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!)

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

1. Mix mayo and mustard — set aside.

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

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

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

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

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

*****

ENJOY!