Delicious Tartar Sauce Recipe

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Tartar sauce is a classic condiment that adds a burst of tangy flavor to a variety of dishes, especially seafood. Making your own homemade tartar sauce is not only easy but also allows you to customize the flavors to suit your taste.

With a perfect balance of creamy mayonnaise, zesty pickles, and aromatic herbs, this homemade tartar sauce is sure to elevate your culinary creations. Follow this simple recipe to whip up a batch of flavorful tartar sauce in no time.

Why I Love This Tartar Sauce

I adore homemade tartar sauce for its fresh and zesty flavor, which can enhance even the simplest fish dish. The combination of creamy mayonnaise with the tangy pickles, sharp onions, and fresh herbs creates a perfect balance that complements seafood beautifully. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste.

10 Best Foods To Pair With Homemade Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is a versatile condiment that pairs well with a variety of dishes, especially those featuring seafood. Here are some classic and delicious dishes that often benefit from the addition of tartar sauce:

1. Fish and Chips
2. Fish Tacos
3. Shrimp Po’ Boy
4. Crab Cakes
5. Grilled Salmon
6. Seafood Burgers
7. Fried Calamari
8. Fish Sandwiches
9. Seafood Skewers
10. Crab Rangoon

Total Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time (optional): 1 hour
• Total Time: 10 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (per tablespoon)

• Calories: 70-100
• Fat: 7-10g
• Sodium: 100-150mg
• Carbohydrates: 1-2g
• Protein: 0g

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh chives, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Homemade Tartar Sauce

1. Gather Your Ingredients:
Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients measured and ready. This will make the process smoother.

2. Mix Mayonnaise and Mustard:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Stir well until the two ingredients are fully incorporated.

3. Add Pickles and Capers:
Add the finely chopped dill pickles and capers to the mayonnaise mixture. These ingredients will provide a delightful crunch and a burst of briny flavor.

4. Squeeze in Lemon Juice:
Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the bowl. The citrusy acidity will brighten up the sauce and complement the richness of the mayonnaise.

5. Add Fresh Herbs:
Stir in the finely chopped parsley and chives. These herbs will add a touch of freshness and enhance the overall flavor profile of the tartar sauce.

6. Season with Salt and Pepper:
Season the tartar sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more later, so start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.

7. Mix Thoroughly:
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors. Taste the sauce and make any additional adjustments to suit your taste.

8. Refrigerate:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop a well-balanced taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of tartar sauce?

If I don’t have tartar sauce on hand or want to try something different, I often use alternatives that complement seafood well. A simple mixture of mayonnaise and lemon juice can work as a quick substitute, offering a creamy and tangy flavor.

For more complexity, I might add chopped herbs like dill or parsley to the mix. Another option is a remoulade sauce, which is similar to tartar sauce but with added ingredients like anchovies, horseradish, and mustard, giving it a more robust flavor.

Greek yogurt mixed with lemon zest, garlic, and herbs can also be a healthier alternative, providing a creamy texture with a tangy kick. For a completely different approach, a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime, perhaps with a sprinkle of chopped herbs, can be a light and refreshing accompaniment to seafood dishes.

These alternatives maintain the balance of creaminess and acidity that pairs so well with the richness of seafood.

Is cream of tartar just tartar sauce?

No, cream of tartar and tartar sauce are not the same thing. Cream of tartar is a dry, powdery substance that’s actually a byproduct of wine production.

It’s used as a stabilizing agent in baking, particularly in recipes like meringues and whipped cream, to help maintain the structure and volume of the beaten egg whites. It’s also used in baking powder as an acid to activate the baking soda.

Tartar sauce, on the other hand, is a condiment typically made from mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, and various herbs and spices. It’s commonly served with seafood dishes.

So, while their names are similar, cream of tartar and tartar sauce are very different in terms of their composition, uses, and culinary roles.

How long does homemade tartar sauce last?

Homemade tartar sauce can last in the refrigerator for up to one week when stored properly. I make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing flavors from other foods in the fridge and to maintain its freshness.

The longevity of homemade tartar sauce also depends on the freshness of the ingredients used to make it, especially the mayonnaise and any fresh herbs or vegetables. If the mayonnaise was near its expiration date when you made the sauce, the tartar sauce might not last as long.

To ensure the best quality and safety, I always check for any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or discoloration, before using.

Helpful Resources

• A cool pin about Gordon Ramsey’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
• All our sauce recipes

Wrap-Up

Congratulations! You’ve just created a delicious batch of homemade tartar sauce. Serve it alongside your favorite seafood dishes, like fish and chips or grilled shrimp, or use it as a flavorful dip for vegetables.

The freshness and quality of your homemade tartar sauce will undoubtedly elevate your dining experience. Enjoy!