Gluten free tuna melt tostones are so delicious, you literally won't miss the bread at all!
If you eat paleo and you haven't made tostones yet, you're missing out! Even if you don't eat paleo you're missing out! They are extremely versatile and can give you limitless options for a round of Whole30 also.
Since I basically gave up eating "regular" white and wheat bread, I've missed tuna melts since I went grain free. I used to order tuna melts frequently at the lunch place I worked at, but these totally satisfy my cravings! The tostones have a perfect crunch to them, and they are quite sturdy.
Tuna Melt Tostones Ingredient List
There's really not a lot of ingredients here, which makes it more budget friendly! When making tostones like this, you need to pick green tostones. The yellow ones will not yield a sturdy tostone, and they are much sweeter. So, only the green ones will do!
For the tuna itself, I have two favorite brands. But before that, did you know soy is commonly found in tuna? It is even found in tuna that is "only" packed in water! It is insane to me how many seemingly unrelated ingredients find their way into foods where you would least expect them!
The first brand I like that contains no soy, is Trader Joe's brand. It's the most affordable I've come across with no soy, which makes it in my top 2 favorites!
The other brand I like is Safe Catch Tuna. They are a Whole30 approved partner, and they have the safest, cleanest tuna on the market in my opinion! They individually test each tuna for mercury, and only use the tuna with the lowest levels of mercury. This make it a very safe option! Definitely no soy or additives here! If you want to switch it up a bit, they also have flavored varieties! Check out their Italian herb tuna, citrus dill tuna, or more!
For the mayo, you can use whatever you'd like, but beware that many store bought varieties have added soy and sugar!
Check out this whole30 mayo recipe. It's easy, and is both paleo and Whole30! All simple and clean ingredients. It's yeast free too!
Dietary/Lifestyle Friendly
As said above, these are both gluten and grain free! Because of the cheddar cheese melted on top, they are primal, not paleo. If you're doing a Whole30 or strict paleo, you can omit the cheese. It will be more of an open faced tuna salad sandwich! The toppings are endless, so no food boredom here!
Tostones
So many people say they're intimidated to make tostones. My husband's abuela makes them using a traditional "totonera", a device made to flatten them before they're fried the second time. I love using mine, as it saves the parchment paper and is easier to setup and cleanup.
If you don't have one, simply use a plate and two pieces of parchment paper as the directions say. Super easy to do, and easier to clean up afterward also!
If you want step by step instructions, my Instagram feed has a video post on how to make them. Just look for me @thecleanhappylife.
Be sure to tag me if you make these!
Tuna Melt Tostones
Ingredients
Tuna Salad
- 1 apple
- 2 celery stalks
- 1 small onion or half a medium sized onion
- 3 3 oz tuna
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Tostones
- 4-6 green plantains
- Coconut oil for frying
Optional toppings
- cheese
- chives
- parsley
- sesame seeds
- red pepper flakes
Instructions
Tuna Salad
- Chop the apples, celery, and onions into small pieces. Place in a medium sized bowl.
- Add the tuna and mayonnaise to the same bowl and mix thoroughly. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Tostones
- Heat coconut oil in a skillet on medium.
- Peel the plantains. Slice each plantain into 3 chunks. Cut each chunk in half lengthwise.
- Fry each chunk of plantain, about 2 -3 minutes per side, or until a light golden brown. They should NOT be cooked all the way through.
- Remove plantains from frying pan. One at a time, place each chunk between two pieces of parchment paper. Using a plate or something flat, press down and flatten the plantain.
- Place the flattened plantains back into the frying pan, and cook both sides for 2-3 minutes until they are crispy and golden.
Tuna Melt Tostones
- Pre-heat the broiler on the oven. Place the rack on the top position.
- Place the tostones onto a baking sheet. Spoon the tuna salad onto each tostone. If using cheese, place it on now.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler, and broil for only about 45 seconds. You want the salad heated and the cheese melted if you're using it.
- When finished, top with any remaining optional toppings, and serve!
Related Recipes
If you loved these tuna melt tostones, also try out these Pork Enchilada Tostones! Easy and yummy.
Really any meat mixture can be toppings on tostones. If you make larger tostones, you could even use them as sandwich "bread". In fact, google jibaritos to see plenty of options!
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Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a comment or review below! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!
Feel free to share a picture on Instagram and tag me so I can check it out! I love seeing all your creations!
Christi says
These are delicious! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!
thecleanhappylife says
Thank you, so happy you enjoyed them!
Brian Nagele says
I believe in the 80/20 rule. you know, where 80 of all reward comes from 20 of the effort? Well, I believe your blog is that 20. I've added you to the list of sites that I frequent. Thank you for the in depth and detailed blog posts. Not many people are willing to do that anymore.
thecleanhappylife says
Thank you, I appreciate that!