Gordon Ramsay Tartar Sauce Recipe: The Ultimate Homemade Seafood Sauce
When it comes to elevating a seafood dish, few condiments do the job quite like tartar sauce. But if you’ve ever tasted Gordon Ramsay’s tartar sauce recipe, you know it’s on a whole different level. Creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned, this sauce is an essential sidekick to fish and chips, crab cakes, fried shrimp, and more.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make Gordon Ramsay’s famous tartar sauce at home with fresh, simple ingredients. This recipe is easy to follow and takes only minutes to prepare — yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor every time.
Why Gordon Ramsay’s Tartar Sauce Stands Out
Gordon Ramsay doesn’t do basic, even with something as traditional as tartar sauce. What makes his version special is the balance between acidity and creaminess, along with the freshness of herbs and the slight kick of Dijon mustard.
Most store-bought tartar sauces are either too sweet or overly tangy. Ramsay’s recipe uses high-quality ingredients that blend harmoniously to create a sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and far more refined than what you’ll find in a jar.
Ingredients in Gordon Ramsay’s Tartar Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make an authentic Gordon Ramsay tartar sauce:
🧾 Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (use a good-quality brand for best results)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped capers
- 2 tablespoons chopped gherkins or pickles
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped tarragon (optional but recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- A dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard for a bit more texture
How to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Tartar Sauce – Step-by-Step
Making Gordon Ramsay’s tartar sauce at home is incredibly simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master it:
👨🍳 Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
Finely chop the gherkins (or pickles), capers, parsley, and tarragon. Mince the shallot as small as possible — you want it to blend in smoothly without overpowering the sauce.
👨🍳 Step 2: Mix the Base
In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Stir together until smooth.
👨🍳 Step 3: Add the Flavor
Fold in the chopped gherkins, capers, shallot, lemon juice, and herbs. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all the textures and flavors.
👨🍳 Step 4: Season to Taste
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you want more acidity, a touch more lemon juice can be added. For more umami, try a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
👨🍳 Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions for Tartar Sauce
The beauty of Gordon Ramsay’s tartar sauce recipe is its versatility. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it:
- Classic Fish and Chips – A must-have pairing.
- Crab Cakes – The creamy tang complements the sweetness of crab.
- Fried Calamari or Shrimp – Adds richness and zest.
- Grilled Fish – Try it with cod, halibut, or tilapia.
- Seafood Sandwiches or Burgers – Use it as a spread.
Chef Tips to Perfect Your Homemade Tartar Sauce
✅ Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh herbs and lemon juice make a noticeable difference. Avoid dried herbs if possible.
✅ Don’t Skip the Chill Time
Chilling the sauce allows the ingredients to marry, giving it the authentic taste Ramsay’s tartar sauce is known for.
✅ Make It Ahead
This sauce keeps well for 3–4 days in the fridge. It’s perfect for prepping in advance.
Gordon Ramsay’s Tartar Sauce vs. Traditional Tartar Sauce
Traditional tartar sauce usually consists of mayonnaise, chopped pickles, and lemon juice. Gordon Ramsay’s version steps it up with Dijon mustard, capers, shallots, and fresh herbs. These additions offer more complexity, depth, and balance.
The use of Dijon adds a slight heat, while shallots introduce mild sweetness. Capers bring that signature briny tang, and herbs add vibrant color and freshness.
Can You Customize Gordon Ramsay’s Tartar Sauce?
Absolutely! While this is based on Gordon Ramsay’s go-to recipe, here are a few variations to make it your own:
- Add a dash of hot sauce or horseradish for heat.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
- Swap gherkins for dill pickles for a different flavor.
- Add chives or green onions for an extra oniony bite.
Storage and Shelf Life
Once prepared, store the tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 4 days. Make sure to give it a quick stir before serving.
Avoid freezing, as the mayo base can separate when thawed, resulting in an unpleasant texture.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Gordon Ramsay’s Tartar Sauce
If you’ve been searching for the perfect condiment to enhance your seafood dishes, Gordon Ramsay’s tartar sauce recipe is a must-try. It’s creamy, zesty, fresh, and incredibly easy to make. Once you try this version, you may never go back to store-bought again.
Whether you’re serving up a batch of crispy fish and chips or a gourmet fish sandwich, this tartar sauce is the finishing touch that turns a good meal into an unforgettable one.
📌 Quick Recipe Recap
Gordon Ramsay Tartar Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp capers (chopped)
- 2 tbsp chopped gherkins or pickles
- 1 small shallot (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp chopped tarragon (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix mayo and mustard in a bowl.
- Fold in capers, gherkins, shallot, lemon juice, and herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are preferred for flavor and color, but dried herbs can work in a pinch. Use half the amount if using dried.
❓ What type of mayo should I use?
A high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise is ideal. You can also try avocado mayo or homemade mayo.
❓ Is this tartar sauce gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the Dijon mustard label.
