I'm well aware that the title of this recipe is scarcely inviting. Tuna mayo toasties are already divisive. But, reader, withhold your prejudice. I made this one desperate month-end evening when the chicken we intended to cook for dinner had gone off. I scoured the pantry for available ingredients and came up with a simple but delicious sarmie that Shannon has requested multiple times since.
Creative credit is owed to Chloe René from Mob, who cooked up the original Pork Dumpling Sando (the lovechild of pork dumplings and prawn toast). This version, made with tinned tuna, is a handy alternative for those who can't access or eat pork mince.
What you'll need from your pantry
White bread
Tinned tuna (one tin makes about two full sandwiches)
Kewpie mayonnaise
Sesame seed oil
Scallions
Neutral oil for frying
Soy sauce for serving
Kitchen equipment
A pan you can heat about 2.5cm of oil in
Mixing bowl
How to make fried tuna toastie
Step One: Make the tuna mixture
Drain the tinned tuna and decant it into a suitable mixing bowl. Incorporate as much mayo as you feel is right (I err on the generous side with about four tablespoons per tin of tuna) and some diced scallion. You can use both the green and white bits. Finally, drizzle about half a teaspoon of sesame seed oil into the tuna mixture (or to taste).
Mix it up!
Step Two: Heat the oil and cut the crusts
In a suitable vessel like a stainless steel pan or a Dutch oven, heat about 2.5cm of oil on medium. Toss a spare bit of bread crust in there periodically to test its readiness for frying.
While that's coming to temperature, square up two slices of white bread and spread the tuna mixture on them, taking care not to overfill them. Cut off the crusts to close off the ends and create a crispier end result.
Step Three: Fry to golden perfection
When your spare bread crusts are turning golden brown in 15-20 seconds in the oil, it's about ready. Gently lower the crustless sandwich into the hot oil. Cook on either side for about 30 seconds or as soon as it turns a golden brown colour. I recommend gently flipping using a combination of tongs and a flat spatula and doing one sando at a time, depending on the size of your pan.
Step Four: Garnish and serve!
Once cooked, cut in half and serve these fried tuna mayo toasties with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and soy sauce on the side. Trust me, the soy sauce helps cut through the richness of the oil in this dish.
Keep a loaf of white bread in the freezer and stock your pantry with tins of tuna. This gorgeous, golden-brown tuna toastie is a tasty little budget buster, ideal for month-end blues.
Happy 2025, everyone! We're so happy to be back! See you soon with more recipes!
Lots of love,
The Life & Style team
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