Spicy Tuna Melt Sandwich (Print)

A satisfying comfort sandwich with spicy tuna salad, melted cheese, and toasted sourdough. Perfect for lunch or dinner.

# Components:

→ 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 chopped fresh parsley
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

# Directions:

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 apply softened butter to one side of each slice.
03 - Place 4 slices with unbuttered side facing up. Divide spicy tuna salad evenly among them. Top each with shredded cheddar cheese and tomato slices.
04 - Close sandwiches with remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered side faces 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 melted.
06 - Slice sandwiches in half and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under twenty minutes, perfect for when hunger strikes hard and fast.
  • The sriracha adds just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the creamy tuna.
  • Melted cheese on golden sourdough creates that satisfying crunch and stretch you crave in a comfort sandwich.
  • You probably have most of these ingredients already sitting in your pantry and fridge.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the tuna well or your bread will get soggy before it even hits the pan.
  • Medium heat is crucial, too high and the bread burns before the cheese melts, too low and everything steams instead of crisping.
  • Letting the butter come to room temperature makes spreading so much easier and prevents tearing the bread.
03 -
  • Press down gently with your spatula while cooking to help the cheese melt faster and create better contact with the pan.
  • If your skillet isn't big enough for all four sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
  • Taste your tuna mixture before assembling so you can adjust the spice level without having to remake anything.
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