Homemade Tartar Sauce for Foodie Friday

I’ve made no secret of the fact that I love, love, love seafood.  We are blessed here in the Pacific Northwest with some of the best seafood available ANYWHERE.  I usually go for a simple preparation because there is no need to “gild the lily,” and I want the natural flavors of the fish to stand out.  What I do insist upon, however, is a homemade sauce to accompany a simple steamed crab, sautéed filet of sole or halibut steak.  I can’t imagine feasting on a platter of fried shrimp without a tangy sauce to dip them in, or oysters without a hit of hot sauce.  It’s all a crab cake sandwich needs to make it perfect.  More about the crab cake later.

I recently posted my recipe for crab Louie dressing  and today I want to share my favorite recipe for tartar sauce.  Sorry, but I don’t appreciate the ready made varieties that are all mayo and no flavor. Why prepare a perfect food and serve it with a much less than perfect condiment.

So here’s my favorite. You can add to or leave out if you wish, but these ingredients are staples in my kitchen so I can always whip up a recipe in a few minutes.

Homemade Tartar Sauce

• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons minced onion
• 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon green olives with pimento, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon capers, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon green pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate for several hours before serving.  We love this condiment and have been known to use it as a dip for French fries.

It’s Foodie Friday once again and Michael at Designs by Gollum is our gracious host.  Please drop by so you can visit all the participants.  You are invited to take part and I hope to see you there.