Condiment, Sauce, Dairy | Vegetarian

Tartar Sauce

N/A Allergens: Eggs, Mustard
Tartar Sauce

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine French, Western
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Eggs, Vegetable Oil, Vinegar, Pickles

The Forktionary Angle

"The unsung hero of the fish fry, a perfectly balanced, piquant counterpoint to rich, crispy seafood."

Definition

A thick, creamy condiment typically made from mayonnaise, chopped pickles or gherkins, capers, onions, and fresh herbs.

Sensory Profile

TasteTangy, Creamy, Salty, Umami, Savory, Herbaceous
TextureThick, Creamy, Lumpy
AromaTangy, Briny, Dill/Herbal, Mayonnaise
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Emulsified Base

Mayonnaise

Key Acidic Ingredients

Capers, Pickles, Lemon

Traditional Pairing

Fried Fish & Chips

Nutrition Facts

Per 2 tbsp
Calories380 kcal
Total Fat40g
Saturated Fat6g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol30mg
Protein1g
Total Carbohydrate5g
Dietary Fiber0g
Total Sugars2g
Calcium10mg
Iron0.2mg
Potassium50mg

Chef’s Secret

For a lighter, tangier tartar sauce, swap some mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream and add fresh lemon juice.

Substitutions

Best Match

Remoulade Sauce

1:1

A very similar French-derived sauce, often spicier or more herbaceous.

Mayonnaise with Dill & Pickles

1:1

Basic components for homemade tartar sauce, customize as needed.

Aioli

1:1

Garlic-flavored mayonnaise, offers a creamy, savory alternative, but lacks the tang and chunks.

Lemon Wedges

To taste

For acidity and freshness, especially with fried fish, without the creamy texture.

Buying Guide

Check for clear separation or discoloration. Look for high-quality ingredients like real pickles and capers.

Flavor Pairings

Fried fish fish and chips crab cakes shrimp calamari chicken nuggets.

Recipes Using Tartar Sauce

Baked Gluten Free Chicken Fish Nuggets With Honey Mustard Sauce image 142
Number Of Servings Kid Friendly Chicken Breasts Main Ingredient

Baked Gluten Free Chicken Fish Nuggets With Honey Mustard Sauce

These crispy, baked gluten-free nuggets are a healthy and delicious snack or meal for the whole family! Made with chicken and fish, and cleverly using up leftover 5-grain bread ends, these nuggets are packed with flavor and nutrients. A vibrant parsley boost adds vitamins, and a honey mustard dipping sauce completes this winning combination. Perfect for picky eaters (even toddlers!), these nuggets are freezer-friendly for easy weeknight meals. Serve them as a standalone snack, atop a fresh salad, or tucked into a warm wrap!

See Complete Recipe
Battered Fried Clams image 168
Easy Easy Preparation 15 Minutes Or Less

Battered Fried Clams

Forget those frozen supermarket clams! This recipe delivers the ultimate crispy, golden-fried clam experience. Dive into succulent, perfectly battered clams – a true taste of the sea. Serve them with your favorite sides: our KFC Coleslaw (recipe #110948), crispy chips, onion rings, or French fries. And don't forget the essential tartar sauce! This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a delicious weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

See Complete Recipe