Zesty Tartar Sauce: The Ideal Condiment for Fried Seafood Recipe

A tangy, homemade tartar sauce perfect for pairing with any fried seafood.

Tartar sauce has long been the quintessential condiment for seafood lovers. This zesty version adds a vibrant twist that will elevate your fried fish or shrimp to new heights. Traditional tartar sauce hails from the United States, but its French roots shine through with its creamy mayonnaise base and piquant flavorings. A great tartar sauce should be creamy, tangy, and a bit crunchy, striking a balance that enhances rather than overwhelms the main dish.

In this recipe, we're making everything from scratch to ensure the freshest flavors. From the zip of fresh lemon juice to the crunch of finely diced pickles, each ingredient plays its part in creating the ultimate dipping sauce experience. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply looking to expand your condiment repertoire, this zesty tartar sauce is a must-try. Let's dive in!

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped pickles
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped capers
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

Calories: ~80 calories

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped pickles, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped capers, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
2. Season: Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed.
3. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Serve: Serve cold alongside your favorite fried seafood, such as fish sticks, fried shrimp, or calamari.

Enjoy your homemade zesty tartar sauce, a perfect companion to any seafood dish. The careful balance of creamy mayonnaise and the piquant combination of pickles, capers, and fresh dill creates a delightful blend of flavors that enhances fried seafood without overpowering it. This tartar sauce isn't just for seafood; feel free to experiment with it as a marinade for grilled chicken or on a sandwich for an added layer of zest.

One essential tip for making the perfect tartar sauce is to use high-quality mayonnaise, as it forms the base of the sauce. Fresh ingredients like dill and lemon juice significantly improve the sauce's overall taste compared to their dried or bottled counterparts. Another tip is to let the sauce chill sufficiently, as this helps the flavors to combine thoroughly, giving you a tartar sauce that's rich, creamy, and bursting with freshness.

This tartar sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient go-to condiment for impromptu seafood nights or sandwiches. The versatility of this sauce makes it a staple worth keeping in your recipe arsenal. So, don’t hesitate to adapt it to your liking by adding a touch of hot sauce if you prefer a spicy kick, or even some chopped green olives for an extra layer of flavor. Happy cooking!