Easy Alton Brown Tartar Sauce Recipe That’s Simply Perfect

Tartar sauce transforms ordinary seafood into an extraordinary culinary experience with its creamy, tangy essence.

Crafted by a legendary food personality, this particular recipe promises unparalleled depth and complexity for home cooks.

Zesty ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend that tingles taste buds and awakens palates.

Homemade versions crush store-bought alternatives with their fresh, vibrant character and personalized touch.

Professional chefs understand that exceptional sauces can elevate simple dishes from mundane to magnificent.

Each carefully selected component contributes a subtle nuance that makes this condiment truly remarkable.

Prepare to revolutionize your seafood and sandwich game with this impeccable flavor companion: your taste buds will thank you.

Why Alton Brown’s Tartar Sauce is the Perfect Accompaniment to Fried Fish

• Whip Up Creamy Condiment: This tartar sauce brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen with minimal effort, transforming simple ingredients into a deliciously tangy spread perfect for seafood and sandwiches.
• Lightning-Fast Preparation: In just 15 minutes, you can create a fresh, homemade sauce that beats store-bought versions, letting you customize the taste and avoid preservatives with basic kitchen staples.
• Versatile Flavor Booster: The combination of creamy mayonnaise, zesty pickles, and bright lemon juice creates a multi-dimensional condiment that elevates everything from fish sticks to grilled salmon, making it a must-have in your culinary arsenal.
• No-Fuss Technique: With only two simple steps involving whisking and seasoning, even novice cooks can confidently craft a professional-tasting sauce that impresses family and friends without requiring advanced cooking skills.

What You Need for Alton Brown’s Tartar Sauce

• Mayonnaise: A creamy base that provides rich, tangy foundation for the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Adds extra tang and smooth texture to the tartar sauce.

• Cornichons, Pickles: Briny, chopped pickles that give a sharp and zesty flavor profile to the sauce.
• Capers: Small, salty pickled flower buds that contribute a bright, intense flavor punch.

• Lemon Juice: Fresh citrus that brightens and balances the entire sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a subtle spicy and sharp undertone to the tartar sauce.
• Dill: Fresh herb that adds a classic herbal note complementing the pickled elements.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and round out the overall taste.

How to Make Alton Brown’s Tartar Sauce

Step 1: Gather Your Zesty Sauce Ingredients

• Mayonnaise
• Finely chopped dill pickles
• Minced red onion
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Step 2: Blend and Mix the Flavor Explosion

Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine all ingredients. Whisk everything together until the sauce looks smooth and well-incorporated. The goal is to create a creamy, bright condiment that will make your seafood sing with flavor.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust the Zing

Take a small taste of your tartar sauce. If you want more brightness, add an extra splash of lemon juice. Craving more pickle punch? Toss in a few more chopped dill pickles. Adjust salt and pepper until the sauce has the perfect balance of tangy and creamy.

Step 4: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle

Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and intensify, creating a more delicious condiment. The sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Pro Tips for Alton Brown’s Tartar Sauce

• Craft Texture Harmony: Dice pickles and onions into uniform, tiny pieces for a smooth, balanced sauce.
• Personalize Zesty Blend: Tweak pickle and lemon quantities until the flavor sings exactly to your liking.
• Herb Freshness Matters: Pluck vibrant, just-picked herbs that burst with aromatic goodness.
• Rapid Whisking Technique: Blend ingredients swiftly and vigorously to marry flavors instantly.
• Spice Adventure Unleashed: Toss unexpected herbs or spices into the mix for a surprising sauce transformation.

How to Store Alton Brown’s Tartar Sauce

• Glass Container Method: Store tartar sauce in a crystal-clear, airtight glass jar to maintain maximum freshness. Prevent air exposure by using containers with tight-sealing lids, which protect the sauce's delicate flavor profile and creamy texture.
• Portion Control Method: Divide tartar sauce into smaller silicone freezer bags or ice cube trays before freezing. Pop out individual portions for quick, convenient use without thawing the entire batch, reducing potential waste and preserving optimal taste.
• Temperature Stability Method: Keep refrigerated tartar sauce between 34-40°F to extend its shelf life. Place the container in the coldest section of your refrigerator, typically the back of the bottom shelf, away from temperature fluctuations near the door.

Delicious Variations of Alton Brown’s Tartar Sauce

• Herbed Ocean Blend: Introduce fresh dill, chives, and parsley for a vibrant herbaceous profile that enhances seafood dishes with a garden-fresh kick.
• Spicy Coastal Remix: Add sriracha, cayenne pepper, and finely minced jalapeños to create a zesty sauce that brings heat and complexity to fried fish or seafood platters.
• Smoky Pepper Fusion: Mix in smoked paprika, roasted red peppers, and a touch of chipotle powder to deliver a rich, smoky undertone that complements grilled maritime proteins.
• Mediterranean Inspired Blend: Incorporate chopped kalamata olives, za'atar seasoning, and a splash of tahini for a Middle Eastern-inspired condiment with deeper, earthier notes.

A Tangy and Creamy Dip with Alton Brown’s Tartar Sauce

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients merge into Alton Brown’s tartar sauce.

Classic condiment crafting becomes effortless with this straightforward recipe.

Mediterranean and coastal flavors dance together in each creamy spoonful.

Home kitchens can instantly elevate seafood dishes with this zesty companion.

Homemade sauces always taste superior to store-bought alternatives.

You’ll want to share this delightful recipe with friends, spread the love on social media, and invite fellow cooking enthusiasts to explore its delicious potential.

Alton Brown Tartar Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s tartar sauce elevates seafood with its zesty, creamy profile. Fresh herbs and tangy pickles blend seamlessly, creating a classic condiment that will make you crave more crispy fish or seafood delights.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 cup (150 g) dill pickles, finely chopped

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) dill, fresh or frozen, OR 1 tablespoon (15 ml) finely chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) lemon juice

Optional Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) onion, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine all ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth and uniform consistency.
2. Adjust the flavor profile by incorporating extra briny pickles or a splash of zesty lemon juice, tasting carefully to achieve the desired balance of tanginess and seasoning.

Notes

• Elevate your sandwich game by finely dicing pickles for an even crunch in every bite.
• Fresh dill or chives can transform the basic spread into a gourmet condiment.
• Tangy pickles and zesty lemon juice create a balanced, vibrant flavor profile.
• Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and integrate faster.
• Leftover spread keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making meal prep a breeze.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 135
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg