We’ve always been fans of the legendary tartar sauce from Kings Inn Restaurant in Texas—it’s that creamy, tangy staple that turns simple seafood into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Hailing from the coastal vibes of Baffin Bay, this recipe boasts fresh flavors passed down through generations.
Ingredients
To recreate our beloved Kings Inn Restaurant Tartar Sauce with its creamy texture and tangy zest that perfectly complements seafood, we start by gathering these essential ingredients. We’ve ordered them as they would be prepared and combined for optimal flavor.
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup – We opt for full-fat mayonnaise as the rich, creamy base that forms the heart of this iconic sauce.
- Dill pickles: ½ cup, finely chopped – These add the signature tangy crunch we cherish, evoking the fresh coastal flavors of Baffin Bay.
- Yellow onion: ¼ cup, finely diced – Provides a sharp, aromatic bite that balances the creaminess and has been a staple in this generational recipe.
- Green olives: ¼ cup, finely chopped – Infuse a briny, Mediterranean-inspired depth that enhances the sauce’s heritage.
- Fresh lemon juice: 1 tablespoon – Squeezed from 1 medium lemon for that bright, zesty tang we know makes this sauce irresistible.
- Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon, finely chopped – Delivers a burst of herbaceous freshness that ties together the overall vibrant profile.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste – We recommend starting with ½ teaspoon of each and adjusting for the perfect seasoned finish.
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into preparing our Kings Inn Restaurant Tartar Sauce, let’s gather the essential tools to handle the chopping, measuring, and mixing of our fresh ingredients efficiently.
We recommend the following basic equipment to ensure accuracy and ease:
- Cutting board: A sturdy, non-slip surface for safely chopping ingredients like dill pickles, yellow onion, and green olives.
- Sharp knife: Ideal for finely dicing the vegetables and herbs to achieve the sauce’s signature texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for precise measurements of items such as fresh lemon juice, mayonnaise, and seasonings.
- Medium mixing bowl: Where we combine all the elements for a smooth, creamy blend.
- Whisk or spoon: For thoroughly mixing the sauce to evenly distribute flavors and create that perfect tangy consistency.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly from ingredients to the preparation process.
Instructions
We will walk you through the straightforward steps to craft our rendition of the Kings Inn Restaurant Tartar Sauce, drawing on the fresh ingredients and tools we’ve prepared. This process ensures a creamy tangy blend that captures the coastal essence of Baffin Bay.
Prepare Ingredients
Before mixing, we start by prepping our ingredients to achieve the perfect texture and flavor balance. Begin with a clean cutting board and sharp knife for precision.
- Finely chop the dill pickles: Take ¼ cup of dill pickles and chop them into small, uniform pieces to release their crisp, briny essence that adds a satisfying crunch to the sauce.
- Finely chop the yellow onion: Measure out 2 tablespoons of yellow onion and dice it finely to infuse a subtle, pungent aroma without overpowering the other flavors.
- Chop the green olives: Use 2 tablespoons of green olives, chopping them into fine bits to contribute a mild, salty depth that enhances the sauce’s coastal roots.
- Prepare the fresh lemon juice: Squeeze 1 tablespoon of juice from a fresh lemon, ensuring it’s free of seeds, to deliver a bright, zesty tang that awakens the palate.
- Chop the fresh parsley: Gather 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley leaves and mince them finely for a burst of herbaceous, vibrant green notes that tie the ingredients together.
- Measure the seasonings: Add salt and black pepper to taste—start with ¼ teaspoon of each—to season and elevate the overall harmony of flavors.
This preparation step takes about 5-10 minutes, allowing the ingredients’ natural aromas to mingle and build anticipation for the creamy result.
Combine and Mix
Now that our ingredients are prepped, we combine them in a medium mixing bowl using a whisk or spoon for effortless blending.
- Add the base: Pour 1 cup of full-fat mayonnaise into the bowl to form the rich, creamy foundation that gives the Kings Inn Restaurant Tartar Sauce its signature smoothness.
- Incorporate the chopped elements: Stir in the finely chopped dill pickles, yellow onion, green olives, and fresh parsley, mixing thoroughly to distribute the tangy and aromatic components evenly.
- Add acidity and seasoning: Drizzle in the fresh lemon juice, then season with the measured salt and black pepper. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture achieves a uniform, velvety consistency that coats the spoon perfectly.
- Final blend: Continue stirring until the sauce reaches a luscious, pale green hue, where the creamy texture contrasts delightfully with subtle bursts of crunch from the pickles and olives, evoking the fresh flavors of Texas’s coastal heritage.
Let the sauce rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, resulting in a condiment that’s irresistibly tangy and versatile for seafood dishes.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To maximize the fresh, tangy flavors of our Kings Inn Restaurant Tartar Sauce, we recommend preparing it ahead of time for enhanced taste and convenience. This allows the creamy base and aromatic ingredients like dill pickles and lemon juice to meld beautifully, elevating the sauce’s coastal heritage.
Making Ahead
We suggest making the tartar sauce 1 to 2 days in advance to let the flavors intensify. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- After mixing the ingredients as outlined in the previous section, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container.
- Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes at room temperature before chilling, allowing the initial flavors to blend.
- For best results, stir the sauce gently before refrigerating to ensure a uniform, velvety texture.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage preserves the sauce’s creamy consistency and prevents spoilage from its fresh components like onions and herbs. Store it in the refrigerator to maintain its tangy zest and extend its usability.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 7 days | Keep in an airtight container to lock in freshness; always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Portion into ice cube trays or small containers for easy thawing; avoid repeated freezing and thawing to preserve texture. |
Before using stored sauce, we advise checking for signs of spoilage such as off odors or separation, and give it a quick stir to revive its smooth, tangy appeal. This ensures every scoop complements your seafood dishes with the authentic taste of Kings Inn Restaurant Tartar Sauce.
Conclusion
We’ve enjoyed guiding you through this classic Kings Inn tartar sauce recipe
It’s a simple way to capture authentic coastal vibes in our own homes
Experimenting with it lets us add a touch of heritage to everyday meals
We hope you’ll make it your go-to and share your twists with us
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kings Inn Restaurant Tartar Sauce?
Kings Inn Restaurant Tartar Sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment from Texas, perfect for enhancing seafood. Originating from Baffin Bay, it features fresh flavors passed down through generations, blending mayonnaise, pickles, onions, olives, lemon juice, and herbs for a balanced, coastal taste.
What ingredients are needed to make Kings Inn Tartar Sauce?
To make this sauce, you’ll need full-fat mayonnaise as the base, finely chopped dill pickles, yellow onion, green olives, fresh lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients create a creamy texture with tangy and aromatic notes, reflecting its authentic coastal heritage.
What equipment is required to prepare Kings Inn Tartar Sauce?
Essential tools include a cutting board and sharp knife for chopping, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a medium mixing bowl for combining ingredients, and a whisk or spoon for mixing. These items ensure efficient preparation and help achieve the sauce’s smooth consistency.
How do I make Kings Inn Tartar Sauce?
Start by finely chopping dill pickles, onion, olives, and parsley. In a medium bowl, mix with mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth, then let it rest for 10 minutes to blend flavors. This simple process takes 5-10 minutes and results in a tangy condiment ideal for seafood.
Can I prepare Kings Inn Tartar Sauce in advance?
Yes, prepare it 1-2 days ahead to enhance flavors. Chilling allows the ingredients to meld, improving taste. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months for later use.
How should I store Kings Inn Tartar Sauce?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Before using, stir well and check for spoilage to maintain its fresh, tangy quality and ensure it complements your dishes perfectly.