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HRCookery · A cozy bowl of comfort

A Delicious Barbecue Tuna Sandwich in Minutes

Craving a quick, cheesy, and flavorful meal? This Easy Tuna Melt with a BBQ Twist combines creamy tuna, smoky barbecue sauce, crunchy vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese in a golden sesame bun. It’s simple to prepare, full of delicious flavor, and perfect for an easy lunch or a satisfying dinner.

American-inspired · Main or side
Prep10 min
Serves2
Barbecue tuna sandwich with creamy tuna filling, cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and barbecue sauce on a toasted sesame bun.
delicious flavor, and perfect for an easy lunch10 min total

A little story before the first bite

Quick Lunch: Barbecue Tuna Sandwich

A quick and flavorful Barbecue Tuna Sandwich made with tender tuna, tangy barbecue sauce, creamy mayonnaise, and crunchy vegetables. It’s an easy lunch or light dinner that comes together in just a few minutes.

A barbecue tuna sandwich is a delicious and smoky twist on the classic tuna salad. This sandwich features flaked tuna mixed with a flavorful barbecue sauce, giving it a zesty and tangy profile. The mixture is often blended with crunchy diced celery. It includes sweet onions for added texture. Sometimes a touch of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt is added for creaminess.

The sandwich is typically served on toasted bread or a soft bun, which adds a satisfying crunch. Adding slices of fresh tomato and crisp lettuce enhances the flavor and introduces a refreshing element. Some variations include pickles or jalapeños for an extra kick.

Whether enjoyed as a casual lunch or a quick dinner, the barbecue tuna sandwich is a hearty and savory choice. It tantalizes the taste buds with its perfect combination of smoky, savory, and creamy elements. Pair it with a side of chips or a crisp salad for a full meal.

The smoky-sweet barbecue sauce adds a delicious twist to classic tuna salad, while fresh onion and vegetables give the sandwich a satisfying crunch. Serve it toasted or cold for a simple, filling mea

Ingredients for Barbecue Tuna Sandwich

Ingredients for Barbecue Tuna Sandwich

Scale
Barbecue tuna sandwich with creamy tuna filling, cheddar cheese, red onion, bell pepper, and tomato in a toasted sesame bun.

Makes 2 Sandwiches

Tuna Filling

  • 1 can (170 g) tuna, drained
  • 2 tbsp (10 mL) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoon finely chopped bell pepper
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onion
  • ¼ teaspoon Blackpepper
  • fine salt, to taste

For the Sandwich

  • 2 sesame burger buns or 4 slices bread
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoon mayonnaise, for spreading
  • 2–4 tomato slices
  • Lettuce leaves, as desired
  • 1 tablespoon butter, for toasting the buns

Optional: Add sliced jalapeño, pickles, hot sauce, or chili flakes for extra flavor and heat.

Let’s cook

Instructions step by step

Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious Barbecue Tuna Sandwich with creamy tuna filling, smoky BBQ sauce, crunchy vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. Toast the sesame buns until golden, assemble the sandwich with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a quick, flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Prep10 min
Serves2 people

Prepare the tuna filling:

Add the drained tuna to a bowl and gently break it apart with a fork.

Add mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, chopped onion, bell pepper, green onion, black pepper, and a little salt.

Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning or barbecue sauce if needed.

Assemble the sandwich:

Spread the tuna mixture evenly over two slices of bread.

Add cheese, lettuce, or tomato if desired, then cover with the remaining bread slices.

Toast:

Lightly butter the outside of the sandwiches. Toast in a skillet over medium-low heat until golden and crisp on both sides and the cheese is melted.

Cut in half and serve warm.

Barbecue tuna sandwich with creamy tuna filling, cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and barbecue sauce on a toasted sesame bun.

Ingredients Substitute for Your Barbecue Tuna Sandwich

01 / Option

Tuna Options:

You can use any type of canned tuna (chunk light, solid white, etc.) based on your preference.

02 / Varities

BBQ Sauce Varieties:

Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find the flavor that you enjoy the most. Sweet, smoky, or spicy sauces can all add unique twists!

03 / choice

Bun Choices:

For a healthier choice, try whole grain or lettuce wraps instead of traditional buns.

04 / Customizing

Customizing:

Feel free to add other ingredients like diced onions, celery, or jalapeños for extra crunch and flavor.

At the table

Serving suggestions

Enjoy your Barbecue Tuna Sandwich with these delicious serving ideas, from crispy sides to fresh salads. These simple pairings make it perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or satisfying snack.

Barbecue tuna sandwich with creamy tuna filling, cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and barbecue sauce on a toasted sesame bun.
A little comfort, a lot of flavour

The perfect pairing

Easy Tuna Melt with a BBQ Twist

Give your classic tuna melt a smoky, flavorful upgrade with barbecue sauce! This easy sandwich combines creamy tuna, crunchy vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese in a golden toasted sesame bun. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this delicious BBQ tuna melt is simple to prepare and packed with flavor in every bite.

