliced tuna and drizzling a bit of the chili paste around it.

• Top with green onions and make sure you get some of everything in each bite.

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ENJOY!