We all know that tartar sauce is the ultimate sidekick for our favorite fried seafood and fish tacos, but how long does this delightful condiment actually last? And how do we tell if tartar sauce has gone bad?
In this article, we’ll explore the shelf life, spoilage signs, and the best storage methods for tartar sauces. So, before you take another dip, let’s make sure you’re all set with the freshest and tastiest tartar sauce experience possible!
Opened bottles of tartar sauce should remain good for up to six months as long as they’re kept in the refrigerator. If you suspect your tartar sauce is going bad, check the bottle for an expiration date. If it has a strange odor or appears to have lost its texture, it’s probably time for a new bottle.
How to Tell if Tartar Sauce Is Bad?
To quickly determine if tartar sauce is bad, look for discoloration, off odor, mold growth, or an altered taste. If either is there, your tartar sauce is most spoiled.
Now, let’s explore these telltale signs of spoilage in more detail.
The first and most obvious sign that your tartar sauce has gone bad is discoloration. If the once creamy, pale sauce has turned yellow or even brown, it’s time to bid it farewell.
This also holds true for other condiments, like Dijon mustard or horseradish.
When your tartar sauce starts to smell funky, it clearly indicates that it’s time to toss it. A fresh tartar sauce should have a tangy and slightly sweet aroma, not an off odor that makes you think twice about dipping your fish sticks in it.
The same goes for sauces like gochujang or teriyaki sauce – trust your nose!
If mold appears on the surface of your tartar sauce, it’s definitely time to throw it out. Mold growth is a sure sign of spoilage and can be harmful if consumed.
Just like with other condiments, such as ketchup or barbecue sauce, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The taste of your leftover tartar sauce will change over time. And if your half-opened tartar sauce has been in the fridge for a couple of months already, you might start to notice that.
At this point, it’s up to you whether you use the condiment or open a fresh bottle.
If the flavor change is slight, you can safely use it. But if your tartar sauce is already past its expiration date and tastes pretty bad, it’s time to say goodbye.
With these warning signs in mind, let’s now move on to some changes in tartar sauce that might look concerning but are actually okay.
Does Tartar Sauce Need to Be Refrigerated?
In short, unopened tartar sauce doesn’t need refrigeration, but opened tartar sauce should be continuously refrigerated to maintain its freshness. Homemade tartar sauce should always sit in the fridge.
Now, let’s explore the nitty-gritty of tartar sauce refrigeration, just like we would with other condiments like oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.
Is tartar sauce bad?
FAQ
Is it OK to eat expired tartar sauce?
Can tartar sauce cause food poisoning?
Can you eat tartar sauce left out?
How long do sauces last in the fridge?