Delicious Vegan Tartar Sauce: Quick & Easy Recipe!
, yo Chef fam! Are you looking for a low-fat, vegan-friendly twist on a classic condiment? Then look no further than this easy vegan tartar sauce recipe!
This sauce is perfect for your plant-based culinary creations and is made without any mayo or other heavy oils. Trust me when I say that it’s better than anything you’ll find at the store.
What’s even better? The ingredients are simple and straightforward, making for an easy homemade option that will impress everyone at the dinner table. So, let’s get started and make some delicious vegan tartar sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey there, foodies! Are you looking for a savory and healthy condiment that will fit perfectly with your plant-based diet? Then brace yourselves, because this Vegan Tartar Sauce (Low Fat) recipe is going to blow your mind!
Firstly, who doesn’t love tartar sauce? You can dip fries, veggies or even vegan fish into it. It’s the perfect blend of tanginess and creaminess that elevates any dish. And yes, you vegans out there can indulge in a delicious homemade tartar sauce too!
What makes this recipe unique is its health benefits. With our heart health in mind, we’ve replaced regular mayo and canola oil with silken tofu and cornstarch to make this tartar sauce low in fat and calories without compromising on flavor or texture.
Not only is this recipe vegan-friendly and plant-based, but it’s also gluten-free! So whether you’re following a particular lifestyle or need to avoid certain ingredients due to dietary restrictions, rest assured that you can indulge in this easy vegan tartar sauce without any hesitation.
Finally, if you’re wondering about the taste – this tartar sauce has it all! The freshness and zing of fresh lemon juice, the depth of garlic powder and onion powder, the subtle sweetness of maple syrup and the herby punch of fresh dill create an explosion of flavors in your mouth.
In short, this vegan tartar sauce recipe is perfect for anyone who loves a healthy and delicious condiment without sacrificing taste. It’s simple to make with minimal ingredients, making it an easy homemade dip for your next snack sesh. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to make your taste buds dance with joy!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need for this low-fat vegan tartar sauce recipe:
- 1 ½ cups of Silken Tofu
- 1 tablespoon of Canola Oil
- 1 teaspoon of Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons of Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon of Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon of Onion Powder
- 2 tablespoons of chopped Dill Pickles
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon Mustard
- ½ cup of Vegan Mayo
- ½ cup of chopped fresh Dill
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
This ingredient list creates a perfect balance between creamy and tangy. Not only is it free from cholesterol-heavy mayonnaise, but it also had a significant reduction in fat content thanks to the use of silken tofu as the base. Nevertheless, even if you’re skeptical about tofu, it’s crucial not to omit it because it gives the sauce its velvety texture. Remember to double-check that all of your ingredients are vegan-friendly (especially in the return ingredients like dijon mustard and pickles).
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s get cooking! Making vegan tartar sauce is a breeze. This recipe is perfect for those who need a healthier and vegan alternative to regular tartar sauce.
Step 1: Blending the Ingredients
In a blender or food processor, blend 1 cup silken tofu, ½ cup vegan mayo, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp dijon mustard, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth.
Step 2: Adding the Flavor
Add in 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles ,1 tbsp chopped capers, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill. You can also add optional ingredients like diced onions or a pinch of cayenne pepper based on your personal preference. Mix well.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Transfer the mixture to a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until it comes to a simmer. Sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of cornstarch dissolved in ¼ cup cold water while whisking constantly until thickened.
Step 4: Adjusting for Taste and Texture
Adjust seasoning as needed by adding more lemon juice or salt. You can also add a bit of sweetener like maple syrup (2 tbsp) in case you want your sauce to have a bit extra sweetness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once you’ve reached your desired flavor and texture, transfer the sauce to a serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and then chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. It will thicken up even more in the fridge! Enjoy your amazing, healthy, and super delicious homemade vegan tartar sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s talk about substitutions and variations for a vegan tartar sauce, because sometimes you want to spice things up a bit!
