Ingredient

Tartar sauce

The Tangy Delight: Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is a mayonnaise-based condiment that is typically flavored with pickles, capers, onions, and herbs. It has a creamy texture with a tangy and slightly acidic taste. The sauce is often pale yellow or off-white in color, speckled with bits of chopped pickles and onions. It adds a refreshing and zesty element to dishes, balancing out the richness of fried seafood. Tartar sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce or spread for fish sandwiches and seafood appetizers.

Seasoning, sauces and condiments› Condiments (including table-top formats)› Savoury sauces› Mayonnaise, hollandaise and related sauces

Tangy and zesty with a creamy base.

Origins and history

Tartar sauce originated in France and was traditionally served with steak tartare, a dish made from raw minced beef. The sauce got its name from the dish and eventually evolved to become a popular accompaniment for seafood. It gained popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century and is now a staple in many seafood restaurants and households. The combination of tangy flavors from the pickles and capers, along with the creamy base, creates a unique and delicious sauce that enhances the taste of seafood dishes.

Nutritional information

Tartar sauce is relatively low in calories, with approximately 50 calories per tablespoon. It contains fats from the mayonnaise base and provides a small amount of vitamins and minerals from the added pickles, capers, and onions.

Allergens

May contain allergens such as eggs and mustard.

How to select

When selecting tartar sauce, look for a brand or homemade version that uses high-quality mayonnaise as the base. Check the ingredient list for fresh pickles, capers, onions, and herbs to ensure a flavorful sauce. Avoid products with artificial preservatives or excessive additives.

Storage recommendations

Store tartar sauce in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator. It should be kept at a temperature below 40°F (4°C) to maintain its freshness and quality. Homemade tartar sauce can be stored for up to one week, while commercially produced sauces may have a longer shelf life. Discard the sauce if it develops an off smell or taste.

How to produce

Tartar sauce is typically produced commercially or made at home using mayonnaise, pickles, capers, onions, and herbs. It can be easily prepared by combining these ingredients in the desired proportions and adjusting the flavors to personal preference.

Preparation tips

Tartar sauce is ready to use straight from the jar or after preparation. It is commonly served as a condiment for fried fish, shrimp, and other seafood dishes. It can also be used as a spread for fish sandwiches or as a dip for appetizers. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce before serving.

Culinary uses

Tartar sauce is commonly used in seafood dishes such as fish and chips, fried shrimp, crab cakes, and fish sandwiches. It adds a tangy and creamy element to these dishes, balancing out the richness of the seafood. Tartar sauce can also be used as a dip for fried appetizers like onion rings and calamari.

Availability

Tartar sauce is widely available in grocery stores and supermarkets worldwide. It is commonly found in the condiment aisle or the seafood section. Additionally, it can be easily prepared at home using readily available ingredients.