The Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe is simple, fresh and very tasty. It is the perfect sauce for seafood, fried fish, fish sticks and even sandwiches. This recipe uses basic ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
The flavor is creamy, tangy, and full of bright notes from herbs and lemon. If you want to learn how to make Ina Garten Tartar Sauce, you are in the right place.
This guide will show you everything step by step. You will also find helpful tips and the best ingredients for Ina Garten Tartar Sauce to get perfect results every time.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Tartar Sauce
I tried this recipe when I made fried fish at home. I wanted a sauce that tasted fresh and not too heavy. Ina Garten’s version was perfect. It took only a few minutes to mix everything.
The lemon added a nice brightness, and the pickles gave great crunch. My family loved it and we finished the whole bowl quickly. The best part is how easy it is to adjust the taste. You can add more lemon, more herbs, or more pickles. It always turns out great.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Tartar Sauce
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Course: Sauce / Condiment
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 120 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Mixing bowl
- Small whisk or spoon
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons small-diced pickles
- 2 tablespoons small-diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare Ingredients
Dice pickles, onion and parsley into small pieces for a smooth and creamy sauce texture. - Mix Mayonnaise and Mustard
Add mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to a bowl. Mix well until they blend into a smooth base. - Add Pickles and Onion
Stir diced pickles and onions into the bowl. Mix gently to keep the texture nice and even. - Add Lemon Juice
Pour fresh lemon juice into the mixture. Stir to add brightness and balance the creamy flavor. - Add Seasoning
Add salt, black pepper and minced parsley. Mix again to combine everything evenly. - Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust salt, lemon or pickles based on your personal flavor preference. - Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl and chill for at least 20 minutes to let all flavors blend well together. - Serve Fresh
Serve the tartar sauce cold with fish, seafood or sandwiches for the best taste.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Dice pickles and onions very small for a smooth sauce.
- Chill the sauce before serving so flavors blend well.
- Add extra lemon if you prefer a sharper taste.
- Use good-quality mayonnaise for a richer flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using large chunks of pickles; it changes sauce texture.
- Adding too much lemon, which can make sauce watery.
- Skipping the chilling time; flavors will not fully blend.
- Using sweet pickles; they change the classic taste.
- Not tasting before serving; spices may need adjusting.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve this tartar sauce with many dishes. It tastes amazing with fried fish, baked fish, salmon burgers, shrimp, crab cakes or fish tacos. It also works as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
If you like dipping, try it with fries or onion rings. The creamy and tangy flavor makes many meals taste even better.
Variations You Can Try
- Add fresh dill for a herbal twist.
- Add chopped capers for a salty flavor.
- Add garlic powder for a stronger taste.
- Use Greek yogurt to make a lighter version.
- Add hot sauce for a spicy tartar sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store sauce in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Keep for up to 5 days for best freshness.
- Do not freeze; it will change the texture.
- Stir before using if liquid separates.
- Keep cold until serving to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbs | 2 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Sodium | 240 mg |
Health Benefits
This sauce is simple and made with fresh ingredients. Lemon adds vitamin C, which supports immunity. Parsley adds antioxidants and fresh flavor. You can also make it healthier by using yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Since you control every ingredient, you can keep it fresh and clean. It is much better than store-bought tartar sauces with many preservatives.
Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons small-diced pickles
- 2 tablespoons small-diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Dice pickles, onion and parsley into small pieces for a smooth and creamy sauce texture.
Mix Mayonnaise and Mustard
- Add mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to a bowl. Mix well until they blend into a smooth base.
Add Pickles and Onion
- Stir diced pickles and onions into the bowl. Mix gently to keep the texture nice and even.
Add Lemon Juice
- Pour fresh lemon juice into the mixture. Stir to add brightness and balance the creamy flavor.
Add Seasoning
- Add salt, black pepper and minced parsley. Mix again to combine everything evenly.
Taste and Adjust
- Taste the sauce and adjust salt, lemon or pickles based on your personal flavor preference.
Chill Before Serving
- Cover the bowl and chill for at least 20 minutes to let all flavors blend well together.
Serve Fresh
- Serve the tartar sauce cold with fish, seafood or sandwiches for the best taste.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Dice pickles and onions very small for a smooth sauce.
- Chill the sauce before serving so flavors blend well.
- Add extra lemon if you prefer a sharper taste.
- Use good-quality mayonnaise for a richer flavor.
FAQs about Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe
Q1: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day ahead. In fact, the flavors get even better after chilling overnight.
Q2: Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill pickles?
You can, but it will change the classic tartar sauce flavor. Dill pickles taste more traditional and fresh.
Q3: Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley?
Yes, but fresh parsley gives the best taste and color. If using dried, use half the amount.
Q4: Can I make this sauce lighter?
Yes, use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt. It will still taste creamy and delicious.
Q5: How long does the sauce stay fresh?
It stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Recipe is easy, quick and full of fresh flavor. You only need simple ingredients and a few minutes of mixing.
It pairs perfectly with seafood and many other dishes. This recipe is great for beginners and families who love homemade sauces.
Try it once, and it will become your favorite tartar sauce. Enjoy making it and enjoy every delicious bite!
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!