First off, if you’re looking to make this recipe oil-free then you can skip the canola oil altogether and use cornstarch instead. Swap out the 1/2 cup of canola oil with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed into 1/4 cup water. You can also reduce the amount of silken tofu to make the recipe even lower in fat.
If you don’t have any vegan mayo on hand, there are several substitutions that work well. You can swap out the 1/2 cup of vegan mayo for 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, cashew mayo, or even mashed avocado.
If you want to add a little kick to your tartar sauce, try adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Dill pickles are also a classic ingredient in traditional tartar sauce, but you could switch it up and use pickle relish instead.
For those who prefer to avoid refined sugars, you can substitute maple syrup in place of granulated sugar or simply leave it out altogether.
And finally, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, just be sure to double check the labels for any hidden gluten ingredients.
Remember, these are just suggestions – feel free to get creative and experiment with your own substitutions and variations based on what you have on hand and what flavors you enjoy most!
Serving and Pairing
Let’s talk about serving and pairing this easy vegan tartar sauce recipe. This versatile sauce is perfect for spreading on sandwiches or wraps, as a dip for veggies, fries, or tofu bites, or to top off your favorite plant-based fish alternatives.
One of my favorite ways to serve this vegan tartar sauce is with crispy battered hearts of palm, tofu-based fish sticks, or Jackfruit-based Crab Cakes. The creamy tanginess of the sauce compliments these savory dishes so well.
You can also serve it as a condiment for burgers made with Beyond Meat patties, or as a fun twist on traditional tartar sauce for your next seafood boil party by pairing it with vegan shrimp, crab legs or scallops.
Pair it with a refreshing salad or slaw to balance out rich flavors, like my simple cabbage and carrot Slaw dressed with fresh dill and lemon juice.
This healthy tartar sauce is also a great way to make plant-based meals more interesting and flavorful. You can try different variations and experiment with your favorite ingredients to find new pairings that work for you. Whether you’re having a casual taco night, firing up the grill for BBQ season or keeping things light at home, this vegan-friendly condiment will take your dishes to the next level!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of this delicious vegan tartar sauce, you may be wondering how to best store it for later use. Luckily, this low-fat recipe can be stored easily and reheated without losing its flavor and texture.
To store the vegan tartar sauce, transfer it to a lidded container and place it in the refrigerator. This homemade vegan tartar sauce will keep for up to 2 weeks when tightly covered and stored properly.
If you want to make a large batch in advance, prepare the recipe as directed and transfer the cooled sauce into jars with lids. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week before using them.
When reheating the sauce, we recommend using a microwave or stove-top method. To reheat in the microwave, transfer the desired amount of sauce into a heat-safe dish and heat it for 20 seconds at a time, stirring occasionally until it’s heated to your liking.
If you prefer stovetop reheating, place the desired amount of sauce in a small pot over medium heat. Heat the sauce while stirring continuously until it’s hot enough.
This make-ahead option is an excellent option for those who want to have vegan-friendly condiments on hand at all times. You can enjoy this flavorful vegan tartar sauce on sandwiches or as a dip with fries or other snacks.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making vegan tartar sauce, there are a few key tips and tricks that can make all the difference in achieving the perfect taste and texture. Here are some of my top recommendations for getting the most out of this recipe:
1. Use silken tofu: Silken tofu is a great substitute for dairy-based products like sour cream or cream cheese when trying to create a creamy texture in vegan recipes. It’s important to use silken tofu rather than firm tofu, as the latter will be too crumbly and won’t provide the smooth consistency you’re looking for in tartar sauce.
2. Add cornstarch: To help thicken up the mixture and give it a velvety texture, you can add a small amount of cornstarch to the recipe. Make sure to whisk it well with the other wet ingredients before heating on the stove to avoid lumps.
3. Don’t skip the fresh herbs: While dried herbs can work in a pinch, nothing beats the bright, fresh flavor of herbs like dill in this recipe. For best results, chop up fresh dill and mix it into your sauce just before serving.
