Tartar sauce
Tartar sauce, or Tartare (British) sauce is a creamy white sauce made from mayonnaise, diced pickles or pickle relish, and diced onions or chives.
The other ingredients do vary but; gherkins, capers, shallots, onion, and chives are all common. So feel free to experiment a little with your inclusions, but remember it will need something to give it a kick, and here I suggest garlic, but a few drops of tabasco or Worcester sauce can be used instead.
Tartar sauce is commonly served alongside seafood, but its original use was as an accompaniment for steak.
Making tartar sauce is really easy, it only takes a few minutes to prepare – and it tastes much better fresh, than from a jar – but remember to refrigerate the result, so the flavours can fuse properly. Tartar sauce should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few days of being made to ensure freshness.
In addition to being used as a condiment, tartar sauce can also be used as a base for other sauces, such as rémoulade and cocktail sauce.
- Prep Time:
- Total Time:
- Servings: 4
- Course: Side Dish
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 225 ml mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp gherkin (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp capers (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- salt & pepper (to season)
Instructions
- Chop all of the ingredients, I prefer chopping them quite finely, but it's a matter of personal taste. Do make sure you mince the garlic though; chunky pieces of garlic will not complement much!
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients with the mayonnaise, and lemon juice.
- Season to taste with the salt and pepper.
- Refrigerate before serving – fit will need at least an hour, but it will keep fresh for about a week.
- Serve the tartar sauce alongside some good seafood – fried, and battered white fish works well.
FAQ
How long does tartar sauce keep?
Store tartar sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Stir before serving to keep the texture consistent.
Can I freeze tartar sauce?
Freezing is not recommended, as mayonnaise based sauces can separate and become watery once thawed.
What dishes pair best with tartar sauce?
It is a classic partner for fried or baked fish, and also works well with seafood cakes, calamari, or vegetable fritters.
Can I make tartar sauce without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version, or mix them half and half with mayonnaise for a balanced flavour.
What extra flavours can I add to tartar sauce?
Try chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or a spoonful of green pesto for a twist.
Can I use tartar sauce as a dip?
Yes, it makes a great dip for chips, roasted vegetables, or appetisers like hummus beiruti in a mixed platter.
How do I keep tartar sauce from being too runny?
Drain or pat dry any pickles or capers before adding them, and use thick mayonnaise or strained yogurt as the base.
