Understanding the Confusion: Different Dishes, Same Name
The culinary world is full of terms that can be misinterpreted, and "tartare" is a prime example. The word can refer to three distinct food items: steak tartare, tartar sauce, and a specific brand of cheese. A fourth, cream of tartar, is a baking ingredient with no dairy whatsoever. The key to knowing if your food is dairy-free lies in identifying which product you have in front of you. This guide breaks down each version to eliminate any uncertainty regarding dairy content.
Steak Tartare
Classic steak tartare is a dish made from raw, finely chopped or minced beef or horse meat. Traditionally, it is seasoned with ingredients such as capers, onions, and various spices, and served with a raw egg yolk on top. Standard recipes for steak tartare do not include any milk, cream, or other dairy products. Therefore, a properly prepared, classic steak tartare is entirely dairy-free. However, diners with dietary restrictions should always verify the specific preparation with their server, as some modern interpretations may incorporate dairy in a secondary ingredient, such as a cheese-based dressing.
Ingredients typically found in a classic steak tartare include:
- Finely chopped raw beef or horse meat
- Raw egg yolk
- Capers
- Cornichons (pickled cucumbers)
- Shallots or onions
- Mustard (often Dijon)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Herbs like parsley or chives
Tartar Sauce
Tartar sauce is a creamy condiment often served with fried seafood. Its milky appearance can be deceptive, as a traditional tartar sauce recipe is based on mayonnaise, which is typically made from eggs, oil, and an acid like vinegar or lemon juice, and contains no dairy. The other common ingredients are chopped pickles or relish, capers, and herbs. While the standard recipe is dairy-free, some commercial brands or restaurant versions may add dairy-based ingredients like sour cream or yogurt for a different flavor or texture. For those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, checking the ingredient list is always the safest course of action.
Tartare Brand Cheese
If you encounter the term "Tartare" in the cheese aisle, it is referring to a brand of fresh, whipped cheese, specifically produced by the company Savencia Fromage & Dairy. This product is definitively not dairy-free. Its primary ingredients are milk and cream, whipped together with garlic and herbs to create a spreadable cheese. This is where the most direct confusion can occur, as the name perfectly overlaps with the other culinary items. Anyone seeking a dairy-free option should steer clear of this product.
Cream of Tartar
To add to the complexity, cream of tartar is a completely different substance altogether. It is a dry, powdered byproduct of winemaking and is used as a leavening agent or stabilizer in baking. It contains no cream or dairy products and is safe for those with dairy allergies. This ingredient is typically found in the spice or baking aisle of a grocery store.
Clarifying the 'Tartare' Types: A Comparison Table
| Type of Tartare | Dairy Content | Common Ingredients | Culinary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steak Tartare | Dairy-Free | Raw beef, egg yolk, capers, onions, mustard | Main course or appetizer |
| Tartar Sauce | Typically Dairy-Free (Check Labels) | Mayonnaise (eggs, oil), pickles/relish, capers | Condiment for seafood |
| Tartare Cheese | Contains Dairy (Milk, Cream) | Whipped cheese, garlic, herbs | Spreading on crackers or bread |
| Cream of Tartar | Dairy-Free | Potassium bitartrate (wine byproduct) | Baking additive |
Reading Labels and Asking Questions
Given the different products that share or contain the word "tartare," the safest approach for anyone with a dairy allergy or intolerance is to investigate the specific item. For steak tartare, which is typically made fresh, it is best to ask the restaurant staff directly about the ingredients used. For store-bought tartar sauce, read the ingredient list carefully, as some brands might include dairy for added creaminess. If you are specifically looking for a dairy-based spread, the Tartare brand cheese will clearly state its dairy content on the packaging. The ambiguity of the name highlights the importance of being an informed consumer in the food world. The word itself is derived from a French term, sauce tartare, and over time became associated with the raw meat dish, and was also adopted by the cheese company.
Conclusion
The question of "Does tartare contain dairy?" has no single answer because the term refers to multiple products with different compositions. Classic steak tartare is dairy-free, standard tartar sauce is dairy-free, and cream of tartar is dairy-free. However, the brand Tartare is a cheese product made with milk and cream. By understanding these distinctions, consumers can easily navigate menus and grocery aisles to make informed decisions that align with their dietary needs. Always remember to clarify which "tartare" is being discussed to avoid any confusion. You can read more about the origin of tartar sauce on Wikipedia.
Can a person with a dairy allergy eat any form of tartare?
Yes, a person with a dairy allergy can typically eat classic steak tartare and traditional tartar sauce, as neither contains dairy. They must avoid Tartare brand cheese, and should always confirm the specific ingredients with the restaurant or by checking product labels to account for variations.
Are all tartar sauces dairy-free?
No, not all tartar sauces are dairy-free. While the traditional recipe is based on mayonnaise and is dairy-free, some commercial or homemade versions may substitute or add dairy products like sour cream or yogurt. Always check the ingredients list to be sure.
Is cream of tartar related to tartar sauce?
No, cream of tartar is not related to tartar sauce. Cream of tartar is a powdered acidic byproduct of winemaking used in baking, while tartar sauce is a mayonnaise-based condiment used with food.
Why are so many different products called "tartare"?
The similar names are due to a complex culinary history, not a shared ingredient. Steak tartare's name is linked to its association with tartar sauce in 19th-century French cuisine, while Tartare cheese is a specific brand name.
Can I make a homemade, dairy-free tartar sauce?
Yes, you can easily make a homemade, dairy-free tartar sauce. Traditional recipes call for mayonnaise, pickles, and seasonings, none of which contain dairy. For a vegan version, simply use a plant-based mayonnaise.
What are the main ingredients in Tartare brand cheese?
The main ingredients in Tartare brand cheese are pasteurized milk and cream, combined with garlic and fine herbs to create a spreadable cheese.
Is steak tartare vegan or vegetarian?
No, steak tartare is not vegan or vegetarian because it is made from raw beef and often includes a raw egg yolk. It is, however, dairy-free.
