Gourmet Bluefin Tuna Melt

The tuna melt is a classic comfort-food sandwich beloved for its creamy tuna salad and gooey melted cheese. This recipe transforms the humble tuna melt into a gourmet experience by using Lukina’s Bluefin Tuna for the filling. Southern Bluefin Tuna is known for its rich, buttery flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture, so when you use it in a tuna melt, the result is truly next-level.

Serves: 2 PRINT THIS

1 can Lukina’s Special Bluefin Tuna, drained
2 tbsp whole-egg mayo
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small stick of celery, finely diced
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1 large pickle, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Salt & black pepper, to taste (remember the tuna is already salted)
4 slices of bread
4 slices of good melting cheese
2 tbsp butter, softened
Fresh dill or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Method

1 In a bowl, combine the drained Bluefin tuna, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard. Use a fork to flake the tuna into smaller chunks, then mix everything together.

2 Stir in the diced celery, chopped onion, pickle, and lemon juice. Mix well and season with black pepper. Taste the mixture before adding salt. Adjust seasoning to your liking.

3 Butter one side of each bread slice. Lay out two slices (butter-side down) to build the sandwiches. Place a slice of cheese on each of these slices of bread.

4 Spoon the Bluefin tuna salad evenly on top of the cheese. Top the tuna with the second slice of cheese, then close each sandwich with the remaining bread slices (butter-side up on top).

5 Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-low heat. Once the pan is hot, carefully place the sandwiches in the pan.

6 Grill the tuna melts for about 3–4 minutes on the first side, or until the bottom bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula to encourage even toasting.

7 Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook the other side for an additional 3–4 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted and gooey.

8 If you notice the bread browning too fast, lower the heat. Optionally, cover the pan with a lid for a minute to help the cheese melt faster.

9 Remove the sandwiches from the pan. Let them cool for a minute, then slice each tuna melt in half. Serve immediately while the cheese is molten.