how to make joe and the juice spicy tuna sandwich

How To Make The Joe & The Juice Spicy Tuna Sandwich At Home

Joe & The Juice is a popular grab-and-go cafe known for their fresh juices, coffees and sandwiches. One of their most famous sandwich offerings is the Spicy Tuna – a heavenly combination of fluffy whipped tuna salad spicy jalapeños, and cool avocado between two slices of perfectly toasted bread.

This innovative sandwich went viral on TikTok and other social media thanks to its heavenly blend of flavors and textures. While you can visit your local Joe & The Juice to try the real thing, the good news is you can easily recreate this sensational sandwich at home.

In this simple guide, I’ll walk you through how to make the Joe & The Juice Spicy Tuna Sandwich step-by-step, including how to whip up their signature tuna mousse and pick the right bread. Read on to learn the secrets behind assembling this trendy sandwich so you can enjoy restaurant quality flavor in your own kitchen.

The Keys To Nailing This Sandwich

Here are the crucial elements to nail in order to mimic the Joe & The Juice Spicy Tuna Sandwich:

• Fluffy, mousse-like tuna salad – Achieved by pulsing it in a food processor with mayo. Way better than fork mashing!

• Perfectly toasted bread – Go for ultra-crunchy and browned as opposed to soft.

• Spicy kick – Add diced pickled jalapeños for a tangy heat contrast.

• Cool, creamy avocado – Sliced or mashed works.

• Vibrant veggies – Thin tomato slices add freshness.

• Well-balanced flavors – A bit of tart lemon brings everything together.

With the right techniques and quality ingredients, you can definitely recreate this sandwich at home! Now let’s get into the step-by-step method.

How To Make Joe & The Juice’s Whipped Tuna Salad

The whipped tuna salad is truly what makes this sandwich next level. Here’s how to achieve that fluffy, mousse-like texture:

Ingredients:

• 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
• 1⁄4 cup diced red onion
• 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños, diced
• Juice of 1⁄2 lemon
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Add the tuna, lemon juice, jalapeños, mayo, salt and pepper to a food processor.
2. Pulse for about 30 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, until very smooth.
3. Transfer to a bowl and fold in the diced red onions. Combine well.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

The key is processing it long enough to achieve a whipped, creamy consistency similar to a mousse. This makes the tuna ultra spreadable.

Choosing The Right Bread

Joe & The Juice uses a thin, flat toasted bread for their sandwich. Here are some good options:

• Focaccia – Slice widthwise into very thin pieces then toast
• Ciabatta – Also slice widthwise into thin slices
• Flatbread – Look for soft and pliable flatbreads
• Bagel – Go for thinner “sandwich style” bagels

The goal is to get the bread very crispy and browned on both sides. If it’s too thick, the middle may be soft. Thinner slices toast up with more crunch.

How To Toast The Bread Perfectly

A big part of what makes this sandwich so craveable is the toastiness of the bread. Follow these tips for maximizing crunch:

• Use a thin slice to make it easier to crisp fully.
• Toast in a skillet instead of a toaster for more control.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil to the skillet to fry and brown.
• Weigh down with a spatula or pan to maximize contact.
• Toast both sides until golden and crispy.

The bread should be browned and crispy enough to slightly cut the roof of your mouth! Soft bread won’t provide the right contrast.

Assembling The Joe & The Juice Spicy Tuna

Once you’ve prepared the components, it’s time for the fun part – assembling this delicious sandwich!

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Spread a generous layer of the tuna mousse onto two slices of the toasted bread.

2. Top each piece of tuna-spread bread with 2-3 thin slices of tomato.

3. Add slices of avocado on top of the tomato. Mashed avocado also works.

4. If you want some heat, sprinkle some of the leftover pickled jalapeños on top.

5. Drizzle with your favorite hot sauce for extra spice.

6. Close the sandwiches and slice diagonally or in half to serve.

Customizing Your Joe & The Juice Inspired Sandwich

Once you’ve mastered the method, feel free to customize your sandwich by:

• Adding sliced red onion for crunch
• Swapping spinach or arugula for the tomato
• Using a spicy aioli instead of avocado
• Topping with pepperoncini or banana peppers
• Mixing up the protein with chicken or salmon salad
• Spreading pesto mayo on the bread for extra flavor
• Serving on a croissant or brioche bun for variety

You can also simplify by removing any toppings you don’t like. The essentials are the tuna and the crispy toasted bread – everything else is customizable.

Tips For Making ahead

Since this sandwich has several elements, it’s handy to make components in advance:

• The tuna salad keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge
• The pickled jalapeños also last 5-7 days refrigerated
• The bread can be toasted up to a day ahead if stored properly

When ready to assemble, mix in the red onion right before spreading the tuna salad for the best flavor.

Storing Leftover Sandwiches

To save any leftover spicy tuna sandwiches:

• Allow to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped sandwiches in a zip top bag and press out extra air.
• Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

To serve, unwrap and place on a sheet pan in a 375°F oven for about 5 minutes to re-crisp the bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tuna?
Yes, canned tuna works great! Solid white albacore tuna is ideal. Drain before using.

What kind of bread is best?
Go for soft, thin flatbreads or focaccia sliced thinly and toasted crispy. Bread sliced too thick may stay soft inside.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?
Sure, subbing in Greek yogurt is a healthier option. Add a touch more lemon juice to balance out the tang.

How long will the tuna salad last?
The tuna mixture will keep for 3-5 days refrigerated. Stir in the red onion right before assembling for maximum freshness.

Do I have to use pickled jalapeños?
No, you can use fresh jalapeños if you prefer. Just be sure to seed and dice them up small.

Can I meal prep this sandwich?
Yes, just toast the bread and assemble the sandwiches right before eating for the best texture.

Can I grill the bread instead?
Certainly! Grilling the bread will add nice charred flavor. Watch closely to avoid burning.

The Spicy Tuna from Joe & The Juice is truly one of the best sandwich creations out there. With fluffy whipped tuna salad, crisp toasted bread, spicy jalapeños and cool, creamy avocado, it’s a party for your tastebuds. Now that you know how to recreate it at home, you can enjoy this viral sensation any time.

From the whipped tuna trick to perfectly crisp bread, use this guide to assemble the sandwich like a pro. Customize to your tastes by switching up proteins, toppings and condiments. With the right approach, you can experience this Instagram-famous sandwich with just a quick trip to the kitchen.