Karen's Gourmet
 Low-Carb Recipes

Albacore Tuna "Melt"

Makes 4 Servings

This is a playful take on the tuna melt, using fresh tuna.

You can buy sashimi grade albacore tuna at Japanese grocery stores. Fujiya and Angel Seafoods both carry it. It is better to use a piece that is thickly cut. Albacore is the tuna that is used in canned tuna. Don't overcook it though, or your beautiful piece of tuna will end up tasting like it came out of the can.

The heavy carb count comes from the roasted garlic-7.93 grams for the whole recipe. You can omit it, which will bring the carb count down to about 2 grams per serving.

• 1/4 cup prepared mayonnaise
  
• 2 Tbsp. coarsely chopped basil leaves
  
• 8 cloves roasted garlic, coarsely chopped
  
• 3/4 cup grated Asiago cheese
  
• 4 6-oz. pieces albacore tuna
  
• extra-virgin olive oil
  
• salt and pepper
  
• 1 ripe tomato, seeded and finely diced

Mix the mayonnaise, basil, garlic and asiago cheese together until combined.

Season the tuna on both sides with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Heat a heavy frying pan until almost smoking. Add the tuna in a single layer and sear until lightly brown on one side. Turn over and sear the other side. The tuna should remain rare.

Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each piece of tuna. Broil, 4-inches from the heat until the cheese bubbles. Sprinkle with the tomato and serve immediately.