Making Spicy Tuna Lettuce Cups is incredibly straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and healthy meal in minutes:

Step 1: Prepare the Tuna Mixture

Begin by draining the canned tuna thoroughly. Excess liquid will make your tuna mixture watery, so ensure you press out as much water or oil as possible. Once drained, place the tuna into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Flake the tuna apart with a fork into smaller pieces. This helps to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the mixture and creates a better texture for the lettuce cups.

Step 2: Add the Creamy and Spicy Elements

To the flaked tuna in the bowl, add the mayonnaise. Start with the amount specified in the recipe and adjust to your preference later if needed. Next, add the sriracha sauce. Remember, you can always add more spice, but it’s harder to take it away, so start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. Pour in the soy sauce (or tamari) and sesame oil. These ingredients are crucial for adding depth and umami to the tuna mixture.

Step 3: Incorporate Fresh Flavors

Add the finely chopped green onions to the bowl. The green onions bring a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the spicy tuna. Squeeze in the rice vinegar (or lime juice). The acidity is essential for balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and brightening up the overall flavor profile of the mixture.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Using a fork or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain some texture in the tuna. Taste the mixture at this point. This is your chance to adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha, or adjust the saltiness by adding a bit more soy sauce. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a touch more rice vinegar or lime juice. If you find it too spicy, you can add a little more mayonnaise to mellow it out.

Step 5: Prepare the Lettuce Cups

While the flavors in the tuna mixture meld together, prepare your lettuce cups. Gently separate the leaves of your chosen lettuce, such as butter lettuce, romaine, or iceberg. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly. Patting them dry with paper towels will help ensure the tuna mixture doesn’t make them soggy. For butter lettuce, the leaves naturally form perfect cups. For romaine or iceberg, you might need to trim the base slightly to create a flatter bottom for easier filling.

Step 6: Assemble the Lettuce Cups

Once the lettuce cups are prepared and the tuna mixture is ready, it’s time to assemble. Take a lettuce cup and spoon a generous amount of the spicy tuna mixture into the center. Don’t overfill them, as you want to be able to pick them up and eat them easily without the filling spilling out.

Step 7: Add Optional Avocado (and other toppings)

If using avocado, dice it into small cubes and sprinkle them over the top of the tuna filling in each lettuce cup. Avocado adds a lovely creamy texture and healthy fats. You can also add other toppings at this stage, such as a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal, a drizzle of extra sriracha for more heat, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Finely chopped cilantro or parsley can also be added for extra freshness and color.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Immediately

Spicy Tuna Lettuce Cups are best served immediately after assembly to ensure the lettuce remains crisp and the tuna mixture is fresh and flavorful. Arrange the lettuce cups on a platter and garnish with extra sesame seeds, if desired. They are perfect as a light lunch, a healthy snack, or a flavorful appetizer.