Homemade tartar sauce is the perfect condiment to serve with fish, seafood, and so much more. This recipe is easy to make using staple pantry ingredients and has a creamy texture with a tangy, refreshing flavor. It's sure to be a hit with your guests!
Contents
🌟 Why this recipe works
This tartar sauce recipe is the perfect way to add a zesty, fresh flavor to any dish. It's quick and easy to make using mayonnaise, dill pickles, and lemon juice and can be tailored to your liking with the addition of capers or spices. Check the variations section for suggestions!
This recipe works because the combination of creamy mayonnaise, dill pickles, fresh herbs, and lemon juice creates a tangy, fresh flavor that is perfect for crab cakes, air fried shrimp, salmon cakes, or other fried seafood dishes.
Unlike store-bought tartar sauce, which can be bland and watery, this recipe is thick and creamy with just the right amount of zing. It also stores well in the fridge, so you can make it ahead of time and have it on hand whenever the mood strikes!
So next time you're looking for a delicious condiment to take your dish to the next level, look no further than this easy homemade tartar sauce recipe. Trust us - it's worth the five minutes it takes to whip up! Same as my homemade jalapeno sauce recipe.
🍽 Key Ingredients
All you need is 6 ingredients to make the best tartar sauce ever! Mayo is the base ingredient for this sauce, so make sure to buy good quality real mayonnaise or make your own at home. If you want to make your own, check out these easy mayo recipes.
Mayo - The mayo is the base ingredient for this delicious sauce that gives it a creamy texture.
Fresh lemon juice - The lemon juice gives the tartar sauce a bright, fresh zesty flavor.
Fresh dill - The fresh dill gives the tartar sauce a nice herby flavor.
Dill pickles - Apart from the mayo, pickles are the other main ingredient for this sauce. They add texture and vinegary tang, which is essential for a proper tartar sauce. You can chop them by hand or use a food processor.
Sugar - We add a bit of sugar to provide a bit of sweetness and to round out the flavors.
Onion - Onion adds a bit of savory flavor. You can use any type of onion you have on hand or even omit it altogether.
Black pepper - A bit of freshly ground black pepper is all you need to add a bit of heat.
Substitutions
Dill
You can use fresh parsley instead of dill in this recipe. If you don't have either on hand, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried dill weed.
Dill pickles
If you don't have dill pickle relish, you can use any type of sweet pickles you have on hand.
Mayo
Sour cream is the closest substitute to use instead of mayo which won't change the consistency as it is thick and creamy. A thick Greek yogurt is also an option.
🔪 How to make
Tartar sauce is an easy condiment to whip up in a hurry to serve with your favorite fried foods like fish and chips or fish sticks. All you need is a small bowl and a few pantry staples to make it.
Preparations
Step 1
Chop the dill pickles and onion into small cubes.
Step 2
Finely chop the fresh dill and or fresh parsley.
Step 3
Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl.
Step 4
Add the mayo, lemon juice and stir well.
Step 5
Add more lemon juice or dill relish if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
💭 Cooking tips
Even consistency
Make sure to chop the dill pickles and onion into really small cubes so that they disperse evenly throughout the sauce.
Smooth consistency
If you want a smoother sauce, you can use a food processor to chop the dill pickles.
📖 Variations
You can use this homemade tartar sauce recipe as a base to add other ingredients to your liking. Try some of these suggestions below:
Tartar sauce with Dijon mustard
Adding half a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce to the sauce is a common variation. This will give the sauce a bit of a Kick without making it too spicy.
Tartar sauce with capers
If you like a briny flavor, you can add a tablespoon of capers to the sauce. You only need 1 heaped tablespoon of chopped capers mixed into the mixture to provide a bit of salty, fishy flavor.
Spicy tartar sauce
If you want to give your tarter sauce a bit of heat, add 1 teaspoon of tabasco sauce or another hot sauce of your choice. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
🥗 What to serve with
Tartar sauce is traditionally served with fried fish, roasted veggies, or seafood, but it's also delicious on burgers and fish sandwiches. Here are a few easy alternative recipes to make at home to serve with this delicious sauce.
Chicken piccata
This chicken piccata recipe is a delicious, light, and easy weeknight meal that can be on the table in 30 minutes. The crispy chicken fillets are drenched in egg and crushed pork rinds, then fried until golden brown. Serve with mashed potatoes and tartar sauce for an epic meal.
Air fryer shrimp
Air fryer shrimp is a quick and easy dinner or side dish that's ready in just minutes. The shrimp are lightly coated in olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper, then air fried until crispy. Serve with a wedge of lemon and tartar sauce for dipping.
Parmesan-crusted pork chops
These pork chops are coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasoning, then baked until golden brown. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables and tartar sauce for a complete meal.
🙋 Frequently asked questions
Can I freeze tartar sauce?
No, creamy base sauces are not good for freezing because the mayonnaise can separate when thawed. If you have leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
🧊 Storing
Tartar sauce is best made fresh, but it can also be refrigerated to use for a while.
Fridge - you can store homemade tartar sauce in the fridge in a glass jar with a seal-lock lid or a small airtight container. The sauce will last for around 10 days.
🍳 Related recipes
Try these easy sauce recipes in your next meal.
👪 Serving size
This homemade tartar sauce recipe will provide you with 8 servings. Although the recipe is really easy to double or triple the ingredients if you want to make more.
Tartar sauce is a delicious, creamy condiment that's perfect for dipping or spreading on sandwiches. This tartar sauce recipe is quick and easy to make and can be customized with different flavors to suit your taste. Serve it with fried chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
📋 Recipe
Easy "Tartar Sauce" Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayo
- 1 cup Dill pickles - finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dill - fresh, or 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper - freshly ground
- 2 tablespoon Onion - finely chopped, optional
Instructions
Preparations
- Chop the dill pickles and onion (if using) into small cubes.
- Finely chop the fresh dill.
Cooking instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Add more lemon juice or dill relish if desired, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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