Catfish King Tartar Sauce Recipe

Chef Nora Benson

November 13, 2024

This creamy Catfish King tartar sauce combines tangy dill relish, fresh lemon, and a hint of Dijon for a flavor-packed condiment that’s perfect with fried fish or seafood. Quick to make and irresistibly tasty, it brings the classic restaurant-style right to your table!

Close-up of freshly made Catfish King Tartar Sauce Recipe garnished and ready to serve

You’re about to unlock a tartar sauce recipe that transforms any fried seafood into a meal fit for royalty. Imagine dipping a perfectly fried, crispy piece of catfish into a creamy, tangy sauce that balances each bite with just the right amount of sharpness, sweetness, and freshness.

This Catfish King Tartar Sauce Recipe is more than a condiment; it’s what makes Southern fried fish nights unforgettable, giving you that true fish shack experience at home.

David Beard’s Catfish King has been a staple for this kind of comfort food, particularly in Texas. Known for serving fried catfish with an unmistakable, creamy tartar sauce, Catfish King dishes out soul food that sticks with you. This tartar sauce, with its simple ingredients and familiar flavors, is the perfect match for a range of fried foods—whether you're making big benny bao buns or dipping into crispy air fryer crunchy cream potatoes.

A good tartar sauce does so much more than add flavor; it completes the meal, amplifying the crispiness and savoriness of the main dish with every bite.

What Makes Catfish King Tartar Sauce Special?

If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at Catfish King, you know their tartar sauce brings a unique, Southern-inspired twist that sets it apart from others. Unlike store-bought sauces, this recipe achieves a blend of flavors that feels homemade and bold. People crave this particular combination of mayo, pickles, and spices because it’s not just about coating the fish—this tartar sauce brings back memories of family meals, casual gatherings, and hot afternoons with comfort food on the table.

Another detail that makes this recipe special is its adaptability. This sauce isn’t just for fish; you can pair it with dishes like crispy fried green tomatoes or even add a spoonful to your burger for an extra kick. Tartar sauce lovers can’t get enough because of its versatility. Whether you’re using it as a dip for street corn popcorn or spreading it on a spiedie sandwich, this sauce adds a burst of creamy, tangy flavor that works well beyond the typical seafood pairing.

Ingredients for Catfish King Tartar Sauce Recipe

Each ingredient in this tartar sauce recipe serves a purpose. Here’s a look at what you’ll need:

Mayonnaise: The creamy base that carries all the other flavors. A high-quality, full-fat mayo works best, but you can use lighter versions if you prefer.
Dill Pickles or Pickle Relish: Adds crunch, tang, and sweetness. Choose a classic dill pickle or relish, which will keep the sauce balanced without overpowering the other flavors.
Onion and Garlic: A touch of finely minced onion adds sharpness, while a hint of garlic enhances the overall depth.
Lemon Juice: Essential for brightness and acidity, lemon juice cuts through the mayo’s richness and gives the sauce that signature tang.
Salt and Pepper: These basics elevate the flavors, ensuring every ingredient shines. Just a pinch is all you need.
Sugar (optional): Some people like a hint of sweetness to round out the tartness. A little sugar can bring balance, but use it sparingly.

If you’re looking to add a Southern touch, consider adding a few spices like a pinch of paprika or cajun seasoning. This addition gives the sauce a little kick and goes well with Catfish King's signature flavors.

Check out this heaven and hell sheet cake recipe for a perfect dessert pairing, or for a unique twist, pair this sauce with California corbina from here.

Why You’ll Love This Tartar Sauce Recipe

This sauce is the ideal companion for fried fish, but the reasons to love it go beyond flavor. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, which means you get that homemade quality without hours in the kitchen. Plus, it uses ingredients that most people already have in their pantry, making it a practical choice for last-minute cravings.

For gatherings or fish fry events, this sauce is a crowd-pleaser. People from all backgrounds love a good tartar sauce, especially one that pairs well with crispy fried foods. And if you’re looking for something a little different to add to your next cookout, this is it.

How to Make Catfish King Tartar Sauce: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know the magic behind this Catfish King Tartar Sauce recipe, let’s dive into the easy steps to make it yourself. This sauce is quick to prepare, but I’ll add some extra tips to make sure each step leaves you with a perfect, balanced tartar sauce that complements any fried fish or seafood.

1. Prepare Your Base

Start by placing mayonnaise into a mixing bowl. Go with a high-quality, full-fat mayo for the best texture and creaminess. If you're aiming for a lighter version, Greek yogurt can be a decent substitute, but keep in mind it’ll add a little tanginess on its own.

Pro tip: You can experiment with flavors by using Japanese-style mayo for an even richer depth. Many people love the velvety texture it brings, similar to the creaminess you'd find in this delicious orange creamsicle frosty recipe.

2. Add the Pickle Element

Dice up your dill pickles finely or add a couple of spoonfuls of pickle relish for a smoother consistency. The pickles add essential tang and crunch, which cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise. Make sure the pickles are evenly distributed to get a consistent flavor in every bite.

Note: If you love a bit of extra crunch and zest, go for the pickles, but if you want it slightly smoother and more balanced, pickle relish is the way to go. This choice of texture is similar to deciding between chunky and smooth in recipes like the snickers strawberry cheesecake.

