Tuna Sandwich Recipe
Seared rare tuna, spicy mayo, old bay, tomato, mesclun greens, ciabatta
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Ingredients
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Tuna and Seasoning
Spicy Mayo
Sandwich Components
Method
Tuna and Seasoning
Prepare tuna
Pat the tuna loin very dry with paper towels. Rub the entire surface lightly with olive oil, then season evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt, 0.5 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp Old Bay. Let rest at room temperature for 5–10 minutes.
Sear tuna
Heat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over high heat until smoking hot. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and swirl to coat. Sear the tuna 30–40 seconds per side, turning with tongs, to create a browned crust while keeping the center rare. For a thicker loin, sear the edges 10–15 seconds. Total cook time should leave the center raw to rare (internal temp ~110–115°F / 43–46°C). Remove to a cutting board and let rest 2–3 minutes, then slice into 1/4-inch thick medallions or a single 1/2-inch thick slab depending on preference.
Spicy Mayo
While the tuna rests, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1.5 tablespoons sriracha, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust heat by adding more sriracha if desired. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Sandwich Assembly
Prepare bread and vegetables
Slice the 2 ciabatta rolls in half horizontally. If you like, lightly butter the cut faces with 1 tablespoon butter. Toast cut sides in a hot skillet or under a broiler until golden, about 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
Slice tomato and dress greens
Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds (discard stem). Toss the 2 cups mesclun greens with a small pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon (optional) to brighten.
Assemble sandwiches
Spread about 1.5 tablespoons of spicy mayo on the bottom half of each toasted ciabatta. Arrange tomato slices over the mayo (2–3 slices per sandwich), sprinkle a light pinch of Old Bay over the tomato, then heap 1 cup mesclun greens on top. Place seared tuna slices over the greens (about half of the sliced tuna per sandwich so total tuna ~5 oz each). Add additional spicy mayo on the top half of the roll if desired, then close the sandwich.
Slice each sandwich in half on the diagonal and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for optional squeezing.