Viral Jersey Mike’s Tuna Sub: A Home Kitchen Remake (Taste Test & Detailed Recipe)
Have you seen the Jersey Mike’s tuna sub craze sweeping the internet? I have, and I had to try it! As a self-proclaimed sandwich aficionado, I’m always on the lookout for the next big thing in the world of handheld deliciousness. The buzz around Jersey Mike’s tuna sub was deafening, so I decided to not only try the original, but also to recreate it at home. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a quest for the perfect tuna sub, inspired by a viral sensation.
This blog post will take you through my entire journey, from tasting the original Jersey Mike’s tuna sub to dissecting its components and finally, providing you with a detailed, step-by-step recipe to make your own, potentially even *better*, version at home. We’ll discuss ingredient selection, preparation techniques, and insider tips to achieve that authentic Jersey Mike’s flavor. Buckle up, sandwich lovers; it’s tuna time!
## My Jersey Mike’s Tuna Sub Experience: The Benchmark
Before diving into the recipe, I felt it was crucial to establish a baseline. I headed to my local Jersey Mike’s, ordered their famed tuna sub “Mike’s Way”, and prepared for a sensory experience. Here’s what I observed:
* **The Bread:** The bread was soft yet sturdy, providing a good foundation without being too chewy. It had a slightly sweet flavor, likely from a hint of sugar in the dough.
* **The Tuna Salad:** The tuna salad itself was creamy and well-seasoned. It wasn’t overly fishy, which is a common pitfall of homemade tuna salads. There was a definite tang, likely from mayonnaise and a touch of vinegar or lemon juice. I could taste subtle notes of celery and onion, providing a pleasant crunch and aroma.
* **The “Mike’s Way” Toppings:** This is where the magic happens! The combination of shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onion, oregano, red wine vinegar, and oil creates a symphony of flavors and textures that elevates the tuna salad to another level. The acidity cuts through the richness of the tuna, while the oil adds a luxurious mouthfeel. The oregano provides a distinctive, herbaceous aroma.
* **Overall Impression:** The sandwich was satisfying, well-balanced, and surprisingly addictive. I could see why it had gained such a following. It wasn’t just a tuna sandwich; it was an experience.
## Deconstructing the Jersey Mike’s Tuna Sub: Understanding the Components
Now that I had a clear picture of the original, it was time to break it down into its essential components. This allowed me to identify the key elements that contribute to its unique flavor profile and develop a recipe that captures the essence of Jersey Mike’s.
* **The Bread:** As mentioned before, the bread plays a crucial role. It needs to be soft, slightly sweet, and able to hold its shape without becoming soggy. A good-quality white or Italian sub roll is the best choice.
* **The Tuna:** Flaked light tuna in water is the most common and readily available option. Drain it well to prevent a watery tuna salad. You can also experiment with albacore tuna for a firmer texture and milder flavor, or yellowfin tuna for a richer taste.
* **The Mayonnaise:** Mayonnaise is the base of the tuna salad and provides creaminess and richness. Use a high-quality mayonnaise that you enjoy the flavor of. You can also experiment with different types of mayonnaise, such as avocado mayonnaise or light mayonnaise, to adjust the flavor and calorie content.
* **The Celery and Onion:** These add crunch and aromatic complexity. Finely dice them to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the tuna salad.
* **The Seasonings:** Salt, pepper, and a touch of Dijon mustard are essential for seasoning the tuna salad. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
* **The Acidity:** A touch of lemon juice or red wine vinegar brightens the flavor of the tuna salad and cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
* **The “Mike’s Way” Dressing:** This is the signature element of Jersey Mike’s subs. It consists of shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, red onion, oregano, red wine vinegar, and oil. The red wine vinegar and oil create a tangy and flavorful dressing that complements the tuna salad perfectly.
## Recreating the Magic: My Homemade Jersey Mike’s Tuna Sub Recipe
Armed with a thorough understanding of the Jersey Mike’s tuna sub, I set out to create my own version at home. Here’s my detailed recipe, complete with step-by-step instructions and tips for achieving that authentic flavor:
**Yields:** 1 Sub
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 0 minutes (No cooking required!)
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (12-inch) Italian or white sub roll
* 2 (5-ounce) cans of flaked light tuna in water, drained well
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Hellmann’s/Best Foods)
* 1/4 cup finely diced celery
* 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice or red wine vinegar
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
* 1/2 cup sliced tomatoes
* 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
* 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is best)
**Equipment:**
* Mixing bowl
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
**Instructions**
**Part 1: Preparing the Tuna Salad**
1. **Drain the Tuna:** Thoroughly drain both cans of tuna. Press out any excess water with the back of a spoon. The drier the tuna, the better the consistency of your tuna salad.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, diced celery, diced red onion, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice or red wine vinegar.
