Spicy Tuna Melt Sandwich (Printable)

Zesty tuna salad with sriracha, melted cheese, and crispy toasted sourdough. A quick, satisfying comfort sandwich.

# What You'll Need:

→ Spicy Tuna Salad

01 - 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
02 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
03 - 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
04 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
05 - 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
06 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
08 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Sandwich Assembly

09 - 8 slices sourdough bread
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
11 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced

# How To Make It:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, mayonnaise, sriracha, Dijon mustard, celery, red onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
02 - Lay out sourdough bread slices and butter one side of each slice evenly.
03 - Flip 4 bread slices with unbuttered side facing up. Divide spicy tuna salad evenly among them. Top each with shredded cheese and tomato slices.
04 - Cover each filled slice with remaining bread slices, positioning buttered side facing outward.
05 - Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in skillet and cook 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
06 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in the time it takes to listen to three songs, perfect for when hunger strikes without warning.
  • The sriracha wakes up the tuna in a way that feels exciting, not just safe.
  • Melted cheese on crispy sourdough is basically a hug you can hold.
  • You can make it spicier or milder depending on who is sitting at your table.
02 -
  • Drain the tuna really well or press it with the back of a spoon, because extra water will make the filling thin and messy.
  • Do not turn the heat too high or the bread will burn before the cheese melts, medium heat is the sweet spot.
  • Butter the bread all the way to the edges, the corners always burn first if they are dry.
03 -
  • Let the butter soften at room temperature before spreading it, cold butter tears the bread and makes everything harder.
  • Press the sandwiches gently with your spatula while they cook, it helps the cheese melt faster and creates better contact with the pan.
  • Taste the tuna salad before you build the sandwiches, its much easier to adjust the seasoning at that stage than after.
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