Explore the pairings
01

Serve the Barbecue Tuna Sandwich warm with potato chips or crispy fries.

02

Pair it with a fresh green salad or coleslaw for a lighter meal.

03

Serve with tomato, cucumber, and lettuce on the side.

04

Add pickles or pickled jalapeños for a tangy, spicy contrast.

05

Pair with a bowl of tomato soup or vegetable soup for a comforting lunch.

06

Cut the sandwich into small triangles for an easy party or lunchbox option.

07

Serve with fresh fruit such as grapes, apple slices, or orange wedges for a balanced meal.

Video

From the cook’s notebook

Notes & tips

Make the perfect Barbecue Tuna Sandwich with these simple tips for a creamy filling, smoky BBQ flavor, and golden, crispy buns. A few easy adjustments can help you customize the taste and texture to make every bite delicious.

01

Drain the tuna well to prevent the sandwich from becoming watery.

02

Adjust the barbecue sauce to your taste. Add more for a stronger smoky-sweet flavor.

03

Use smoked or sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor.

04

Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce if you prefer a spicy sandwich.

05

For extra crunch, add cucumber, lettuce, or finely chopped celery.

06

Toast the sandwich over medium-low heat so the bread becomes golden without burning.

07

For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of some or all of the mayonnaise.

08

The tuna filling can be prepared ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Got questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about making the perfect Barbecue Tuna Sandwich? Find helpful answers about ingredients, substitutions, storage, and serving tips to make this easy, smoky, and cheesy tuna melt just right for you.

Barbecue tuna sandwich with creamy tuna filling, cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and barbecue sauce on a toasted sesame bun.
Can I use canned tuna in water or oil?

Yes. Tuna packed in water gives a lighter filling, while tuna packed in oil provides a richer flavor. Drain either type well before mixing.

Can I make the tuna filling ahead of time?

Yes. Store the prepared tuna mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

What cheese is best for a barbecue tuna sandwich?

Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese all work well. Cheddar adds a stronger flavor that pairs especially well with barbecue sauce.

Can I make this sandwich without mayonnaise?

Yes. Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or your preferred creamy spread.

How can I make it spicy?

Add chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, chili flakes, or a spicy barbecue sauce to the tuna mixture.

Can I eat the sandwich without toasting it?

Absolutely. The tuna filling can be served cold in a soft sandwich, wrap, or bun. Toasting simply adds extra crispiness and flavor.

What vegetables can I add?

Finely chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, and green onion are all delicious additions.

How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?

Drain the tuna thoroughly and avoid adding too much mayonnaise or barbecue sauce. Toasting the bread also helps create a barrier against moisture.

Barbecue tuna sandwich with creamy tuna filling, cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and barbecue sauce on a toasted sesame bun.

Barbecue tuna sandwich

Yield: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Indulge in a delightful barbecue tuna sandwich, where flaked tuna meets zesty barbecue sauce for a smoky twist on a classic favorite. Combined with crunchy veggies like celery and onions, and layered on toasted bread or a soft bun, this savory creation is perfect for lunch or a quick dinner. Top it with fresh lettuce and tomato for added freshness, and enjoy a satisfying meal packed with flavor!

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Ingredients

Tuna Filling

For the Sandwich

  • 2 sesame burger buns or 4 slices bread
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise, for spreading
  • 2–4 slices tomato
  • Lettuce leaves, as desired
  • 1 tbsp [butter], for toasting the buns

Instructions

    1. Prepare the tuna filling: Add the drained tuna to a bowl and gently break it apart with a fork.
    2. Add mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, chopped onion, bell pepper, green onion, black pepper, and a little salt.
    3. Mix everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning or barbecue sauce if needed.
    4. Assemble the sandwich: Spread the tuna mixture evenly over two slice of bun.
    5. Add cheese, lettuce, or tomato if desired, then cover with the remaining bun slice.
    6. Toast: Lightly butter the outside of the sandwiches. Toast in a skillet over medium-low heat until golden and crisp on both sides and the cheese is melted.
    7. Cut in half and serve warm.

    Tip: For extra smoky flavor, use a smoky barbecue sauce. You can also add sliced jalapeño or a little hot sauce for a spicy version. Feel free to add any extra toppings, like lettuce or tomato, to enhance your sandwich!

Notes

  • Drain the tuna well to prevent the sandwich from becoming watery.
  • Adjust the barbecue sauce to your taste. Add more for a stronger smoky-sweet flavor.
  • Use smoked or sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
  • Add jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce if you prefer a spicy sandwich.
  • For extra crunch, add cucumber, lettuce, or finely chopped celery.
  • Toast the sandwich over medium-low heat so the bread becomes golden without burning.
  • For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of some or all of the mayonnaise.
  • The tuna filling can be prepared ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

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    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 340Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 325mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 49g

    **Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.

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    Category: Breakfasts