Four Heated Rivalry-Worthy Tuna Melts

A few days into the new year, team Chatelaine still can't stop talking about Heated Rivalry. We may not have the scoop on season two (!!) of the spicy Canadian hockey romance, but we do have lots of recipes—including many for tuna melts. The open-faced sandwich figures prominently in episode four, in which Ilya and Shane share a steamy—and increasingly tender—encounter at Ilya's home. Ilya makes his guy a tuna melt—before things heat up even more, leading, we have to admit, to an unfortunate freakout on Shane's part.

But don't blame the sandwich! The show made us all hungry (thirsty?) for the classic sandwich, which is worthy of making for anyone you're especially fond of—or just to perk up your midday meal. Here are four Heated Rivalry-worthy tuna melt recipes.

Kimchi Tuna Melt

These tuna melts by recipe developer Michelle Lucas Larving feature the bright and briny flavour of kimchi (which also adds an HR-worthy level of spiciness). Get her kimchi tuna melt recipe.

Kimchi tuna melts. (Produced by Aimee Nishitoba, Photo by Christie Vuong, Food Styling by Eshun Mott, Prop Styling by Madeleine Johari.)

Chuck Hughes’ Perfect Tuna Melt

If you are going to make a tuna melt for your beloved, take the time to make homemade mayo. Get Chuck Hughes‘ perfect tuna melt recipe.

Italian Tuna Melt

A cheesy melt topped with lightly dressed, peppery arugula makes for the perfect lunch or simple dinner. It's an upgrade to a basic tuna melt (and feeds four, which we assume is enough for two people at the cottage?) Get our Italian tuna melt recipe.

(Photo: Sian Richards)

Spring Tuna Melt

Simple and comforting—with added veggies for extra nutrition. Serve with some ginger ale (or vodka?) Get our spring tuna melt recipe.

(Photo: iStock)