Tuna Melt Recipe with Kimchi Relish
Some dishes take months to land. This one took a single bite. Tuna melt and Frenchmaid Kimchi Relish sounds like an unlikely pairing on paper, but the two were made for each other. The relish brings a sharp, fermented heat that cuts straight through melted cheese and tuna, turning a familiar comfort sandwich into something with real bite.
How this one started
Chef Jesper Gustafsson tried an early batch of our Kimchi Relish at home, and the first thing he made with it was a tuna melt. He knew straight away it was a keeper, and says it's something he could eat every week without getting tired of it.
Serves: 1–2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
2 slices sourdough
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
50g canned tuna in oil, drained
1 tbsp red onion, finely diced
2 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tbsp Frenchmaid Kimchi Relish
¼ cucumber, finely sliced or shaved
1 tsp chives, chopped
40g cheese, grated (pecorino or cheddar)
Method
1. Make the kimchi tuna mix
In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, tuna, chives, red onion, and Kimchi Relish. Set aside.
2. Toast the bread
Set a pan to low-medium heat, add the oil and butter, and place both slices of bread in the pan. Fry until golden on the bottom.
3. Build the melt
Flip the bread. On one slice, add the kimchi tuna mix, then top with the grated cheese, chives and cucumber. Spread Kimchi Relish on the other slice, then close the sandwich.
4. Melt the cheese
Return the sandwich to the pan over low heat. Cover with a lid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese has fully melted and the bottom is golden.
5. Serve
Serve with an extra spread of Kimchi Relish on the side for dipping, and a little more grated cheese on top.
Menu Planning Notes
Prep the tuna mix ahead of service and hold chilled, then assemble and toast to order.
Works well as a brunch special or a fast lunch item with minimal plate-up time.
Where it fits on the menu: brunch, all-day breakfast, or a quick lunch board.
Recipe by Chef Jesper Gustafsson.
Try it with Frenchmaid Kimchi Relish or request a free sample.
Looking for more restaurant menu inspiration? Browse our chef menu ideas.
