10 Delicious Substitutes for Tartar Sauce to Serve with Fish

Tartar sauce, with its tangy, creamy flavor, is a classic condiment to serve alongside fish. But what if you don’t have tartar sauce on hand or want to try something new? Luckily, there are plenty of tasty tartar sauce substitutes you can whip up using ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 delicious options to serve instead of tartar sauce with fish, from quick homemade sauces to store-bought alternatives. I’ll also offer tips on how to tweak recipes to best complement different types of fish.

Why Use a Tartar Sauce Substitute?

Here are some of the most common reasons you may need a stand-in for tartar sauce when serving fish:

• Don’t have tartar sauce ingredients on hand – Tartar sauce typically contains mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and herbs. If you’re missing one of these components, a substitute makes sense.

• Want to avoid eggs or dairy – Traditional tartar sauce relies on mayonnaise, which contains egg yolks and dairy. Substitutes like tzatziki allow you to avoid these ingredients.

• Looking for a change – While tartar sauce is tasty, it’s nice to switch up the flavors you pair with fish Substitutes provide variety

• Dietary restrictions – For low-carb, vegan, or gluten-free diets, alternatives allow you to still enjoy a creamy, tangy sauce.

• Don’t like tartar sauce flavor – If you find tartar sauce too tangy or strong, substitutes offer more versatility.

10 Tasty Tartar Sauce Substitutes to Try

From homemade sauces to convenient store-bought options, here are 10 substitutes to serve with fish fillets, fish tacos, fish sticks and more.

1. Homemade Remoulade

Remoulade is a classic French condiment that’s very similar to tartar sauce but often packs a bit more heat. To make it yourself, simply combine mayonnaise, stone ground mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, herbs, garlic, and spices like paprika or cayenne pepper. It takes just minutes to whisk together. The spicy, tangy flavor pairs perfectly with fried fish.

2. Quick Homemade Tartar Sauce

When time allows, whip up a quick homemade tartar sauce substitute. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, capers, and fresh dill or parsley. For a dairy-free option, use vegan mayo. The fresh, tangy sauce tastes better than store-bought. Customize the flavor profile to complement your fish choice.

3. Aioli

Aioli is a garlicky mayonnaise-based sauce that can be flavored in endless ways. To make a simple substitute, combine mayo, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like parsley, tarragon or chives. For an extra kick, add spicy ingredients like sriracha or jalapeños. The possibilities are endless with this bright, flavorful sauce.

4. Cocktail Sauce

Best known as a seafood cocktail dip, this tomato-based sauce also works nicely with fried fish. For a quick substitute, combine ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce. The punchy, acidic flavor stands up well to fish with crispy breading. Adjust the horseradish to suit your desired spice level.

5. Tzatziki

For a lighter, yogurt-based alternative, try this classic Greek cucumber sauce. Simply stir together Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, lemon juice, dill, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Tzatziki’s cool, refreshing flavor pairs nicely with grilled fish or lighter preparations. To make it vegan, use non-dairy yogurt.

6. Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing makes a quick no-fuss substitute, plus most people have it on hand. While thicker than tartar sauce, its creamy base still complements fried fish beautifully, adding a blast of herb flavor. For a lighter version, combine Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning mix.

7. Malt Vinegar

For fish and chips, try malt vinegar for a tangy kick. The mild, slightly sweet vinegar complements the hot fried food without overpowering it. Simply pour vinegar over fish, or mix with mayo for dipping. Cider vinegar also works well.

8. Salsa

For a chunky, flavorful sauce for tacos, top with your favorite salsa. Tomatillo or mango salsas pair particularly nicely with fish. Or make your own by chopping tomatoes, onions, chiles, cilantro and lime juice. The possibilities are endless for creating a vibrant, fresh salsa-sauce.

9. Pesto

For Mediterranean flair, top grilled or baked white fish with a dollop of pesto. The basil, pine nut and olive oil sauce adds a delicious pop of herby flavor and richness. Sun-dried tomato pesto is also fantastic. Just stir in a spoonful over cooked fish.

10. Hummus

Hummus makes a wonderful thick, creamy sauce for fish tacos or seafood pitas. Its nutty flavor complements fish beautifully. For serving, simply top cooked fish with a dollop of store-bought or homemade hummus. Then finish with lemon and parsley.

Choosing a Substitute to Match the Fish

The type of fish you’re preparing should guide your tartar sauce sub choice. Here are some tasty pairings:

• Fried white fish or fish sticks – Homemade tartar sauce, remoulade, aioli

• Grilled salmon or tuna – Tzatziki, hummus, sun-dried tomato pesto

• Fish tacos – Salsa, hummus, avocado cream

• Fish & chips – Malt vinegar, quick tartar sauce

• Crab cakes – Homemade remoulade, lemon aioli

How to Make Substitutes Your Own

When using a store-bought sub or following a homemade recipe, tweak flavors to best complement your meal:

• Adjust tartness – For fish that can stand up to acidity, increase lemon juice or vinegar. For more delicate fish, tone it down.

• Vary herbs & spices – Choose herbs like dill, parsley or tarragon to suit the dish. Add cayenne, paprika or black pepper for a kick.

• Mix in veggies – For extra flavor and texture, fold in finely minced ingredients like shallots, scallions, garlic, bell peppers, or hot chiles.

• Change up acids – Swap citrus for ingredients like wine, verjus, rice vinegar or mirin to vary the acidic component.

• Consider texture – Creamy aioli or hummus work nicely with grilled fish. Crunchy salsa goes great on tacos.

Quick Tips for Serving Success

• Chill sauces before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

• Place sauces in small bowls for dipping fried fish or drizzle over tacos and burgers.

• Adjust consistency if needed by thinning with lemon juice, vinegar or water.

• Garnish with fresh herbs, black pepper or red pepper flakes.

• Serve any leftover sauce within 3-4 days for best quality.

Recipes to Inspire You

Here are some tasty fish recipes to try with these tartar sauce substitute ideas:

• Fish Tacos – Top with salsa, hummus or avocado cream

• Crispy Fish Sandwiches – Spread with quick homemade tartar sauce or remoulade

• Grilled Salmon – Top with lemony aioli or Mediterranean pesto

• Beer Battered Fish & Chips – Sprinkle with malt vinegar for tangy flavor

• Blackened Tilapia – Serve with a cooling yogurt tzatziki sauce

• Crab Cakes – Dip in spicy remoulade for a Louisiana-inspired appetizer

With so many options for creamy, tangy sauces to serve with fish beyond classic tartar sauce, you can enjoy flavorful variety anytime. The possibilities are endless, so get creative with these substitute ideas in your kitchen soon. Just be sure to adjust seasonings to complement the fresh fish you’re preparing for delicious results.