Union Square Cafe’s Tuna Club Sandwich Recipe
Total Time: 55 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Welcome to a delightful lunch adventure with this exquisite Union Square Cafe’s Tuna Club Sandwich, a creation that’s as sophisticated as it is satisfying. Let’s dive into this recipe, which seamlessly combines the richness of fresh tuna, the crispness of vegetables, and the decadence of thick slab bacon into a scrumptious sandwich that’s perfect for any midday meal. 🌟🥪
Ingredients
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For the Aioli:
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
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For the Tuna:
- 1 1/2 pounds yellowfin tuna fillet
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
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For Assembly:
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 2 cups arugula
- 8 slices thick slab bacon, cooked and crisp
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Aioli
In a food processor, combine 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 clove of minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Blend these ingredients until they are well mixed. With the processor running, slowly add 1 1/2 cups of olive oil in a constant stream through the feed tube. Continue blending until the mixture reaches the consistency of mayonnaise. Add 3/4 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper and mix for an additional 10 seconds. Transfer the aioli to a bowl, cover it, and refrigerate.
Step 2: Prepare the Tuna
In a 2-quart saucepan, combine 4 cups of water with 1 quartered onion, 1 peeled and chopped carrot, 2 chopped stalks of celery, 1 bay leaf, and 1/2 teaspoon of whole black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook for 15 minutes.
Add the 1 1/2 pounds of yellowfin tuna fillet to the simmering liquid and cook until the tuna is barely cooked through, about 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked tuna from the liquid and place it into a bowl. While the tuna is still warm, flake it into small pieces using a fork or your fingers. Note that the fish will firm up as it cools, making it harder to flake. Cover the flaked tuna loosely and let it cool.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables and Fennel
Crush 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds between two sheets of waxed paper. Dry fry the crushed fennel seeds in a small skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant. Transfer the fennel seeds to a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup of the prepared aioli, diced red and yellow bell peppers, 1/4 cup each of chopped fresh basil and mint leaves, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the bowl. Stir well to combine.
Mix the flaked tuna into the fennel and vegetable mixture, ensuring everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings with additional salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread a slice of sourdough bread with a generous layer of the aioli. Top it with a spoonful of the tuna salad mixture. Add a few leaves of arugula and a slice of crisp bacon on top. Place a second slice of sourdough bread over the bacon and tuna mixture. Repeat the layering process with the remaining slices of sourdough bread, tuna salad, arugula, and bacon to form three more sandwiches.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Cut each sandwich into halves or thirds, securing each piece with a toothpick if desired. Serve the sandwiches immediately, or wrap them tightly for a delightful lunch on the go.
This classic Tuna Club Sandwich, with its rich aioli, succulent tuna, vibrant vegetables, and crispy bacon, is sure to impress. Enjoy your delicious creation from Union Square Cafe and savor each flavorful bite. 🌿🥓🍞
