Introduction
Tartar Sauce is a classic condiment, perfect for elevating seafood dishes, fried foods, or even sandwiches. Its creamy, tangy base, studded with pickles and brightened by lemon, delivers a refreshing, zesty flavor. Served in a white ceramic bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh dill, this sauce creates a bright, inviting aesthetic. This recipe delivers a classic Tartar Sauce, adaptable for dietary preferences, best served chilled for a cool, flavorful complement.
Ingredients
For the Tartar Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp capers, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- Optional: Fresh dill sprigs
- Suggested Accompaniments: Fried fish, shrimp, crab cakes
- Suggested Pairings: French fries, coleslaw
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic bowl
- Suggested Equipment: Mixing bowl, whisk
Step-by-Step Process
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped pickles, pickle juice, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, capers (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Mix: Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust salt, lemon juice, or pickle juice as needed.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve: Transfer to a white ceramic bowl and garnish with dill sprigs. Serve chilled with fried fish, shrimp, fries, and coleslaw.
Tips for Better Tartar Sauce
- Finely chop pickles and capers for a smooth texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor; bottled is less vibrant.
- Adjust pickle juice for extra tanginess if desired.
- Chill the sauce to enhance flavor melding.
- Taste before serving; balance acidity and salt to preference.
- Use fresh dill for the best aroma; dried works, but is milder.
- Avoid overmixing to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Enhance aesthetic: Sprinkle dill lightly, serve in a white ceramic bowl for a fresh look.
Variations and Customization
- Vegan Tartar Sauce: Use vegan mayonnaise.
- Low-Fat Tartar Sauce: Replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Spicy Tartar Sauce: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne or 1 tsp hot sauce.
- Herb Tartar Sauce: Add 1 tbsp chopped parsley or chives.
- Sweet Tartar Sauce: Add 1 tsp sugar or sweet pickle relish.
- Garlic Tartar Sauce: Add 1/2 tsp minced garlic or garlic powder.
- Cornichon Tartar Sauce: Swap dill pickles for chopped cornichons.
- Quick Tartar Sauce: Omit capers and dill, use only mayonnaise, pickles, and lemon juice.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days.
- Stir before serving to redistribute ingredients.
- Do not freeze; mayonnaise separates.
- Serve chilled for the best flavor; room temperature sauce softens.
- Use leftovers as a spread for sandwiches or a dip for vegetables.
- Don’t leave at room temperature for over 2 hours.
- Pair with fried or grilled seafood for a classic pairing.
- Presented in a white ceramic bowl with dill for bright charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 8 servings (2 tbsp each):
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 290mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 1g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin A: 2% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 2% Daily Value
- Calcium: 0% Daily Value
- Iron: 0% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by brand. These are high in fat; try low-fat or vegan versions. Pair with vegetables for balance.
Conclusion
This Tartar Sauce recipe offers a creamy, tangy condiment, perfect for any occasion, turning simple ingredients into a classic. Its easy preparation and bright presentation make it a favorite. The zesty flavor and smooth texture, with delicate garnishes, delight every time. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its versatile appeal.
Tartar Sauce Recipe: Creamy and Tangy
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup dill pickles chopped
- 1 tbsp pickle juice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 1 tsp capers chopped (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
- Optional: Dill sprigs
- Suggested Pairings: Fish fries
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, pickles, pickle juice, lemon juice, mustard, dill, capers, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until smooth; taste and adjust.
- Chill for 30 minutes.
- Garnish with dill; serve with fish, fries.
Notes
- Chop pickles finely.
- Store in fridge for 5 days, do not freeze.
- Try a vegan variation.
- Pair with coleslaw.
