This homemade Tartar Sauce will be your favorite dip at your next Friday fish-fry!
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In the Midwest where I’m from, the Friday fish-fry is a tradition. To say that we love our tartar sauce is a vast understatement. I’ve always wondered where tartar sauce came from. I assumed it just always existed. Well, I guess it can be traced to France, though I’m sure what my local greasy spoon serves is a far cry from that provided by a fancy Parisian restaurant on the River Seine.
This tartar sauce recipe was made as an homage to all your favorite seafood and fish-fry joints, though I’d wager that it will taste on par, if not better, than anything you’d find dining out. You’ll note how this sauce balances the tanginess of the lemon and mustard with the briny flavors of the pickles and capers. It’s creamy too, making it the ideal companion for any fried seafood. Check out FFF’s other sauces, like our tzatziki sauce recipe and creamy chimichurri sauce.
Is Tartar Sauce Healthy?
I mean, you don’t want to drink the stuff. After all, this sauce’s primary ingredient is mayonnaise, which is high in fat and calories. That said, mayonnaise also provides unsaturated fats, which can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support overall heart health. If you can, buy organic so you know your mayo only uses wholesome ingredients. For a healthier take on this recipe, reduced-fat Greek yogurt works. The sauce can be gluten-free, vegetarian, low-carb/keto, paleo, or whole30—just inspect that mayo to ensure the ingredients agree with your diet (another reason to go organic!).
What’s with the capers?
It’s true that your average American tartar sauce won’t have capers in them, but after trying this recipe, you’ll think it should. Capers are typically pickled and really give the tartar sauce a briny boost of tangy flavor. Offset by the creamy mayo, these capers perfectly complement the pickles and the tartness of the lemon juice. Give it a try!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine
Mix mayonnaise, pickles, capers, lemon juice, mustard, onion powder, and parsley.
Season
Add salt and pepper, then stir well.
Chill
Refrigerate to blend flavors and serve chilled.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Tartar sauce can definitely be made ahead of time. In fact, making it a few hours before serving lets the flavors meld together. Just remember to store it in the fridge. The sauce should last up to a week.
Sweet pickles offer a nice twist to this recipe and should complement certain recipes, like panko shrimp, for example.
It’s an easy fix! Try thinning it out with a little lemon juice or a splash of milk.
Serving Suggestions
Tartar sauce is traditionally served with fried seafood like fish, as well as french fries, but if you’re not ready to grease your fingers, try our crispy air-fried fish. It tastes so similar, you’d think it was deep fried. FFF also has our fair share of healthier french fries recipes, one of my favorites being these baked Greek fries.
But this tartar sauce also pairs wonderfully with grilled or baked fish. Try it with our baked salmon or as a tangy dip for our easy poached shrimp. Plus, it’s a fantastic sauce for our seared tuna tacos!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup dill pickles finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, capers (if using), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and chopped parsley.
- Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste, and stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Cover and refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled with your favorite seafood dishes.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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