Authentic Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Secret to Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce: A Recipe Revealed

Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce is a beloved condiment that adds a tangy, creamy flavor to fish, seafood, and other dishes. The authentic recipe is now available for you to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, including 240 g / 1 cup of mayonnaise, 60 g / 1/4 cup of chopped pickles, and 15 g / 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, you can recreate this iconic sauce.

• Combine mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, and 5 g / 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard in a bowl.
• Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Chill the mixture in the refrigerator at 4 °C / 39 °F for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

This homemade tartar sauce recipe is easy to follow and requires no cooking, making it perfect for a quick and delicious accompaniment to your favorite dishes. With its rich, creamy texture and balanced flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce Recipe Card

Craving that iconic creamy tang of Long John Silver’s tartar sauce? You’re in luck! This homemade version captures the classic flavor perfectly. It’s quick, easy, and requires just a few pantry staples.

Ingredients:

• 120 ml / ½ cup mayonnaise
• 60 ml / ¼ cup sweet pickle relish
• 30 ml / 2 tbsp finely chopped onion
• 15 ml / 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill
• 5 ml / 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
2. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions:

This tartar sauce is a perfect match for fried fish, seafood platters, or even as a dipping sauce for fries.

Ingredients for Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

This classic tartar sauce recipe is a staple at Long John Silver’s, and with these essential ingredients, you can make it at home.

Main Ingredients:

• 240 g / 1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or similar brand)
• 120 g / 1/2 cup finely chopped dill pickles (such as Claussen)
• 30 g / 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 15 g / 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 10 g / 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
• 5 g / 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2.5 g / 1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard (such as Dijon)
• 0.25 g / 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 0.15 g / 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Ingredients:

• 30 g / 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon (adds a unique flavor)
• 15 g / 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (adds a bright, fresh taste)

For an authentic Long John Silver’s tartar sauce, be sure to use high-quality mayonnaise and fresh herbs. The chopped pickles provide a tangy, salty flavor, while the horseradish adds a spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the amount of horseradish to your taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

To make Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce, start by gathering the necessary ingredients, including 240 g / 1 cup of mayonnaise, 60 g / 1/4 cup of chopped pickles, 15 g / 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley, 15 g / 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 10 g / 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, and 5 g / 1 teaspoon of salt.

Combine these ingredients in a specific order to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and be sure to chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes at a temperature of 4°C / 39°F to allow the flavors to meld together.

1. Mix 240 g / 1 cup of mayonnaise with 10 g / 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard in a bowl for exactly 2 minutes at room temperature, approximately 20°C / 68°F, until well combined.
2. Add 60 g / 1/4 cup of chopped pickles to the mayonnaise mixture and stir for 1 minute to distribute the pickles evenly throughout the sauce.
3. Stir in 15 g / 1 tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley and 15 g / 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for 30 seconds to add a bright, tangy flavor to the sauce.
4. Season the sauce with 5 g / 1 teaspoon of salt and stir for an additional 30 seconds to balance out the flavors.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the sauce at a temperature of 4°C / 39°F for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. After the sauce has chilled, give it a good stir and taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, lemon juice, or parsley as needed to achieve the perfect flavor.
7. Transfer the Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C / 39°F for up to 1 week, giving the sauce at least 30 minutes to chill before serving.

Tips for Making the Perfect Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

For the best results, use high-quality ingredients, including fresh parsley and real mayonnaise, and be sure to chill the sauce for the full 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

• Use a high-quality mayonnaise that contains only egg yolks, oil, vinegar, and seasonings for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t overmix the sauce, as this can result in a thin, separated sauce that lacks the creamy texture of traditional tartar sauce.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice and salt to taste, adding more or less as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

Ready to elevate your tartar sauce game? Here are some insider tips to ensure your homemade sauce tastes just like the iconic Long John Silver’s version:

Mayonnaise Matters

The foundation of a great tartar sauce is a high-quality mayonnaise. Choose one that’s tangy and flavorful, not overly sweet or bland. Experiment with different brands to find your favorite.

Fresh Herbs, Always

Fresh dill is essential for that classic Long John Silver’s flavor. Use plenty of it! If you don’t have fresh dill, finely chopped dried dill can be substituted, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.

The Right Pickle

Sweet pickle relish is a must-have for authentic tartar sauce. Look for a relish with a good balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Avoid overly spicy or chunky relishes, as they can overpower the other ingredients.

Taste as You Go

Tartar sauce is all about balance. Taste the sauce as you add each ingredient and adjust the seasonings accordingly. You may want to add a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of hot sauce to personalize the flavor.

Storing for Success

Store your homemade tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It will thicken slightly as it chills, so give it a gentle stir before serving.

Substitutions for Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

Make this classic tartar sauce recipe accessible to everyone by substituting ingredients with these options.

Vegan Substitutions

• Mayonnaise: Replace 240 g / 1 cup of mayonnaise with a vegan alternative like Vegenaise (240 g / 1 cup) or Just Mayo (240 g / 1 cup). These options provide a similar creamy texture and flavor.
• Chopped Pickle Relish: Use a vegan pickle relish or make your own by mixing 120 g / 1/2 cup of finely chopped pickles with 30 g / 1 tablespoon of vegan mayonnaise.

