Gordon Ramsay Tartar Sauce

This Gordon Ramsay–inspired tartar sauce is a classic, punchy condiment with a creamy texture and a bright, tangy finish. It is beautifully balanced, with sharp capers, fresh herbs, and just enough acidity to cut through fried fish. The recipe is quick, beginner-friendly, and comes together in about 10 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the tartar sauce

• 200g full-fat mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp small capers, drained and finely chopped
• 2 cornichons or gherkins, finely chopped
• 1 small shallot, very finely diced
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh tarragon or dill, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1–2 tsp lemon juice, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Sea salt, if needed

How to Make Gordon Ramsay Tartar Sauce

• Prepare the ingredients: Finely chop the capers, cornichons, shallot, and fresh herbs. Take your time here, as a fine chop gives the sauce a smooth, even texture.
• Mix the base: Spoon the mayonnaise into a medium bowl. Add the Dijon mustard and lemon juice, then stir until smooth and well combined.
• Add flavour: Fold in the chopped capers, cornichons, shallot, parsley, and tarragon or dill. Mix gently so everything is evenly distributed.
• Season carefully: Add black pepper and a small pinch of salt if needed. Capers are naturally salty, so taste before adding more.
• Chill and rest: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This resting time allows the flavours to meld and deepen.

Tips for the Best Tartar Sauce

Why should everything be finely chopped?

Finely chopped ingredients blend more smoothly into the mayonnaise, giving a balanced flavour in every spoonful rather than large, overpowering bites.

Can I adjust the acidity?

Yes. Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you go. The sauce should be tangy but not sharp.

Is homemade mayonnaise better?

Homemade mayonnaise gives a richer result, but a good-quality shop-bought version works perfectly well and keeps the recipe quick.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with battered fish and chips
• Pair with grilled salmon or prawns
• Spoon alongside fish cakes or crab cakes
• Use as a sandwich spread for seafood rolls

Storage

Room temperature

This sauce should not be left at room temperature for extended periods.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended, as the mayonnaise base can split once thawed.

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sodium: 320mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Gordon Ramsay Tartar Sauce

Recipe by Alex TurnerCourse: CondimentCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

people

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Total time

30

minutes

Calories

180

kcal

A creamy, tangy tartar sauce inspired by the flavours of Gordon Ramsay, perfect with fish and seafood.

Ingredients

• 200g full-fat mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp capers, finely chopped

• 2 cornichons or gherkins, finely chopped

• 1 small shallot, finely diced

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tsp fresh tarragon or dill, chopped

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1–2 tsp lemon juice

• Black pepper, to taste

• Sea salt, to taste

Directions

• Finely chop the capers, cornichons, shallot, and herbs.
• Mix mayonnaise with mustard and lemon juice until smooth.
• Fold in chopped ingredients and season to taste.
• Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Chilling improves flavour.
• Do not over-salt due to capers.