Remoulade Sauce

Remoulade sauce is tangy, creamy, and packs a punch of oniony flavors. It's frequently served alongside boiled shrimp, burgers, fried pickles, fried green tomatoes, and any type of fried seafood, and it may not even go by its formal name on most menus. Instead, you may just see it called "house sauce" or "special sauce."

In Louisiana, where it was made famous, everyone has their own secret recipes for remoulade sauce, but we've created one that we think captures all the flavors you crave when you see this sauce on the menu. It can be served with anything you think will be good—and it will be.

Learn how to make remoulade sauce, and keep a bowl of it in the fridge so you always have something for your fries, sandwiches, or other sides.

What Is Remoulade Sauce?

Remoulade sauce is a classic French sauce. It's traditionally made with mayonnaise or oil and finished with tangy capers, herbs, and pickles.

Louisiana-style remoulade sauce, what you'll find in most of the U.S. and especially in the South, takes that original and kicks it up with some of the flavors of the Bayou State, namely hot sauce and spices. It resembles a few other sauces—it's somewhere between tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, and comeback sauce.

To the original ingredients, most Louisiana-style remoulade sauces also add hot sauce, horseradish, mustard, and some spices for smoky flavor and heat.

Remoulade Sauce Ingredients

For this sauce, you'll need 11 ingredients. The full recipe with measurements is further below:

• Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand as the flavor of the mayo will greatly impact the final dish.
• Scallion greens: Many recipes for remoulade use both parsley and chives or scallions. We left out the parsley (you can add it if you want) to streamline this recipe just a bit.
• Capers: Adds great tang and briny flavor.
• Dijon mustard: You can also use Creole or brown mustard if you want. You just want the vinegar-like bite of mustard against the rich mayonnaise.
• Prepared horseradish: For a real kick.
• Louisiana-style hot sauce: We mean Tabasco, but you can use your favorite hot sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth of flavor and umami richness.
• Garlic powder: Gives a great onion flavor without the bite of fresh garlic.
• Paprika: For color and a bit of smokiness. You can use smoked paprika if you want even more.
• Table salt: For seasoning.
• Ground red pepper: A little extra heat rounds out this sauce.

How To Make Remoulade

Making remoulade sauce couldn't be easier. Grab a bowl, measuring cups, and a spatula. This sauce will be ready to eat in just minutes.

• Step 1. Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, add all ingredients, and stir to combine.
• Step 2. Chill: You can eat remoulade right away, but it's better if you let it chill in the fridge at least 30 minutes. In that time, the flavors really meld so each bite of the sauce is balanced.

Ways To Serve Remoulade Sauce

Remoulade sauce is perfect with French fries, po’boys and other sandwiches, and all kinds of seafood: boiled shrimp, fried fish, and crab cakes. You'll also find remoulade served with fried green tomatoes, corn fritters, and zucchini or squash fritters. In short, if you think it sounds like a food would be good with remoulade, odds are it will be.

How To Store Remoulade Sauce

Once mixed, store remoulade sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. You can keep the sauce in the fridge up to one week.

We don't recommend freezing remoulade sauce. As it thaws, the sauce may separate, and it won't be easy to get it back to its pre-freeze texture.

Can You Make Remoulade Sauce Ahead?

For the best flavor, remoulade sauce should be made ahead. Give the sauce at least 30 minutes to meld and mix before eating it. But you can get ahead more than that: If stored in an airtight container in the fridge, remoulade is good for up to a week.

More Classic Sauces and Dips

Remoulade is one of many beloved sauces and dips in Southern cuisines. Here are a few others:

• Creamy Jalapeño Dip
• Coleslaw Dressing
• Burger Sauce
• Homemade BBQ Sauce
• Bacon Jam
• Summer Sauce