Gluten-Free Substitutions

• Worcestershire Sauce: Replace 30 g / 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free alternative like Annie’s Naturals Worcestershire Sauce (30 g / 2 tablespoons).

Additional Substitutions

• Chopped Fresh Chives: Add 15 g / 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives for a fresh flavor and pop of color.
• Reduced-Fat Mayonnaise: Use a reduced-fat mayonnaise (240 g / 1 cup) for a healthier option with minimal flavor impact.

These substitutions will help you create a delicious and accessible tartar sauce recipe that suits your dietary needs.

Variations on Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

Take the classic Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce recipe to the next level by experimenting with unique flavor variations. These twists offer a range of options to suit every taste.

• Spicy Tartar Sauce: Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot) to the original recipe for an extra kick. This variation adds a bold, spicy flavor and takes approximately 5 minutes to prepare.
• Smoky Tartar Sauce: Mix in 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika to give the sauce a deep, smoky flavor. This variation requires no additional preparation time and adds a rich, savory taste.
• Dill Tartar Sauce: Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill to the original recipe for a bright, refreshing flavor. This variation takes an extra 2-3 minutes to prepare and pairs well with seafood.
• Lemon-Herb Tartar Sauce: Combine 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon of dried parsley to create a tangy, herby flavor. This variation requires no additional preparation time and complements grilled fish nicely.

How to Store Your Homemade Tartar Sauce

Just like at Long John Silver’s, your homemade tartar sauce will taste its best when stored properly. Here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful:

Refrigeration

For the best results, store your tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 1 week this way.

Freezing

To extend the shelf life of your tartar sauce, you can freeze it.

1. Pour the tartar sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of headspace for expansion.
2. Freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to use, thaw the frozen tartar sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly.

Important Note:

Always make sure your containers are clean and dry before storing tartar sauce to prevent bacterial growth.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

Don’t let a few hiccups ruin your perfect batch of tartar sauce. Here are some common issues that may arise and how to fix them.

Too-Thin Sauce

• Issue: Your sauce is too thin and runny.
• Solution: Add 15-30 g (1-2 tbsp) of mayonnaise or sour cream to thicken the sauce. You can also try refrigerating the sauce for 30 minutes to allow it to thicken.

Too-Thick Sauce

• Issue: Your sauce is too thick and difficult to spread.
• Solution: Add 15-30 ml (1-2 tbsp) of water or lemon juice to thin the sauce out. You can also try whisking the sauce for a few minutes to loosen it up.

Flavor Imbalance

• Issue: Your sauce tastes too salty or too bland.
• Solution: Adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also try adding a bit more chopped pickle or onion to balance out the flavor.

Remember, the key to a great tartar sauce is balance. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

Nutrition Information for Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

Per serving (30 g / 2 tablespoons), Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce contains approximately 150 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of 16 g / 0.6 oz of fat, 2 g / 0.07 oz of protein, and 2 g / 0.07 oz of carbohydrates.

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 16 g / 0.6 oz
• Sodium: 200 mg / 0.007 oz

This recipe is GF (gluten-free) but not DF (dairy-free) or vegan due to the presence of mayonnaise and other animal-derived ingredients.

Key Takeaways from Making Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

Recreating the signature taste of Long John Silver’s tartar sauce requires attention to detail and the right ingredients. Here are the essential tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect blend:

• Choose high-quality ingredients: Fresh mayonnaise, chopped pickles, and a hint of lemon juice are crucial to the authentic flavor of Long John Silver’s tartar sauce.
• Don’t over-mix: Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined, as over-mixing can result in a grainy texture.
• Use the right acidity level: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a tangy flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Store the sauce properly: Keep the tartar sauce refrigerated at 4°C (39°F) or below to prevent spoilage and maintain its flavor.
• Make it fresh: Tartar sauce is best consumed within a week of making it. Give it a good stir before serving to ensure the flavors are well combined.

By following these key takeaways, you’ll be able to recreate the signature taste of Long John Silver’s tartar sauce and enjoy it with your favorite seafood dishes.

The Story Behind Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce has been a staple condiment for seafood lovers for decades. The recipe was created to complement the chain’s fish and chips, with a focus on balancing tangy and creamy flavors. The original formula consists of a mixture of mayonnaise, chopped pickles, onions, and a blend of spices.

The sauce quickly gained popularity due to its unique taste and versatility. It pairs well with a variety of seafood dishes, from crispy fish to succulent shrimp. The secret to its success lies in the combination of ingredients, which provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of fried seafood.

• The sauce is made with 240 g / 1 cup of mayonnaise, providing a creamy base.
• A blend of 60 g / 1/4 cup of chopped pickles and 30 g / 2 tablespoons of onions adds a tangy flavor.

Today, Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce remains a fan favorite, and its recipe has been replicated and adapted by many. The sauce is typically served chilled, straight from the refrigerator at a temperature of 4°C / 39°F, to enhance its flavor and texture.

Enjoy Your Homemade Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

Making your own tartar sauce is a surprisingly simple way to elevate your fish and chips nights. Not only will you save money compared to store-bought versions, but you also gain the freedom to adjust the flavors to your exact preferences. Want a bit more tang? Add a squeeze of extra lemon juice. Prefer a spicier kick? Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper.

Give this recipe a try and discover the joy of homemade tartar sauce. And while you’re at it, explore our other seafood recipes for even more delicious culinary adventures!