Hot Tuna and Mozzarella Melt with Spicy Honey
A quick, filling snack with a juicy filling, crisp bread and gooey cheese. Tuna meets fresh herbs, grainy mustard, lemon juice and teriyaki sauce, while spicy honey adds a light sweetness and piquancy that neatly balances the salty fish and cheese. Make it without mayo for a lighter version or add a little Greek yogurt for a creamier filling.
Preparation
- 1
Drain the tuna and mash it well with a fork; if very wet, squeeze it lightly.
- 2
Slice the green onion into thin rings and finely chop the dill.
- 3
In a bowl combine the tuna, onion, dill, 10 g grated mozzarella, grainy mustard, lemon juice, teriyaki and spicy honey and mix well (add yogurt or mayo if you like).
- 4
Taste the filling and add pepper, lemon juice or a little more honey if needed; salt is usually not required.
- 5
Divide the filling between two slices of bread, top generously with the rest of the mozzarella and cover with the other slices; lightly butter the outsides.
- 6
Heat a pan over medium-low and fry the sandwiches ~3–4 minutes to a golden crust.
- 7
Carefully flip and fry ~2–3 more minutes on the other side.
- 8
Lower the heat, cover with a lid and cook 3–5 more minutes until the mozzarella melts (watch the bread doesn't burn).
- 9
Move the sandwiches to a board, rest ~1 minute and optionally drizzle with spicy honey.
- 10
Cut each in half and serve immediately while the bread is crisp and the cheese gooey.
Chef's tips
- —Drain the tuna well — excess moisture soaks the bread fast.
- —Don't add too much teriyaki — it's a rich, salty sauce.
- —Control the filling's consistency: it should hold on the bread and not run out.
- —Cook over moderate heat, or the bread burns before the cheese melts.
- —Cover with a lid only at the end so the mozzarella melts faster.
- —You can add spicy honey twice — some into the filling, some before serving.
What to pair it with
The hot tuna melt pairs well with fresh vegetables, light salads and tangy additions.
- arugula salad
- cucumber salad
- cherry tomatoes
- pickles
- coleslaw
- potato wedges
- vegetable sticks
- green salad
- olives
- extra spicy honey
✨ Perfect match
An especially good combination is the hot sandwich, a pickle and a fresh green salad. The tang and crunch of the vegetables balance the melty cheese, and the spicy honey adds a distinct sweet-and-spicy finish.
