HYPEBEAST Eats... Tuna Melt by The Library Cafe

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In this edition of HYPEBEAST Eats, we are back in Hong Kong – or “Gourmet Paradise” – to bring you a special rendition of the tuna melt. Giving us the play-by-play on how to set up and prepare this delectable meal is chef Mai Chow from Lane Crawford Tsim Sha Tsui’s The Library Cafe (as well as Yardbird). Accommodating a cozy 26 sit-in guests, The Library Cafe strives to provide a unique experience and offers its patrons Western artisan-style sandwiches in an area mostly filled with commercial establishments. This sandwich does not get overly complicated, but it is chock full of flavor! Mai was kind enough to disclose the makings of her secret Kewpie mayo concoction, which adds some serious gusto for the taste buds. The Library Cafe tuna melt will not weigh you down and this protein-rich sandwich makes for a perfect snack or lunch choice.

If you’re ever in Hong Kong, be sure to check out The Library Cafe for some highly enjoyable eats, specialty pastries, and a classic cup of joe.

Ingredients

01 1 Ciabatta
02 2 slices of thick sharp cheddar
03 30g Secret Kewpie Mayo Concoction
04 50g Canned Tuna in Olive Oil
05 5g Diced Celery
06 2g Gherkins
07 10g Garlic Butter
08 Drizzle of Olive Oil
09 Pepper

Ingredients (Garlic Butter)

Save the extra for more garlic bread!
01 100g Salted Butter
02 2g Garlic
03 10g Parsley

Ingredients (Kewpie Mayo Concoction)

01 50g Kewpie Mayo
02 4g Condensed Milk
03 2g Sesame Oil
04 ¼ tsp of Cayenne Pepper

Step 1

Seasonings from left to right:
(Top) Sesame Oil, Cayenne Pepper, Gherkins
(Middle) Thick Sharp Cheddar, Chopped Gherkins, Canned Tuna in Olive Oil
(Bottom) Diced Celery, Garlic Butter, Ciabatta

Step 2

Key Ingredient, Kewpie as the base.

Step 3

Add Condensed milk for sweetness.

Step 4

Add Cayenne for a bit of spice and sesame oil for depth of flavour.

Step 5

Add Gherkin, Celery for crunch and add it all to the tuna, mix until well incorporated and feels light.

Step 6

Drizzle good olive oil on one side of the ciabatta and spread garlic butter on the other.

Step 7

Spread a thick layer of the tuna mix.

Step 8

Lay a nice thick layer of cheddar (It would be nice if you want to go freestyle and add roasted peppers, avocado, pickles etc).

Step 9

Season with black pepper or shichimi.

Step 10

Really Important. Remember to put the lid on.

Step 11

Throw it on a panini grill, toss it into an oven, do whatever you can to get that cheese gooey and give time for the sandwich ingredients to make friends.