Tyler's Ultimate Season 4 Episode 14 Tuna

Tyler's Ultimate is a cooking show hosted by Tyler Florence, where he takes staple dishes and gives them his personal twist. In episode 14 of season 4, Tyler focuses on tuna, one of the most versatile fishes out there. Throughout the episode, he shares with the audience four of his favorite recipes to cook with tuna, all of which can be easily made at home.

The episode starts with Tyler showing off some beautiful tuna cuts, explaining how he selects his fish. He mentions that when buying tuna, one should always look for firm, bright flesh that is free from any unpleasant odors. For his first recipe, Tyler makes a seared tuna salad with pickled red onions and a cilantro-lime dressing. He uses a sesame seed crust to add some texture to the tuna, then quickly sears it on both sides, leaving the center rare. He tosses the tuna with mixed greens, thinly sliced red onions that he pickled beforehand, and a dressing made with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and honey. The result is a beautiful, refreshing salad that brings out the flavors of the tuna.

Next up is Tyler's take on a classic tuna melt, which he calls 'ultimate tuna melts.' He starts by mixing canned tuna with mayo, dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Then he spreads the mixture onto sliced sourdough bread along with some caramelized onions and sharp cheddar cheese. He grills the sandwiches until they're crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. This recipe is a great example of Tyler's cooking philosophy, taking a simple dish and adding layers of flavor to make it his own.

Tyler's third recipe is a tuna poke bowl, a dish that has gained immense popularity in the past decade. He starts by making the base for the bowls with cooked sushi rice, then tops it with diced avocado, cucumber, and mango. He uses fresh, raw tuna for the protein, which he marinates in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chilies. He tops the bowls with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some nori strips for an added crunch. Tyler emphasizes the importance of using fresh, sushi-grade tuna for this recipe, assuring the audience that it makes all the difference in the final dish.

For his final recipe, Tyler makes a grilled tuna with a tomato-olive salsa. He marinates tuna steaks in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then throws them on the grill for a few minutes on each side. The salsa is made with fresh cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, and basil, all tossed together with some red wine vinegar and olive oil. The salsa adds a burst of acidity and freshness that complements the rich, meaty flavor of the grilled tuna perfectly.

Throughout the episode, Tyler shares tips and tricks for cooking with tuna, such as how to properly sear it and how to make sure it stays moist. He also talks about the importance of using sustainable seafood, encouraging the audience to buy from fish markets that support ethical fishing practices. The episode is a great showcase of Tyler's versatility as a chef and his ability to take a simple ingredient like tuna and make four completely different, delicious dishes out of it.