Does Tartar Sauce Go With Salmon? A Complete Guide

Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available. Known for its rich omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, salmon can be prepared in endless ways. From poaching to smoking to grilling, salmon pairs well with many flavors and ingredients. One classic pairing is salmon with tartar sauce – but does tartar sauce actually go well with salmon? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Salmon?

Salmon is a fatty, oily fish that is praised for its nutritional content. Salmon is an excellent source of:

• High-quality protein – salmon contains all 9 essential amino acids needed for building and maintaining muscle. A 3 oz serving provides 17-25 grams of protein

• Omega-3 fats: Salmon is one of the best places to get EPA and DHA, which help reduce inflammation. These healthy fats promote heart health and brain function.

• Vitamin B – salmon contains several B vitamins including niacin B12 and B6. These support energy production and red blood cell formation.

• Selenium – salmon is high in the antioxidant mineral selenium which boosts immunity and thyroid health.

• Potassium – salmon provides this essential mineral that regulates fluid balance and blood pressure.

• Vitamin D – wild salmon contains vitamin D which aids calcium absorption and promotes bone health.

Salmon is also a safe choice because it has less mercury than other fish. Overall, salmon provides impressive nutrition in a tasty package.

Where Does Salmon Come From?

Most salmon today comes from two main sources: wild capture and aquaculture farming.

Sockeye, coho, and Chinook salmon are some of the wild salmon that are caught in Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern California. Wild salmon offers exceptional omega-3 content and flavor.

Farm-raised salmon comes from enclosed net pens, usually overseas. It is more affordable but has less omega-3s. Look for sustainably farmed salmon when buying farmed varieties.

How is Salmon Used?

Thanks to its versatile texture and rich taste, salmon works well in many dishes:

• Grilled – salmon fillets or steaks are seasoned and grilled until lightly charred on the outside and flaky on the inside. Great for summer cooking.

• Baked – baking salmon allows the fillet to gently cook while absorbing any sauce or glaze. Pairs well with compound butters.

• Poached – gently simmering salmon in broth or wine creates a tender, moist texture. Works nicely for serving salmon cold in salads.

• Smoked – salmon gets deliciously infused with smoky flavor through hot or cold smoking methods. Makes incredibly tasty appetizers and sandwiches.

• Raw – sushi and poke bowls rely on the use of raw salmon for its soft, velvety texture. Fresh wild salmon has the best taste and texture for eating raw.

• Canned – pre-cooked salmon is canned to extend its shelf life. Canned salmon makes quick salmon patties, dips, and salads.

What is Tartar Sauce?

Tartar sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment often paired with seafood. Traditional tartar sauce contains:

• Mayonnaise – this emulsion of egg yolk, oil, and vinegar forms the base of the sauce. Mayonnaise provides a rich, creamy texture.

• Chopped pickles – tart cornichons, dill pickles, or pickle relish add crunch and acidity.

• Minced onion – onion brings a mild bite and savory flavor.

• Capers – the salty, briny taste of capers balances out the creaminess of mayo.

• Lemon juice – a squirt of lemon juice contributes bright acidity.

• Fresh parsley – green parsley flakes give the sauce freshness.

• Dijon mustard – mustard lends tangy heat that cuts through the rich mayo.

The ingredients combine to make a cool, piquant sauce perfect for seafood. While creamy, traditional tartar sauce packs a flavor punch from the pickles, capers, and acidity.

Does Tartar Sauce Go With Salmon?

Yes, tartar sauce makes an excellent pairing with salmon. The cool, creamy tartar sauce contrasts beautifully with hot, flaky salmon.

The acidity and zing of tartar sauce also helps cut through salmon’s natural oiliness. This refreshing contrast makes the salmon taste cleaner and fresher.

The crunch of pickles and capers adds great texture that plays off the soft, tender salmon flesh. Tartar sauce tends to complement – not overwhelm – the flavor of quality salmon.

Finally, tartar sauce contains enough fat itself to stand up to salmon’s richness. Whereas a vinaigrette may seem too thin, the creamy base of tartar sauce matches salmon’s fat content.

For all these reasons, tartar sauce makes a natural, time-tested partner for salmon dishes. It’s a surefire way to elevate simple grilled or pan seared salmon fillets.

How to Serve Salmon with Tartar Sauce

Here are some delicious ways to enjoy salmon with tartar sauce:

• Grilled salmon – Top grilled or broiled salmon steaks or fillets with a dollop of tartar sauce. The cool sauce contrasts with the hot, charred salmon.

• Baked salmon – Bake salmon fillets and serve with tartar sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping.

• Salmon burgers – Add a spoonful of tartar sauce to salmon burgers for a tangy twist. Works great on sandwiches too.

• Salmon fish cakes – Mix some tartar sauce right into the salmon fish cake batter for built-in flavor, then serve more on the side.

• Salmon salad – Flake poached salmon over greens, veggies, and potatoes. Drizzle the salad with lemon-spiked tartar sauce.

• Smoked salmon – A schmear of tangy tartar sauce is divine on smoked salmon bagels or crackers.

• Salmon poke bowl – Make your poke bowl pop by topping raw salmon cubes with zig-zags of tangy tartar sauce.

Tartar sauce adds so much flavor, texture, and visual appeal to any salmon dish. Keep a batch in the fridge to pull out anytime you’re cooking up this amazing fish.

How to Make Salmon and Tartar Sauce

Making salmon with homemade tartar sauce is simple. Here is an easy recipe:

Ingredients:

For the tartar sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp capers, rinsed, drained and chopped
• 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp minced onion
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the salmon:

• 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets, skin removed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Make the tartar sauce: In a small bowl, stir together all the ingredients until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

2. Prepare the salmon: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until opaque and flaky.

4. Serve the salmon immediately with lemon wedges and dollops of the chilled tartar sauce.

The tangy tartar sauce paired with the smoky, tender salmon makes a mouthwatering meal that takes under 30 minutes to make.

FAQs About Salmon and Tartar Sauce

What other meals can I make with salmon and tartar sauce?

Beyond the basics, try:

• Smoked salmon flatbread with tartar sauce, arugula, and pickled onions
• Open-faced salmon bagel sandwich with caper tartar sauce
• Salmon niçoise salad with potatoes, green beans, olives and tartar sauce dressing
• Salmon and dill fish cakes served with lemony tartar sauce for dipping

What ingredients go well with tartar sauce?

Tartar sauce pairs impeccably with:

• Fried seafood like cod, halibut, haddock, shrimp and calamari
• Crab cakes, crab legs and lobster
• Oysters, mussels and clams on the half shell
• Veggie fritters and fries
• Grilled chicken, pork and lamb

What is McDonald’s tartar sauce made of?

McDonald’s tartar sauce contains: mayonnaise, milk, onion, dill pickle relish, lemon juice, parsley, capers, guar gum, calcium disodium EDTA.

Conclusion

Tartar sauce makes a perfect pairing for salmon. The cool, tangy