Spicy Tuna Melt Sandwich (Printable Version)

Zesty tuna salad with spicy kick and melted cheddar on toasted sourdough. A quick comfort sandwich.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Steps:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns pantry staples into something that feels indulgent and exciting without any fancy ingredients.
  • The heat from the sriracha wakes up every bite, and the melted cheese pulls it all together into pure comfort.
  • You can have it on the table in twenty minutes, which is perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much effort.
02 -
  • Drain the tuna really well or the salad will be soupy and make the bread soggy before it even hits the pan.
  • Use medium heat, not high, or the bread will burn before the cheese melts and you will end up with a crunchy shell and cold insides.
  • Let the sandwiches sit in the pan without moving them for the first two minutes so the bread gets a proper crust instead of tearing when you flip.
03 -
  • Press the sandwiches gently with the spatula while they cook to help the cheese melt faster and get better contact with the pan.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the tuna salad for a subtle smoky depth that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
  • If your skillet is not big enough for all four sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
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