3. **Season:** Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, and then adjust as needed.
4. **Mix Well:** Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the tuna salad mushy.
5. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the tuna salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more lemon juice or red wine vinegar for extra tang, or more salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
6. **Chill (Optional):** For best results, cover the tuna salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional, but it will improve the overall taste of the sandwich.
**Part 2: Assembling the Sub “Mike’s Way”**
1. **Prepare the Roll:** Slice the sub roll horizontally, almost all the way through, leaving a hinge on one side. Open the roll like a book.
2. **Load the Tuna Salad:** Spread the prepared tuna salad evenly over the bottom half of the sub roll.
3. **Add the Lettuce:** Top the tuna salad with the shredded lettuce.
4. **Add the Tomatoes:** Arrange the sliced tomatoes over the lettuce.
5. **Add the Red Onion:** Sprinkle the thinly sliced red onion over the tomatoes.
6. **Dress It Up:** In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar and olive oil. Drizzle this mixture generously over the lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion.
7. **Sprinkle with Oregano:** Sprinkle the dried oregano evenly over the top of the sandwich.
8. **Close and Serve:** Close the sub roll and cut it in half (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations for the Ultimate Tuna Sub
* **Bread is Key:** Don’t skimp on the bread! A good-quality sub roll makes all the difference. If you can’t find a good Italian or white sub roll, try using a baguette or ciabatta roll.
* **Tuna Quality Matters:** While flaked light tuna is the most common choice, you can experiment with different types of tuna to find your favorite. Albacore tuna has a milder flavor and firmer texture, while yellowfin tuna has a richer taste.
* **Mayonnaise Options:** Feel free to experiment with different types of mayonnaise. Avocado mayonnaise adds a healthy dose of fats and a subtle flavor, while light mayonnaise reduces the calorie content.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tuna salad for a little heat.
* **Add Some Crunch:** Include some finely chopped bell peppers or pickles in the tuna salad for added crunch and flavor.
* **Make it a Melt:** Turn your tuna sub into a tuna melt by topping it with cheese (cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack are good choices) and baking it in the oven or toasting it in a panini press until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* **Go Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free sub roll to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the tuna salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the sandwich just before serving.
* **Adjust “Mike’s Way” Toppings:** Customize your sub with your favorite toppings! Add sprouts, pickles, banana peppers, or any other toppings you enjoy.
* **Experiment with Herbs:** Try adding other fresh herbs to the tuna salad, such as dill, parsley, or chives.
* **Garlic Powder Boost**: A small amount of garlic powder added to the tuna salad can enhance the overall flavor. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and adjust to your liking.
* **Sweetness Adjustment:** If you prefer a slightly sweeter tuna salad, add a tiny pinch of sugar or a touch of sweet pickle relish.
## Is It Better Than Jersey Mike’s? My Verdict
After meticulously recreating the Jersey Mike’s tuna sub at home, the ultimate question remains: is it better than the original? The answer, as with most things in the culinary world, is subjective. However, I can confidently say that my homemade version is a worthy contender.
The ability to control the quality of ingredients and customize the recipe to my personal preferences is a major advantage. I could use my favorite mayonnaise, adjust the amount of lemon juice to my liking, and add extra celery for added crunch. I found that by carefully selecting each ingredient and following the recipe, I created a tuna sub that was just as delicious, if not more so, than the Jersey Mike’s original.
Ultimately, whether you prefer the convenience of buying a Jersey Mike’s tuna sub or the satisfaction of making your own at home is a matter of personal choice. But if you’re looking for a delicious, customizable, and surprisingly easy sandwich recipe, I highly recommend giving my homemade version a try. You might just surprise yourself with how good it is!
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.* (based on the recipe ingredients listed above)
* Calories: 600-750
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 35-50g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 5-7g
## Final Thoughts: A Tuna Sub Transformation
This journey into recreating the viral Jersey Mike’s tuna sub has been a delightful and enlightening experience. It’s shown me the power of understanding the fundamental components of a dish and using that knowledge to create something truly special. The meticulous attention to detail, from the bread selection to the precise measurement of the “Mike’s Way” dressing, resulted in a sandwich that rivals, and in some ways surpasses, the original. So, grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be amazed by your very own homemade Jersey Mike’s-inspired tuna sub. Happy sandwich making!