The 15 Best Sauces for Fish And Chips

Fish and chips is one of the most popular dishes in Britain, with its delicious combination of fried fish and crispy potatoes.

But what really makes this dish stand out is the sauce that you put on top.

It can be anything from tartar sauce to ketchup, or even a special homemade recipe.

The right sauce can make all the difference when it comes to taking your fish and chips from good to great!

In this article, I will share some of my favorite sauces for fish and chips – whether you’re looking for something classic or something more creative.

Read on to learn about 15 amazing sauces that will take your seafood dinner to the next level!

Read Also: What Salad Goes With Fish and Chips? (15 Best Salads)

Why Serve A Sauce with Fish And Chips?

Serving a sauce with fish and chips is a classic combination that adds flavor, texture, and moisture to the dish.

Here are three detailed reasons why it’s important to serve a sauce with fish and chips:

• Flavor – Sauces add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. A tartar or remoulade sauce can provide a tangy contrast to the fried fish, while ketchup or mayonnaise can bring out its sweetness.
• Texture – The crunchiness of the fried batter pairs nicely with creamy sauces like tartar or remoulade, which also help cut through some of the oiliness from frying.
• Moisture – Fried foods tend to be dry on their own, so adding a sauce helps keep them moist and juicy for longer periods of time.

The 15 Best Sauces for Fish And Chips

Fish and chips is a classic dish, but it can be made even better with the right sauce.

Here are fifteen sauces that will give your fish and chips an extra kick of flavor:

1. Tartar Sauce

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Tartar sauce is a condiment typically served with seafood dishes, such as fish and chips.

It is made from mayonnaise, chopped pickles or capers, and other seasonings.

The flavor of tartar sauce can vary depending on the ingredients used to make it.

• To Make It: To make tartar sauce at home, start by combining 1 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill pickles or capers. Then add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Finally, stir in some minced fresh parsley or chives for color and texture.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have any pickles or capers on hand, you can substitute them with diced green olives or cornichons (tiny French gherkins). You can also use relish instead of pickles if desired.
• Additions: For an extra kick, try adding a few drops of hot sauce to your tartar sauce mixture before serving it with your fish and chips!

2. Horseradish Tartar Sauce

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Horseradish tartar sauce is a condiment made with horseradish, mayonnaise, and other ingredients.

It is commonly served with fish and chips, but can also be used as a dip for vegetables or as a spread on sandwiches.

• To Make It: To make horseradish tartar sauce, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of minced onion, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have prepared horseradish on hand, you can substitute it with freshly grated horseradish root or even wasabi paste. You can also use sour cream instead of mayonnaise if desired.
• Additions: For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some chopped capers or pickles to the mix. You could also add some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor and color.

3. Tamarind Sauce

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Tamarind sauce is a sweet and sour condiment made from tamarind paste, jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), chaat masala, ginger powder, and red chilli.

It is commonly served with fish and chips in India.

• To Make It: To make tamarind sauce, start by combining 1 cup of tamarind paste with 1/2 cup of jaggery in a medium-sized bowl. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined. Then add 2 teaspoons of chaat masala, 1 teaspoon of ginger powder, and 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder to the mixture. Stir until all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. Finally, adjust the seasoning to taste with additional chaat masala or red chilli powder if desired.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have access to jaggery or tamarind paste for your tamarind sauce recipe, you can substitute honey or molasses for the jaggery and lime juice for the tamarind paste instead. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
• Additions: You can also add other spices such as cumin powder or garam masala to your tamarind sauce recipe if desired for an extra layer of flavor complexity. Additionally, adding some chopped fresh herbs like mint leaves or cilantro will give it a nice herbal aroma that pairs well with fish dishes like fish and chips!

4. Sriracha Dip

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Sriracha dip is a spicy, creamy condiment made from mayonnaise and sriracha sauce.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to fish and chips, as it adds a kick of heat and flavor that complements the fried fish perfectly.

• To Make It: To make sriracha dip, simply mix together equal parts mayonnaise and sriracha sauce in a bowl until combined. For an extra kick of flavor, you can also add some freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice to the mixture.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have any sriracha sauce on hand, you can substitute it with other hot sauces such as Tabasco or Cholula. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier version of the dip.
• Additions: To give your sriracha dip more depth of flavor, try adding some minced garlic or fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley. You can also add some grated cheese for an even creamier texture.

5. White Sauce

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White sauce, also known as béchamel sauce, is a classic French sauce made from butter, flour, and milk.

It’s one of the five mother sauces in French cuisine and is used to make many other sauces such as Mornay and Nantua.

