Jimmy John's Secret For Richer Tuna Salad? Grab Some Soy Sauce

Jimmy John's was founded in 1983, and some of its bestsellers date back to its original lineup, including the Vito and Turkey Tom. But one sandwich people keep coming back for is the rich and flavorful Totally Tuna sandwich. According to Redditors who claim to have worked there, the secret to its flavorful filling is soy sauce. While Jimmy John's hasn't officially made a statement confirming this, the company does list soy as an allergen in its tuna salad.

Soy sauce is a uniquely flavored condiment that has been perfected over centuries by iconic companies like Kikkoman. What sets it apart from other seasonings and hot sauces in your pantry is that it delivers all five basic tastes in one bottle. Each drop is a little sour, bitter, salty, sweet, and umami. It's one of the few ingredients that can make that claim, and it's a quick way to make even a simple bowl of white rice flavorful and rich enough to be a meal by itself. It's those same characteristics that elevate Jimmy John's tuna salad, which also features onions, celery, and mayo. 

If you want to make a Jimmy John's-inspired tuna sandwich at home, one tip is to drain as much of the liquid from the tuna can as possible to prevent a mushy or runny result. You can squeeze the fish dry using your hands or press it down in a mesh strainer. When you're ready to mix, remember that Jimmy John's uses StarKist tuna and makes its salad in batches much bigger than what you probably need. Start by mixing in a tablespoon of soy sauce for one 5-ounce can of tuna, and then add more to your taste. Mix in your favorite veggies and mayo for binding before tasting again to ensure the new ingredients haven't overpowered the soy sauce.

There are some variations to consider when shopping for soy sauce. If you find the condiment to be overly salty, opt for a low-sodium version. You may want to avoid soy sauces specifically marked "dark," as they can significantly darken the food once mixed in and have a richer, more concentrated flavor. 

Ultimately, plenty of sandwich chains offer tuna sandwiches, but Jimmy John's stands out by relying on soy sauce to bring out the flavors of the fish while adding a touch of umami that's rich and satisfying. You can do the same on your next picnic, beach outing, or football viewing party.