Alton Brown’s tartar sauce is a go-to recipe that combines ease with immense flavor! What more do ya need?
With just 15 minutes, you can have a homemade tartar sauce that pairs perfectly with fish or any seafood dish.
One trick I love is adding a touch of fresh dill for an extra burst of flavor—it makes all the difference in taste.
You’ll love how the tanginess from the lemon and dill pickles balances out the creaminess of the mayo.
Time to make it!
How to Make Alton Brown Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dill Pickles (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Onion (finely chopped, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Combine mayonnaise, dill pickles, and fresh lemon juice in a medium-sized bowl.
Mix well until the ingredients are fully integrated.
Step 2:
Add parsley, sugar, and black pepper to the bowl.
Stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of all components.
Step 3:
Incorporate the finely chopped onion into your sauce if you chose to use this optional ingredient.
Mix to combine once more.
Step 4:
Allow the mixture to rest in the refrigerator.
Chill for at least one hour to let the flavors blend together.
Step 5:
Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
You might want to add more lemon juice or pepper based on personal preference.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Chilling is Essential
Chilling the sauce lets the flavors meld together beautifully, so give it enough time in the fridge.
Mixing it up too fast can lead to a less robust taste, so give it a little patience initially.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh parsley instead of dried really brings out a lively taste that complements the other ingredients well.
Fresh lemon juice is always preferable for a brighter and more vivid flavor profile.
Customize Your Taste
Feel free to tweak the pickup flavors by using more or less as per your liking.
The beauty of this recipe is that minor adjustments can tailor it perfectly for your taste preferences.
Smaller changes to ingredients can really personalize this to what suits you best.
What to Serve with Alton Brown Tartar Sauce
When you’re making Alton Brown’s tartar sauce, you want something delicious to pair it with that highlights its flavors.
Think fish and chips! The classic combination of crispy fish and golden fries is a perfect match.
Grilled Vegetables
You might not have considered this before, but grilled veggies can surprise you when paired with tartar sauce.
The tangy sauce complements the smoky flavors of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus beautifully.
Mozzarella Sticks
For something different, try serving mozzarella sticks with tartar sauce instead of the usual marinara.
The creamy sauce provides a fun twist and a tasty contrast to the cheesy sticks.
Fried Pickles
Fried pickles are another unexpected pairing that works surprisingly well.
The tartness of the pickles blends nicely with the tangy richness of the tartar sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries
Swap out regular fries for sweet potato fries to pair with your tartar sauce.
The sweetness of the fries pairs excellently with the zesty, creamy sauce, creating just the right balance.
Shrimp Skewers
Shrimp skewers, grilled or fried, work magnificently with tartar sauce.
The seafood’s subtle flavor gets a delicious boost, making it a great option for your next meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Building the Flavors
You’re in for a treat when it comes to variations of tartar sauce!
You can experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley to add unique flavors.
Try adding a hint of Dijon mustard. Trust me, you’ll like it!
Substituting Ingredients
If you’re out of pickles, try using capers or olives for a briny substitute.
For a creamy base, you can use yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option.
A splash of hot sauce can never hurt for those who love a bit of spice with their seafood dishes!
Play around and find your perfect balance!
How to Store Leftover Alton Brown Tartar Sauce
Storing leftover Alton Brown Tartar Sauce properly is essential to maintain its fresh and vibrant flavor.
Container Storage
Make sure to keep your leftover tartar sauce in an airtight container with a tight seal.
You want to ensure that no air sneaks in, which could cause spoilage.
Refrigerator Storage
Refrigerate the sauce immediately after use.
It’s best to keep it at a consistently cool temperature in the fridge.
This way, you can safely enjoy it for up to a week.
When you take the sauce out, always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination.
No double-dipping allowed!
You’ll be so happy you did when you go to use it next.
Alternative Container Tips
If you don’t have an airtight container, you can use a mason jar or a resealable plastic bag instead.
These work just as well for keeping your tartar sauce fresh and ready.
Avoid Freezing
Avoid putting leftover tartar sauce in the freezer.
Freezing can change the consistency and alter the flavor.
Keeping it in the fridge ensures it stays as delicious as when you first made it!
Quick Check Before Use
Check the sauce for any changes in appearance or smell before using it again.
This quick check helps ensure that it’s still good to go.
Sniff and look before you dip!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong Pickles
Choosing the wrong type of pickles can really change the outcome of your tartar sauce.
You’ll want to use dill pickles for their bright tang; sweet pickles just don’t fit well in this sauce.
Over-Chopping Vegetables
When adding ingredients like onions or pickles, avoiding over-chopping is crucial.
Finely chopped veggies add texture, but too small and they’ll become mushy.
Using Old Herbs
Freshness matters with herbs to keep the flavor vibrant.
Old or stale herbs can make the sauce taste flat and lack its intended punch.

Alton Brown Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dill Pickles finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Onion finely chopped, optional
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, dill pickles, and fresh lemon juice in a medium-sized bowl.
- Mix well until the ingredients are fully integrated.
- Add parsley, sugar, and black pepper to the bowl.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of all components.
- Incorporate the finely chopped onion into your sauce if you chose to use this optional ingredient.
- Mix to combine once more.
- Allow the mixture to rest in the refrigerator.
- Chill for at least one hour to let the flavors blend together.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
- You might want to add more lemon juice or pepper based on personal preference.