Tartar sauce is typically a creamy, mayonnaise-based condiment packed with pickles, capers, and fresh herbs. It’s a classic pairing with seafood, but what if you’re vegetarian or vegan?
With the rising popularity of plant-based diets, the need for delicious and accessible vegetarian alternatives is greater than ever. The good news is that tartar sauce vegetarian versions are easy to whip up at home!
This guide will cover everything you need to know to make your own delicious vegetarian tartar sauce, including ingredient swaps, preparation tips, creative variations, and serving suggestions.
The base: Vegan mayonnaise
Vegan mayonnaise is the key to vegetarian tartar sauce. It replaces traditional egg-based mayonnaise, and it makes the recipe possible for people who avoid eating animal products.
You can buy vegan mayonnaise at the store, or you can make your own. Making your own vegan mayo may be a thrifty choice if you’re on a budget.
Choosing the right vegan mayonnaise
Vegan mayonnaises are made from a variety of bases, including soy, cashews, and avocados. Each of these bases has a slightly different flavor, so it’s important to choose the one that you think will taste best in your tartar sauce.
Some vegan mayos have a tangier or sweeter flavor than others, so be sure to take that into account when you’re making your selection.
Core Ingredients for Vegetarian Tartar Sauce
What transforms plain mayo into zesty tartar sauce? It’s all about the add-ins. Here are some key ingredients:
Pickles and Relish
Pickles give tartar sauce its signature tang and texture. Most recipes call for pickle relish or finely diced pickles.
As for what kind of pickles to use, dill pickles are the traditional choice, but you can also use sweet pickles or bread-and-butter pickles.
Acidic Components: Lemon Juice and Vinegar
Lemon juice adds a welcome brightness and cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise.
You can also add a splash of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar alongside the lemon juice, or use vinegar as a substitute for lemon juice.
Flavor Enhancers: Herbs and Spices
Fresh dill is a classic ingredient that adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor. Other herbs to consider are parsley, chives, or tarragon.
A pinch of salt and pepper is essential, and you can also add garlic powder or onion powder.
Optional Add-ins
Capers add a briny, salty flavor that works well in tartar sauce. Dijon mustard can add a tangy kick, and finely minced shallots can contribute a mild onion flavor.
How to make vegetarian tartar sauce
Here’s a simple guide to making a delicious vegetarian tartar sauce.
Prep work
First, pull together all your ingredients and tools: a mixing bowl, measuring spoons, a knife, and a cutting board.
Then, finely chop your pickles, herbs, and shallots (if you’re using them).
Mixing it up
In the mixing bowl, combine the vegan mayonnaise, chopped pickles or relish, lemon juice, herbs, and spices.
Stir it all together until it’s well combined and creamy.
Seasoning and adjusting
Give it a taste and then adjust the seasonings as needed. If you want a more tangy flavor, add a bit more lemon juice. For a touch of sweetness, add a pinch of cane sugar. For a little kick, add the chopped shallots.
You might also want to add a pinch of salt, pepper, or any other spices you enjoy.
Chilling and serving
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together and fully develop.
Serve chilled with your favorite vegetarian dishes.
Tartar sauce variations
Once you’ve mixed together a basic tartar sauce, you can experiment with different flavor profiles to create a sauce that perfectly suits your preferences.
Spicy tartar sauce
Stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sauce with a kick.
Sweet tartar sauce
Add a touch of maple syrup or agave nectar for a hint of sweetness.
Lighter tartar sauce
Use a combination of vegan mayonnaise and plain vegan yogurt or sour cream to cut calories and fat.
Other flavor combinations
Try different herbs and spices to come up with your own unique flavor combinations.
Finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers can give the sauce a Mediterranean flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Vegetarian tartar sauce isn’t just for fish substitutes! Here are some other ways to use it:
- Vegetarian “Fish”: Serve it with vegan fish sticks, vegan fish sandwiches, or tofu “fish” fillets.
- Vegetable Dishes: Use it as a dip for fried zucchini, artichoke hearts, or crispy potato wedges.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread it on veggie burgers, tempeh sandwiches, or your favorite wraps.
- Fries and Dipping: It’s also an amazing dipping sauce for regular french fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings.
In Conclusion
Making vegetarian tartar sauce is surprisingly simple, and the results are incredibly versatile. With just a few easy steps and ingredients like mayonnaise, relish, lemon juice, and some fresh herbs, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to find your perfect flavor profile. Try adding a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of smoked paprika, or some chopped capers for a unique twist.
This homemade vegetarian tartar sauce is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to store-bought versions. Enjoy!