National Tartar Sauce Day – March 7, 2025

On March 7, we celebrate, National Tartar Sauce Day a day to enjoy Tartar Sauce fish and chips, seafood, or even as a dip for veggies, tartar sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick to your meals. However,  To celebrate, this day you can try making your version at home, experimenting with ingredients like dill, capers, and pickles. Or, you could host a seafood-themed dinner and serve a variety of dishes alongside your favourite tartar sauce.

French fries with ketchup. Chicken wings with barbecue sauce and fish with tartar sauce. However, these pairings of food with sauces are classics that just about anyone will love. And today is the day to celebrate the sauce.

Tartar sauce is used on seafood and makes a great dish during this period as Lent approaches. However, meat is not allowed, we enjoy fish and other seafood more with a bowl of creamy tartar sauce. The deliciousness never ends, whether we can eat meat or not. Hence, of course, it deserves a special day of its own where its contribution to the world of cuisine can be honoured.  So, have you ever made any plans on this day to make this day memorable?

Here are some of the Tartar sauces that are typically creamy and tangy, with a blend of flavours that you might include:

• Mayonnaise: The base, provides creaminess.
• Pickles: Adds crunch and tang; dill pickles are common.
• Capers: Bring a briny flavour.
• Mustard: A hint of sharpness.
• Lemon juice: For acidity and brightness.
• Herbs: Dill or parsley for freshness.
• Onion or shallots: Adds a subtle bite.

History of National Tartar Sauce Day

National Tartar Sauce Day was founded in 2017 by Frisch’s Big Boy, a chain of classic restaurants in the American Midwest. The restaurant established the day in celebration of the sauce that pairs so well with fish, which is eaten in larger quantities during this time of year.

In the Middle Ages, mustard was very famous. The ingredients for mustard too, were later amended to make it more commercial. In the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, several other sauces were invented such as Pesto sauce, chutney, soy sauce, and ketchup.

Did you know that National Tartar Sauce Day is a fairly recent celebration, it has roots that go back to approximately 1400 years ago. When Pope St. Gregory declared that people should abstain from eating meat on Fridays, the people started eating fish, instead, since it wasn’t considered to be flesh. Later on in the 1960s, the rules changed a bit and many people of the Catholic tradition began abstaining from meat on Fridays only during the Lenten season. Lent is the period of time that falls 40 days (not counting Sundays) prior to Easter. Many people still continue this tradition of eating fish on Fridays during Lent.

The real origin of tartar sauce remains unclear however some say that it has been in existence since the Roman era, while others insist that tartar sauce originated from France. A few maintain that the French evolved the condiment. Now, the current tartar sauce originated in France as sauce tartare. It is spelled as ‘tartare sauce’ in some parts of Europe, South Africa, and Australia.

Tartar sauce is mainly made from mayonnaise with pickles, capers, herbs, and in some recipes, hard-boiled eggs or lemon juice. The recipes differ in different places to accommodate individual tastes and preferences. The sauce is made as a condiment to be enjoyed with seafood. The best seafood choices are cod, salmon, haddock, shrimp, and pollack. Tartar sauce became commercially available in the 1920s, making it easier to get it at grocery stores, rather than making it from scratch.

The National Tartar Sauce Day which takes place every Friday after Lent starts, has a cultural and religious link to food. This is because as a large number of people switch to consuming fish, the distinct flavour of the sauce becomes a necessity. Seeing how the limitation on food items to be consumed can have an impact on the eating habits of people, the National Tartar Sauce Day came into being. The day was founded by Frisch’s Big Boy in 2017 to pay tribute to the sauce that becomes a must-have item on a yearly basis. However, Frisch’s relationship with tartar sauce is a story on its own. The first Frisch’s cafe was opened up in Cincinnati in 1923 and was taken over by the original owner’s son, Dave Frisch, in 1923. This is when Dave started experimenting with food and ended up adding his homemade tartar sauce to the Big Boy sandwich. From thereon, the special sauce by Dave became a hit and went on to be sold in stores in the 1960s. Since the tartar sauce led to the instant success of the eatery, it is no wonder Dave Frisch decided to create a day, especially for it.