3. Add Lemon Juice

For that sharp, refreshing tang, squeeze in some fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the sauce without being overwhelming. Fresh is best here, as bottled lemon juice can sometimes taste a bit too sour or artificial. A few drops will make all the difference.

4. Mix in the Onion and Garlic

This step is where you bring in some sharpness and depth. Finely minced onion and garlic give the sauce a warm, savory profile, making it stand out from standard sauces. Use fresh ingredients if possible, but if you're in a pinch, onion and garlic powders can do the trick (just a light sprinkle!).

Pro tip: Letting the mixture rest for a bit after adding onion and garlic helps the flavors meld, similar to how flavors develop in savory sauces like the big benny bao bun filling.

5. Adjust the Sweetness

Though optional, a small pinch of sugar or a touch of sweet relish can help balance out the tang of the pickles and lemon juice. This sweetness isn’t meant to dominate but to give a rounded flavor that plays well with the other ingredients. For a Southern twist, try a touch of honey as well—it’ll add a unique taste that’s subtle but satisfying.

Note: This sweetness level is purely personal preference. Think of it as similar to sweet and savory combos like the chocolate candy mold recipes, where a hint of sweetness enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.

Tips for Perfecting Your Tartar Sauce

Chill Before Serving: Letting the tartar sauce sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. This is similar to how certain dishes taste better the next day, like this flavorful pappadeaux crawfish etouffee.
Experiment with Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley can add a lovely green pop and herbaceous flavor. They aren’t necessary, but a pinch of herbs can elevate the freshness in each bite. If you're a fan of herbal flavors, try adding a touch as you would in a seeded miso sweet potato bread.
Custom Spice Add-Ons: If you want a little heat, try adding a dash of cayenne or a few drops of hot sauce. This is especially enjoyable if you’re serving the tartar sauce with spicier fried fish or seafood.

Serving Suggestions

The Catfish King tartar sauce is a classic for fried fish, but it also pairs wonderfully with other fried goodies. Serve it as a dipping sauce for crispy air fryer crunchy bream potatoes or use it to top a juicy Piccadilly hamburger steak. You can also spread it on sandwiches or wraps to add a rich, tangy flavor that works well with other ingredients.

Storage Tips for Catfish King Tartar Sauce

The beauty of this tartar sauce is that it can be made ahead of time, which actually helps its flavors deepen. Here are a few tips on how to store it for maximum freshness and taste:

Refrigerate: Store the tartar sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week, but it’s often best within the first few days, when the flavors are at their peak. If you’re meal prepping for a fish fry later in the week, it’s a great way to get one step ahead.
Avoid Freezing: Freezing isn’t recommended, as mayonnaise-based sauces don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. The texture may separate, resulting in a grainy, watery consistency.

Pro Tip: If you love making sauces ahead of time, consider pairing this tartar sauce with some crispy, homemade breaded fish or a fried green tomato dish as a side. Or, for a unique twist, add a spoonful to elevate other dishes like this comforting tippins cornbread.

Pairing Ideas for Catfish King Tartar Sauce

This Catfish King tartar sauce isn’t just versatile—it’s downright crave-worthy with a variety of fried and grilled foods. Here are some ideas to get you inspired:

1. Fried Fish and Seafood

Classic fried fish, shrimp, and crab cakes are, of course, the ultimate partners for this tartar sauce. The creamy texture and tangy flavor complement crispy fried seafood perfectly. If you’re trying your hand at catfish or crispy bream, or even California corbina, this sauce makes a classic pairing that’s hard to beat.

2. Sandwiches and Wraps

Tartar sauce doesn’t have to be just for dipping. It also works as a fantastic sandwich spread, adding a creamy, tangy kick. Try it with grilled or fried chicken sandwiches, or add it to a shrimp po’boy or crispy fish wrap. Just as you might spread a thin layer of aioli on a blue jam garlic aioli burger, this tartar sauce can add a similar depth.

3. Fried Veggies

If you’ve got some battered zucchini, fried mushrooms, or even onion rings, dip them in this tartar sauce for a zingy flavor that cuts through the richness of fried foods. It’s similar to the idea of pairing a tempura with dipping sauces, and it goes beyond just pairing with fish.

Why This Tartar Sauce Recipe Works So Well

This tartar sauce nails the balance between creamy and tangy, with every ingredient contributing to a multi-layered flavor profile. Here’s why each element plays such an important role:

Creamy Mayo Base: The mayonnaise makes it rich without being heavy, giving the sauce its perfect texture for dipping and spreading.
Pickle Relish: The pickles provide a crunch that balances the smoothness of the mayo, while also adding that unmistakable tang.
Lemon Juice: This ingredient alone elevates the whole sauce, adding a fresh acidity that makes it pop.
Onion and Garlic: These two add a sharp bite that complements fried dishes, without being too overwhelming.

When you put these flavors together, you get a sauce that’s dynamic yet simple. It doesn’t take over the dish; it elevates it. And the best part is, this tartar sauce is versatile enough that it can stand in for aioli or remoulade in many other dishes.