• To Make It: To make white sauce, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add an equal amount of all-purpose flour to the pan and stir until it forms a paste. Gradually add cold milk while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have any butter on hand, you can substitute olive oil or vegetable oil for the same amount of butter called for in the recipe. You can also use non-dairy milks such as almond or coconut milk instead of cow’s milk if desired.
• Additions: White sauce can be flavored with herbs such as parsley or thyme; spices like nutmeg or cayenne pepper; garlic; onion powder; Worcestershire sauce; mustard powder; lemon juice; grated cheese; cream cheese; sour cream; yogurt; horseradish or even anchovies!

6. Curry Sauce

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Curry sauce is a condiment made from a combination of spices, herbs, and other ingredients.

It is usually served with fish and chips in the United Kingdom, but can also be used as a dip for other fried foods such as onion rings or french fries.

• To Make It: Curry sauce is typically made by combining curry powder with mayonnaise or yogurt to create a creamy base. Other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric, coriander, chili powder, and lemon juice can then be added to give it more flavor. The mixture should be blended until smooth before serving.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have access to curry powder or any of the other spices mentioned above, you can substitute them with garam masala or tandoori masala instead. These are both Indian spice blends that will provide similar flavors to curry powder without having to buy all the individual spices separately.
• Additions: To make your own unique version of curry sauce you could add some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for an extra burst of flavor. You could also add some diced onions or peppers for texture and color contrast if desired.

7. Thai Peanut Dipping Sauce

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Thai peanut dipping sauce is a creamy, savory-sweet condiment made from a combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and other seasonings.

It’s often served as an accompaniment to fish and chips or spring rolls.

• To Make It: To make Thai peanut dipping sauce, combine 1/2 cup of smooth peanut butter with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon each of freshly grated ginger and garlic, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of honey or agave nectar (or more to taste), and a pinch each of cayenne pepper and ground black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If it’s too thick for your liking add some water or vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have any sesame oil on hand you can substitute it with olive oil or coconut oil instead. You can also use almond butter instead of peanut butter if you prefer that flavor profile better.
• Additions: For extra flavor try adding some freshly chopped cilantro leaves or lime juice to the mix before serving!

8. Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce

Soy ginger dipping sauce is a savory, sweet, and tangy condiment made from soy sauce, fresh ginger root, garlic, honey or sugar, rice vinegar or white wine vinegar, and sesame oil.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to fish and chips as it adds a delicious Asian-inspired flavor to the dish.

• To Make It: To make soy ginger dipping sauce at home you will need 1/4 cup of low sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger root; 1 clove of minced garlic; 2 tablespoons of honey or sugar; 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar or white wine vinegar; and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well blended. Taste for seasoning adjustments before serving.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have any fresh ginger on hand you can substitute ground ginger instead. You can also use agave nectar instead of honey if desired. For an extra kick add some chili flakes or sriracha hot sauce to the mix!
• Additions: To give your soy ginger dipping sauce more depth try adding some freshly chopped cilantro leaves for an herbal note or some lime juice for added acidity. You could also add some diced scallions for crunchiness and color contrast!

9. Apricot Dijon Dipping Sauce

Apricot Dijon dipping sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment made with apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and other seasonings.

It’s perfect for serving with fish and chips or as a dip for vegetables.

• To Make It: To make the sauce, simply combine 1/2 cup of apricot preserves, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have any apricot preserves on hand, you can substitute peach or mango preserves instead. You can also use honey mustard instead of Dijon mustard if desired.
• Additions: For an extra kick of flavor, try adding some freshly grated ginger to the sauce or a few drops of hot sauce such as Sriracha or Tabasco. You could also add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.

10. Buffalo Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

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Buffalo blue cheese dipping sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment made with hot sauce, butter, cream cheese, and blue cheese.

It’s the perfect accompaniment to fish and chips or any other fried food.

• To Make It: To make buffalo blue cheese dipping sauce, start by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add cream cheese and stir until it’s completely melted and combined with the butter. Then add hot sauce and stir until everything is well blended. Finally, add crumbled blue cheese and stir until it’s fully incorporated into the mixture. Let cool before serving.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have access to blue cheese or don’t like its flavor, you can substitute feta or goat cheese for a similar flavor profile without the pungency of blue cheese. You can also use sour cream instead of cream cheese if desired for a slightly different texture but still delicious result!
• Additions: For an extra kick of flavor try adding some minced garlic or onion powder to your buffalo blue cheese dipping sauce! You could also try adding some chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for added color and flavor complexity.

11. Spicy Cajun Dipping Sauce

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Spicy Cajun Dipping Sauce is a creamy, spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, sour cream, and a blend of spices.

