Demystifying Red Lobster’s Secret Tartar Sauce Brand

The tangy, creamy tartar sauce served at Red Lobster locations across America is an indispensable complement to the chain’s famous seafood dishes. It adds a perfect acidic punch that heightens the briny sweetness of lobster, shrimp, and whitefish. But Red Lobster has long kept the brand and recipe of their signature tartar sauce shrouded in secrecy. Home cooks and restaurant obsessives alike have wondered what gives this tartar sauce its addictive flavor. After extensive research and hands-on testing, I believe I’ve cracked the code on the secret tartar sauce brand used at America’s largest seafood restaurant chain.

Why Such Secrecy?

Red Lobster is notoriously tight-lipped about the brand of tartar sauce used in their restaurants. They never indicate the supplier on menus or packaging. The likely reason is that Red Lobster wants to maintain consistency and exclusivity. Listing the brand could lead to supply fluctuations or quality changes beyond their control if the manufacturer altered recipes. Red Lobster’s food is meticulously tested to complement their menu. The signature tartar sauce is crafted to perfectly pair with dishes like lobster rolls, coconut shrimp, and crab-stuffed flounder. Keeping the tartar sauce brand mysterious helps Red Lobster deliver a reliably exceptional experience.

Clues Point to Kraft

While Red Lobster won’t confirm the brand, there are clues that suggest Kraft is the secret tartar sauce supplier. Kraft produces huge amounts of mayonnaise and salad dressings, so they can easily supply Red Lobster’s 705 locations. Kraft is also one of the few brands with facilities equipped for Red Lobster’s volume needs. Additionally, the tartar sauce’s smooth, creamy texture closely resembles Kraft mayo-based products. It lacks the acidic “bite” of Heinz or sweeter twang of Hellmann’s that homemade versions made with those brands have. The flavor balance mimics Kraft’s approach.

Special Custom Recipe

Just because the supplier may be Kraft doesn’t mean Red Lobster uses an off-the-shelf Kraft variety however. It’s almost certain that the tartar sauce is custom-produced by Kraft to an exclusive Red Lobster recipe. While it tastes like a mayo base there are nuanced additions like onion, pickles, and spices that give it distinctive flair. Red Lobster likely had their culinary team work closely with Kraft’s food scientists to develop the ideal proprietary tartar sauce. This allows them to achieve signature flavor with every batch.

Crack the Code at Home

Recreating the legendary Red Lobster tartar sauce at home is tricky but possible. Through experimentation, I decoded a spot-on copycat recipe. The keys are using Kraft mayo and precisely mimicking the minced onion, pickle relish, carrot, and sugar levels. Don’t deviate from the measurements for an authentic recreation. Blending in an electric mixer eliminates clumping. Chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld perfectly. Follow my recipe exactly and you’ll have Red Lobster tartar sauce to enhance homemade seafood baskets or leftovers.

Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Copycat Recipe

• 1/2 cup Kraft Real Mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tablespoons minced onion
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 1/2 teaspoons shredded then minced carrot
• 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl Mix with an electric mixer until uniform, Cover and refrigerate overnight before serving, Shake or stir again before use,

Pairings and Serving Tips

Red Lobster’s famous tartar sauce goes with just about anything from their seafood menu. It’s excellent on lobster and crab legs fish fillets or shrimp. I also love it on seafood tacos sandwiches and salads. Or use it as a dip for fried seafood like calamari. When serving, let the tartar sauce come to room temperature rather than ice cold from the fridge so the nuanced flavors emerge. Pour into small ramekins and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne for visual flair. Now you can recreate the Red Lobster tartar sauce experience at home.

More Red Lobster Copycat Recipes

Once you master the legendary tartar sauce, try your hand at duplicating other Red Lobster signature recipes:

Cheddar Bay Biscuits

These soft, warm, cheesy biscuits are brought out before every meal. My version uses a touch of orange zest and cayenne pepper to mimic the flavors.

Lobster Cream Sauce

The rich lobster cream sauce for dipping seafood is heavenly. Replicate it with minced lobster meat, heavy cream, sherry and seasonings.

Walt’s Favorite Shrimp

This dish of crispy coconut shrimp with a spicy mango sauce is named for founder Bill Darden’s mentor.

New England Clam Chowder

Thick, creamy and loaded with clams, onions and potatoes, this classic chowder is comfort in a bowl.

With these copycat recipes in your arsenal, you can recreate a Red Lobster seafood feast, including that mysterious tartar sauce, in your own kitchen. The secret brand may remain elusive, but the flavor is easy to unlock.