4. Experiment with different seasonings: Feel free to play around with different spices and seasonings to tailor your vegan tartar sauce to your liking. A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can add some heat, while extra garlic or onion powder can pack a savory punch.
5. Adjust consistency as needed: Depending on personal preference and how you’ll be using it, you may need to adjust the consistency of your tartar sauce by adding more or less liquid ingredients – experiment until you find what works best for you!
By keeping these tips in mind and adapting them as necessary, you’ll be able to make delicious vegan tartar sauce every time without fail. Good luck and have fun cooking!
FAQ
Before we conclude, let me address some frequently asked questions about this vegan tartar sauce recipe. I know that when trying out new recipes, it’s normal to have some doubts and queries. So, let’s clear them up to make sure that you get the most out of this healthy and delicious recipe.
What is vegan tartar sauce made of?
If you’re on the hunt for a creamy and tangy condiment that contains no animal products, vegan tartar sauce might be your go-to. To whip up a batch of this tasty sauce, you’ll need to gather some vegan mayo, relish, lemon juice, and dill. The instructions are simple: mix these ingredients together in a small bowl until the mixture becomes creamy. You can either serve the tartar sauce straight away, or store it in the refrigerator for later use.
What sauce can replace tartar sauce?
When it comes to accompanying seafood dishes, there are a number of sauce options you can try out. Rather than tartar sauce, consider using an aioli that features a strong garlic flavor. Dill or chopped pickle can provide some added depth to this sauce, but they’re not necessary. Another tasty sauce option to consider is a tomato-based cocktail sauce that pairs well with seafood. For a healthier option, try using hummus as a dip instead. The acidity of the lemon juice found in hummus pairs well with seafood and can provide a nice balance of flavors.
Is tartar sauce vegan friendly?
Traditionally, tartar sauce has been non-vegan due to the presence of eggs in mayonnaise. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to create a vegan variation of this sauce by using plant-based mayo instead.
Is tartar sauce a healthy fat?
When it comes to taking care of your heart, it’s important to keep an eye on what you’re eating. One type of sauce that may help out in this regard is tartar sauce, which contains polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are a type of fat that could be beneficial to heart health. Studies have even shown that switching from saturated fats or processed carbs to foods with more polyunsaturated fats might help lower your chances of developing heart disease.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this vegan tartar sauce recipe is the perfect addition to any plant-based meal. Not only is it low in fat and calories, but it is also oil-free and gluten-free. The combination of fresh dill, lemon juice, and diced pickles will leave your taste buds feeling satisfied without any guilt.
Whether you’re a vegan or just looking for healthy recipes to try out, this easy homemade tartar sauce without mayo is a game-changer. With readily available ingredients such as silken tofu, vegan mayo, and dijon mustard, you can make this sauce with minimal effort.
The benefits of making your own tartar sauce are numerous. You get to control exactly what goes into the recipe, ensuring that it is healthy and delicious at the same time. This means that even if you are trying to manage your heart health or dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy delicious food options.
So why not give this vegan tartar sauce recipe a try? It’s an excellent way to add flavor to your meals without adding extra fat and calories. Plus, it’s versatile enough to work with a wide variety of dishes – from vegan fish dishes to sandwiches and salads!
Overall, this recipe undoubtedly offers a satisfyingly healthy take on the traditional tartar sauce. So why not invite some friends over for a plant-based cookout and introduce them to this delicious vegan-friendly recipe? Trust me; they won’t even realize that it’s not the real deal!
Vegan Tartar Sauce(Low Fat) Recipe
Ingredients
- 0.5 (14 ounce) package silken tofu
- 1/2 teaspoon agave nectar (or 1 Teaspoon Sugar)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon canola oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons dill relish
Instructions
- Place tofu, agave, onion powder, garlic powder, canola oil, salt and corn starch into blender and blend until smooth. Pour into small sauce pan and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring and mashing downward (to get rid of lumps) constantly with a rubber spatula on medium heat or until thickens. Mix in dill relish.
- This can be served to your liking, warm or chilled in the fridge.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.