Garlic Tuna with Wilted Baby Spinach and Roasted Red Peppers

Ingredients
4 Fresh Tuna Steaks (about 1 1/2 lbs total weight)
2 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. ground Black Pepper
1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
6 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
2 tbs. fresh garlic sliced thinly
1/4 cup roasted bell peppers *
2 bags of baby spinach
1/8 tsp. chili flakes (add more if you like it a little spicy)
2 lemons

*Roasted Red Bell Peppers
I often have a homemade version on hand.  Just in case you don’t have the time to make your own, feel free to substitute a store bought one.  I prefer the one that is packed in oil.

1. At medium low heat, saute sliced 1tbs sliced garlic in 4 tbs of olive oil until golden brown. Make sure you don’t burn it. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Increase heat to medium and keep the pan hot.
2. Combine 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
3. Pat dry tuna and rub both sides with the salt, pepper and garlic powder mix.
4. Pan fry tuna. Wait at least 2 minutes before flipping.  Cook according to your desired texture and transfer to a platter.  We always have ours well done.
5. Add the remaining oil to the pan.
6. Saute sliced garlic and chili flakes until garlic turns golden brown.
7. Add the roasted bell peppers and spinach.
8. Season with remaining salt and black pepper.
9. Cook until the spinach are slightly wilted.
10. Turn off heat and drizzle with juice from 1 lemon. Mix.
11. Transfer veggies to a serving platter.  Top with seared tuna and sauteed garlic.
12. Serve with rice and lemon slices.

Tips:
* Make sure the pan and oil is hot (medium to medium high) before putting the fish. This will help prevent the fish from sticking to the pan.

* When it comes to texture, some likes the tuna just browned on both sides while the inside is still pink or red.  For my family (since we have young children), the fish is cooked through. Depending on the thickness, it’s about 3-5 minutes on each side. Use your fingers to check for the desired firmness. It is always better to go a little under cooked.