It has a kick of heat from cayenne pepper and paprika, as well as garlic powder for flavor.

The combination of the ingredients creates a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with fish and chips.

• To Make It: To make this dipping sauce, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste), 1/4 teaspoon onion powder in a bowl. Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have any of the spices on hand or want to change up the flavors slightly, feel free to substitute other spices such as chili powder or Italian seasoning for some or all of the spices listed above. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream if desired.
• Additions: For an extra kick of flavor try adding some freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or chives to your dipping sauce before serving it with fish and chips!

12. Wasabi Tartar Sauce

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Wasabi tartar sauce is a condiment made from a combination of mayonnaise, soy sauce, wasabi paste, and dill relish.

It has a creamy texture with a spicy kick from the wasabi and a hint of sweetness from the dill relish.

• To Make It: To make wasabi tartar sauce, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons each of soy sauce and dill relish in a bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of prepared wasabi paste or powder to the mixture and stir until all ingredients are combined. Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have access to prepared wasabi paste or powder, you can substitute horseradish instead. You can also use any type of mustard in place of the soy sauce if desired.
• Additions: For an extra flavor boost, try adding some freshly chopped chives or parsley to your wasabi tartar sauce before serving it with fish and chips.

13. Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Sauce

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Roasted red pepper tomato sauce is a flavorful and versatile condiment made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs.

It can be used as a dip for chips or vegetables, as a topping for fish or chicken dishes, or even as an ingredient in pasta sauces.

• To Make It: To make the sauce, start by roasting the red peppers over an open flame until they are charred on all sides. Once cooled, peel off the skin and remove the seeds before blending with fresh tomatoes and garlic cloves. Add some olive oil to thin out the mixture before seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Finally add your favorite herbs such as oregano or basil for extra flavor.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have access to fresh roasted red peppers you can use jarred ones instead. You can also substitute canned tomatoes for fresh if needed but be sure to drain them first so that your sauce isn’t too watery.
• Additions: For added depth of flavor try adding some smoked paprika or cumin when blending up your ingredients. You could also add some chopped olives or capers for a salty briny kick!

14. Remoulade Sauce

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Remoulade sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment that originated in France.

It is typically made with mayonnaise, mustard, capers, pickles, and herbs such as tarragon or parsley.

The flavor of the sauce can vary depending on the ingredients used and it can range from mild to spicy.

• To Make It: To make remoulade sauce at home, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of chopped capers or cornichons (pickled gherkins), 1 tablespoon of minced shallot or onion, 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor add 1 tablespoon each of chopped fresh parsley and tarragon leaves. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have any capers or cornichons on hand you can substitute them for other pickled vegetables such as olives or artichoke hearts. You can also use prepared horseradish instead of Dijon mustard for a spicier version.
• Additions: To give your remoulade an extra kick try adding some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste. You could also add some diced celery for crunchiness and texture if desired.

15. Sweet Chili Sauce

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Sweet chili sauce is a condiment made from chilies, garlic, sugar, and vinegar.

It has a sweet-and-spicy flavor that pairs well with many dishes.

The sauce can be used as a dip or marinade for meats and vegetables, or as an ingredient in sauces and dressings.

• To Make It: To make sweet chili sauce at home, start by combining chopped red chilies, garlic cloves, brown sugar, white vinegar, fish sauce (optional), and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend the ingredients until they are smooth. Then transfer the mixture to a small pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Let cool before serving or storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand to make your own sweet chili sauce at home, there are some substitutions you can use instead. For example, if you don’t have red chilies on hand you can substitute them with jalapenos or serrano peppers; if you don’t have fish sauce then soy sauce will work just fine; and if you don’t have white vinegar then apple cider vinegar will do the trick!
• Additions: You can also add other ingredients such as ginger root or lime juice to give your sweet chili sauce more depth of flavor. Additionally, adding honey will help balance out any bitterness from the chilies while adding more sweetness to the overall flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fish and chips can be a delicious and satisfying meal.

With so many different sauces to choose from, you can find the perfect flavor combination for your meal.

The best sauces for fish and chips are tartar sauce, horseradish tartar sauce, tamarind sauce, sriracha dip, white sauce, curry sauce, Thai peanut dipping sauce, soy ginger dipping sauce, apricot dijon dipping sauce, buffalo blue cheese dipping sauce, spicy cajun dipping sauce, wasabi tartar sauce, roasted red pepper tomato sauce, remoulade sauce, and sweet chili sauce.

Each of these sauces offers a unique flavor and texture that can elevate your meal.

So, the next time you want to enjoy fish and chips, don’t forget to grab a few of these sauces to add to the mix.