Tartar Sauce Recipe - How To Make It?

• Mayo and Greek yogurt: Blending these condiments makes a creamy base. The mayo is rich, and the Greek yogurt adds a nice tangy lightness.
• Lemon juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice in for that great citrus pop to help balance off the creaminess, making your taste buds tingle all over.
• Capers: These tiny, pickled flower buds pack a punch. They explode with salty flavor in every bite.
• Diced dill pickles: It adds a nice crunch along with a salty kick. The flavor of dill in them marries well with the other ingredients.
• Dijon mustard: It is a French condiment that adds class and peppery heat. It gives depth without overpowering.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic, when minced fine, is sharp, pungent, and aromatic; it gives sauce its savoriness and warmth.
• Onion powder: Sprinkle onion powder to give it a sweet-savory note. It rounds out the flavors nicely.
• Sea salt: A pinch just brings out all the other flavors. It's actually making the whole thing flavorful.

Equipment For Tartar Sauce

• Mixing Bowl
• Whisk or Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Spoons
• Grater or Zester

If you’re ready to cook. Here is what you will need to do. Firstly lets know what goes in tartar sauce (the exact measurement for this recipe):

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon diced dill pickles
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon minced capers
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Chives, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

Arrange all your ingredients in advance. Finely dice the dill pickles into cubes, mince capers (until they are really small), and grate one garlic clove.

Measure out mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dijon mustard, and onion powder.

Step 2: Blend Ingredients

Place all your arranged ingredients in a vessel. Then add mayo, greek yogurt, lemon juice, capers, dijon mustard, grated garlic, and onion powder.

The vessel should be large in size. It should hold all these ingredients for proper mixing.

Step 3: Mix well

Stir everything together using a spoon or whisk until quite smooth. Mix softly, yet make sure everything is incorporated well and no clump of one particular element exists.

Step 4: Seasoning

Mix well and then season your tartar sauce. Include sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. First, start with a little taste and adjust by adding more.

It is easier to add more in case of less, but not that easy to correct once over-seasoned.

Step 5: Finishing Touch

To complete the sauce with some flair, take some fresh chives and chop them as fine as possible over top of the tartar sauce. This adds color, and an added light onion flavor that melds together well with the sauce at hand.

Made too much of that delicious tartar sauce? No worries! Here's how to keep it fresh:

Find the Right Container

Grab an airtight container. This will be your tartar sauce's new home, protecting it from absorbing other flavors in your fridge.

Chill Out

Pop your container of tartar sauce into the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help preserve its freshness and flavor.

Enjoy Within a Week (or More!)

Your homemade tartar sauce can be kept for at least a week if stored properly. As a matter of fact, it may even last longer than that, but it will be best enjoyed within this time for flavor purposes.

Pro Tip: Give your stored tartar sauce a quick stir before use. Sometimes ingredients separate just a little in the fridge, and this will quickly mix back to that creamy, great state.

Here are some exciting ways to switch up your tartar sauce. Mix and match these ideas. Create your perfect tartar sauce.

No Mayo? No Problem!

• Greek yogurt: Replace with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed base. It gives a nice tang and a creamy texture without being overly heavy (perfect for the health-conscious eater who doesn't want to give up flavor).
• Avocado: Mash up ripe avocados into a buttery, silken-smooth paste. This one's teeming with heart-healthy fats and has a nutty flavor so tender it's almost undetectable. Perfect for those looking for a dairy-free alternative with a little more nutrition.
• Sour cream: It adds richness and a tangy kick. The addition here offers a luxurious mouthfeel with a sharpness that cuts well in fried seafood.

Also Try:

• Chopped olive: Finely chop a mix of green and kalamata olives. This Mediterranean twist will give a fish dish added complexity in a salty bite.
• Diced cucumber: Dice fresh cucumber for a refreshing crunch. It brings light freshness to the garden with each bite, while its texture forms a nice contrast with the creaminess of the base.
• Caper: Double up on capers for an intensely briny flavor. Flavor bombs in this tiny package add salty, tangy punches that seafood lovers would relish.
• Pepper: Roasted red peppers, sweet and smoked from the oven, are now finely chopped. They have added a splash of color as if it needed any, but the subtlety will work beautifully with the grilled fish.

Follow these extremities for flavorful, well-balanced homemade tartar sauce that's just right in terms of texture.

• Chill ingredients: Use cold mayo and yogurt for better consistency.
• Drain well: Pat capers and pickles dry to prevent watery sauce.
• Mince finely: Chop ingredients small for even distribution.
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning gradually to perfect the flavor.
• Let it rest: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
• Use fresh lemon: Squeeze real lemon juice, not bottled, for best taste.
• Balance flavors: Aim for a mix of tangy, salty, and creamy notes.
• Don't overmix: Stir gently to keep texture interesting.
• Store properly: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
• Make extra: Tartar sauce tastes even better the next day.

While tartar sauce traditionally pairs with seafood, let's explore some creative and delicious ways to enjoy it, especially if you're a veggie lover!

Crispy Veggie Dippers

Forget the fish sticks! We're going to take your taste buds on a crispy joy ride.

Air-fry cauliflower to gold and crunchy perfection, make perfectly crispy air fryer french fries, or if you're feeling light, bake some delicious zucchini chips. Dip all of them in a delicious tartar for an explosion of flavor.

Veggie Platter

Make your next crudité platter a showstopper, starring tartar sauce as the dip. Place it on a bed of fresh and crunchy vegetables, along with some warm pita bread. The combination will be too irresistible.

Grilled and Roasted Veggies

Dress up your roasted and grilled veggies with a dollop of this tartar sauce. Drizzle it over grilled corn for a tangy kick in a summer favorite. Squeeze some zest into your grilled zucchini.

Make a nice creamy contrast to the caramelized edges in roasted cauliflower or broccoli. And don't forget to top off your grilled veggie kabobs with the taste of this!

Sandwiches

Spread on your favorite sandwiches for that instant flavor boost. Feeling adventurous? Try using it in a Crispy Cauliflower Po' Boy for a vegetarian take on the classic.

Baked Potato

Sour cream, step aside! Add a lump of this tartar sauce to a hot baked potato for a tangy and creamy twist that'll have your taste buds dancing.