Gordon Ramsay’s tartar sauce is a tangy and creamy condiment that perfectly complements fried fish, seafood, or even grilled vegetables. Known for his attention to detail and flavor balance, Ramsay’s tartar sauce recipe adds a zesty twist to the traditional sauce with fresh herbs, capers, and pickles. This simple yet flavorful sauce can be made in minutes and will elevate any dish with its rich and vibrant taste.

What is Gordon Ramsay’s Tartar Sauce?

Gordon Ramsay’s tartar sauce is a mayonnaise-based sauce mixed with finely chopped pickles, capers, and herbs. It’s often served with fried fish and seafood but is versatile enough to be used as a dip or spread. Ramsay’s version includes fresh lemon juice and Dijon mustard, which add brightness and a slight kick to the sauce, making it more complex and layered than the average tartar sauce.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in minutes with simple ingredients.
Perfect for Seafood: The tangy, creamy texture of tartar sauce pairs beautifully with fish and other seafood dishes.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, whether you like it more tangy or herbaceous.

Versatile: Use it as a dip for vegetables, spread for sandwiches, or even with grilled meats.
Homemade Taste: Freshly made tartar sauce is far superior to store-bought versions, with a brighter and more balanced flavor.

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Tartar Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful tartar sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped

2 tablespoons pickles (cornichons or dill pickles), finely chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar

1 small shallot, finely chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need:

Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients.

Whisk or Spoon: For mixing the tartar sauce.
Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
Chopping Board and Knife: For finely chopping the herbs, pickles, and capers.

Instructions to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Tartar Sauce

Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the capers, pickles, shallots (if using), parsley, and dill. Make sure everything is uniformly chopped for the best texture.
Mix the Base: In a mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and white wine vinegar. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.
Add the Flavorings: Stir in the chopped capers, pickles, shallots, parsley, and dill. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Season: Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Add more lemon juice or vinegar if you prefer a tangier flavor.
Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the tartar sauce and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled as a dip or spread with your favorite seafood, fried fish, or other dishes.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay’s Tartar Sauce

This flavorful tartar sauce pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes:

Fish and Chips: A classic pairing for fried fish or crispy battered cod.
Crab Cakes: Serve alongside homemade crab cakes for an extra layer of flavor.
Grilled or Fried Shrimp: The tangy tartar sauce complements the sweetness of shrimp.

Fish Sandwiches: Spread tartar sauce on a sandwich with grilled or fried fish for a zesty bite.
Fried Calamari: Use it as a dip for fried calamari or other seafood appetizers.
Roasted Vegetables: A great dip for roasted potatoes, carrots, or even grilled vegetables.

What to serve with Gordon Ramsay Tartar Sauce

Essential Tips for Perfecting Gordon Ramsay’s Tartar Sauce

Follow these tips to ensure your tartar sauce turns out perfectly:

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill add brightness and depth to the sauce. If you prefer, you can substitute dried herbs, but the flavor will be less vibrant.
Finely Chop Ingredients: Make sure to finely chop the capers, pickles, and shallots to avoid any large chunks, which ensures a smooth and even consistency.

Adjust Acidity: If you like your tartar sauce tangier, you can increase the amount of lemon juice or vinegar. Taste and adjust to your preference.
Let It Chill: Allow the sauce to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Variations of Gordon Ramsay’s Tartar Sauce

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by trying different variations:

Spicy Tartar Sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Garlic Tartar Sauce: Stir in finely minced garlic or garlic powder for a garlicky twist.
Herb-Rich Tartar Sauce: Add more fresh herbs like tarragon or chives for a herbaceous boost.

Sweet Pickle Tartar Sauce: Use sweet pickles instead of dill pickles for a sweeter, tangy version.
Vegan Tartar Sauce: Use vegan mayonnaise to make this recipe plant-based without compromising on flavor.

Storing Gordon Ramsay’s Tartar Sauce: Best Practices

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigerate Properly: Store the tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Don’t Freeze: Tartar sauce doesn’t freeze well due to the mayonnaise base, which can separate when thawed.

FAQs

How long does homemade tartar sauce last?

Homemade tartar sauce can last up to 1 week when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to use fresh ingredients and keep it chilled to maintain its flavor and texture.

Can I make tartar sauce without pickles?

Yes, tartar sauce can be made without pickles. If you prefer, you can substitute chopped olives, capers, or even finely diced cucumbers to add texture and flavor. The pickles provide a tangy taste, so if you omit them, consider adding a little extra lemon juice or vinegar.

Can I freeze tartar sauce?

Freezing tartar sauce is not recommended because the mayonnaise base can separate when thawed, resulting in a less creamy consistency. It’s best to make tartar sauce fresh and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

What can I use instead of capers in tartar sauce?

If you don’t have capers, you can substitute chopped green olives, which have a similar briny flavor. Another option is to increase the amount of pickles for added tanginess.

Final Words

Gordon Ramsay’s tartar sauce is a simple yet flavorful condiment that elevates any seafood dish. With its tangy, zesty, and creamy profile, this homemade sauce is far superior to store-bought versions.

Enjoy the freshness and bold flavors of this versatile condiment!

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