FOOD NEWS
What's Actually In Tartar Sauce?
By Garth Clingingsmith
Whether it's a neighborhood fish fry or a trek to your standard seafood chain, Americans love to dip fish or other aquatic treats into tartar sauce. However, as much as the average diner enjoys dipping their seafood into tartar sauce, far too many are unsure about what exactly makes up this creamy white concoction.
When it comes to tartar sauce, you're bound to run into endless variations, but the basic components will always be mayonnaise, pickles, capers, lemon juice, and herbs. That pickle doesn't even need to be a cucumber — feel free to use a pickled onion or relish, or sub a vinegar of your choice for the lemon juice and add some citrus zest to up the tartness.
The herbs you choose will make a massive difference, and while parsley is fine, you can get creative with some dill, tarragon, cilantro, or basil. The beauty of tartar sauce is its ability to transform into something completely different with a simple addition; for example, adding hard-boiled eggs turns it right into sauce gribiche.