Description

This Southern Tartar Sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment perfect for elevating fried fish, seafood dishes, or sandwiches. Made with mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, capers, shallots, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, it’s a flavorful sauce enriched with fresh parsley and optional hot sauce for a mild kick. Easy to prepare and chill, it enhances any meal with its classic Southern charm.

Ingredients

Scale

Southern Tartar Sauce Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
1 tablespoon finely chopped capers
1 tablespoon finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, capers, and shallots. Stir well until the mixture is evenly blended to form the base of the sauce.
Add Flavor Components: Add fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl and continue mixing until all ingredients are fully incorporated, enhancing the tang and depth of the sauce.
Incorporate Fresh Herbs and Heat: Gently fold in the chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley to add brightness. If desired, add the optional hot sauce at this stage and mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the mild heat.
Season to Taste: Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference, balancing the flavors perfectly.
Chill to Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld and deepen for a more harmonious taste experience.
Serve: Serve the tartar sauce chilled as a flavorful accompaniment to fried fish, seafood dishes, or as a zesty spread for sandwiches.

Notes

For best flavor, refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your heat preference or omit it for a milder sauce.
This tartar sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Try using sweet or dill pickles depending on your taste preference.