Ah, the tuna melt—a childhood staple and the ultimate comfort food, like a warm hug wrapped in melted cheese. I remember those rainy afternoons when my mom would whip up this gooey delight, the smell of toasting bread mingling with the tang of pickle juice in the air. Sometimes I wonder if nostalgia adds a secret ingredient, or maybe it’s just the way the cheese stretches like a never-ending string of delicious memories.
Steps
- Begin by preparing the tuna mixture. Combine canned tuna with equal parts finely chopped red onion and celery to ensure a crunchy texture in each bite.
- Incorporate a briny element such as capers or pickled jalapeños into the mixture for added acidity and flavor. Mix everything thoroughly with Kewpie mayonnaise to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and place your favorite well-melting yellow cheese, such as American or cheddar, on one slice of bread.
- Spread the tuna mixture evenly over the cheese-covered bread slice. Top with another slice of bread to form a sandwich.
- Toast the sandwich in the frying pan until the bread turns golden brown and crispy, ensuring the cheese is fully melted and oozy.
- Serve the tuna melt with a side of kettle chips and, optionally, a dill pickle spear. Add a splash of hot sauce over the chips for an extra kick.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 1 cup of canned tuna, drained
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup of red onion, finely chopped
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup of celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of capers or pickled jalapeño, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of Kewpie mayonnaise
- 2 slices of American or cheddar cheese
- Dill pickle spear (optional, for serving)
- Kettle chips (for serving)
- Frank’s hot sauce (for serving, optional)
FAQ
- What type of cheese is best for a tuna melt?
- For a delicious tuna melt, it’s important to use a cheese that melts well. American cheese is a popular choice, but cheddar works great too if that’s your preference.
- How do I add crunch to my tuna melt?
- Incorporating red onion and celery can add a satisfying crunch to your tuna melt. Using equal amounts of both, like a small red onion and a rib of celery, usually results in about a heaping ? cup or a scant ½ cup of each.
- What can I use for a tangy flavor in my tuna melt?
- To achieve a tangy, briny flavor, consider adding elements like capers or pickled jalapeños. These provide the necessary acidity and saltiness without needing additional salt.
- Are there any recommended side dishes for a tuna melt?
- Serving kettle chips alongside your tuna melt is highly recommended. A dill pickle spear makes a great addition too. For an extra kick, try topping the chips with Frank’s hot sauce.
- Can this recipe be part of a specific meal plan?
- Yes, this tuna melt recipe is included in Zaynab’s Sehri menu for Ramadan, featuring other pre-sunrise meal ideas like tandoori wings and a coffee-smoothie combo.
Tips
- Ensure the cheese is fully melted by starting the tuna melt on the cheese side to achieve maximum oozy goodness.
- For the perfect crunchy texture, include equal parts of red onion and celery in the tuna mixture.
- Enhance the flavor with a pickle-y, briny element like capers or pickled jalapeño, which provide both acidity and saltiness.
- Serve the tuna melt with kettle chips, ideally accompanied by a dill pickle spear, and enhance the chips with a splash of Frank’s hot sauce for an added kick.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet or Grill Pan – For achieving a crispy, evenly toasted sandwich.
- Cheese Slicer/Shredder – To easily slice or shred cheese for optimal melting.
- Sandwich Press or Panini Maker – If you prefer a pressed sandwich with evenly melted cheese.
- Mandoline Slicer – To achieve uniformly thin slices of red onion and celery for maximum crunch.
- Pickle Fork – Useful for easily retrieving capers or pickled jalapeños from a jar.