Tartar sauce is also enjoyed with pita bread, chips, and roasted veggies. We celebrate National Tartar Sauce Day with lots of seafood and enjoy it with the sauce. If you don’t like fish at all, you can enjoy it with vegetables.

Homemade Tartar Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons dill pickles (finely chopped) or sweet pickles, to taste
• 1 tablespoon capers (drained and chopped)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to make:

1.  In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
2.  Stir in the fresh dill (or dried dill) until well combined.
3.  Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust lemon juice or pickles based on your flavour preference.
4.  Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours meld.
5.  Enjoy with your favourite seafood, fries, or as a sandwich spread

5 Fun Facts About Tartar Sauce:

1. Calories in the sauce- There are 59 calories in two tablespoons of tartar sauce.
2. Adding to weight gain- Tartar sauce is said to be high in fat.
3. High amount of Vitamin K- Since the sauce has Vitamin K, it helps strengthen bones.
4. Tartar sauce and the heart- The Vitamin K in the sauce is beneficial for cardiovascular health.
5. Life of the sauce- Once it’s opened, refrigerated tartar sauce will stay fresh for two months.

Activities for National Tartar Sauce Day

Here are some of the days you can do on National Tartar Sauce Day,

• DIY Tartar Sauce Challenge: On this day you can gather ingredients and have a friendly competition to see who can make the best homemade tartar sauce. Taste-test and vote on the winner!
• Seafood Feast: However you can plan a seafood dinner featuring dishes like fish and chips, shrimp, or crab cakes, and serve them with a variety of tartar sauces.
• Tasting Party: Sample different store-bought tartar sauces or regional variations. Pair them with different foods to explore their flavours.
• Cooking Class: Host a virtual or in-person cooking class focused on seafood dishes and homemade condiments, including tartar sauce.
• Recipe Swap: Share your favourite tartar sauce recipes with friends and family, encouraging them to try new twists on the classic.
• Themed Trivia Night: Organize a trivia night with questions about seafood, sauces, and culinary history, with tartar sauce as a central theme.
• Artistic Presentation: Even you can create fun plating presentations using tartar sauce—like designs on a plate or as a dip with colourful veggies.
• Social Media Share: Post photos of your tartar sauce creations and tag friends to encourage them to join in the celebration.

Conclusion

Tartar sauce is a beloved condiment that enhances a variety of dishes, particularly seafood. Its creamy, tangy flavour profile, usually achieved through a blend of mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and herbs, makes it a versatile addition to many meals. Celebrating National Tartar Sauce Day on March 7, 2025, provides an excellent opportunity to explore the many ways this sauce can elevate your dining experience.

From crafting homemade versions to experimenting with unique ingredients, there’s a world of flavour to discover. Hosting gatherings, cooking classes, or even friendly competitions can turn this celebration into a fun culinary adventure. Plus, with its customizable nature, you can easily adapt tartar sauce to suit various dietary preferences, including vegan or gluten-free options.

Whether you enjoy it with crispy fish and chips, shrimp, or as a dip for veggies, tartar sauce brings a delightful zest to the table.

FAQs

Is tartar sauce the same as remoulade?

While both sauces are similar, remoulade often has a more complex flavour profile with ingredients like mustard, horseradish, and spices. Tartar sauce is simpler and usually focuses on mayonnaise and pickles.

How long does homemade tartar sauce last?

Homemade tartar sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 weeks, provided it’s kept in an airtight container.

Can I make tartar sauce vegan?

Yes, You can use vegan mayonnaise and substitute any non-vegan ingredients as needed. Many people enjoy using ingredients like aquafaba to create a similar texture.

What foods pair well with tartar sauce?

Tartar sauce is a classic accompaniment to fried or grilled seafood, such as fish and chips, shrimp, crab cakes, and even fried vegetables or potato wedges.

Can I freeze tartar sauce?

It’s not recommended to freeze tartar sauce, as the texture of the mayonnaise may change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Also, read more about National Moscow Mule Day – March 3, 2025