Love dipping your crispy fish sticks or crab cakes into something creamy, zesty, and absolutely irresistible? Then you’re in for a treat! In this post, we’ll unlock the secrets to the best homemade tartar sauce—extra tangy, ultra-creamy, and bursting with bold flavor.
Why is this article worth your time? Because once you learn how to make tartar sauce from scratch, you’ll never go back to the store-bought tartar sauce again. This isn’t just a tartar sauce recipe—it’s the ultimate guide to creating a super easy tartar sauce that’s better than anything you can buy.
1. What Is Tartar Sauce, Really?
Tartar sauce recipe is a classic dipping sauce made for enhancing the flavor of seafood, particularly fried seafood. Known for its tangy and creamy flavor, it’s typically built on a mayonnaise base and blended with finely chopped dill pickle, capers, lemon juice, and herbs like parsley or fresh dill.
Originally derived from the French “sauce tartare,” this condiment has evolved over time to match local tastes—whether you’re a fan of sweet pickle relish or the bold burst of dijon mustard.
2. Why Make Tartar Sauce at Home?
Here’s the thing—store-bought tartar sauce is convenient, but often lacks the vibrant flavor and fresh herbs that a homemade tartar sauce recipe delivers. When you make tartar sauce yourself, you control the texture, the zing, and the freshness.
- It’s fast and easy—ready in 5 minutes.
- Tastes way better than anything you can buy.
- Made with simple ingredients already in your pantry.
Once you’ve made this tartar sauce, you’ll understand why people say it’s the best flavor and the best ever for seafood lovers.
3. What Are the Key Ingredients in Tartar Sauce Recipe?
Wondering about the ingredients in tartar sauce? Here’s the essential lineup for the best homemade tartar sauce:
- Mayonnaise (or mayo): The creamy base.
- Dill pickle (or bread and butter pickles): Finely chopped for texture.
- Capers: They add a briny pop.
- Lemon juice (or fresh lemon juice): For acidity and brightness.
- Shallot: Adds a sweet oniony flavor.
- Parsley, fresh dill, or herbs like chives: For freshness.
- Dijon mustard: Optional, for extra depth.
- Salt and pepper, including black pepper, to taste.
Want to get creative? Try sweet pickle relish, pickles instead of dill, or even a touch of tarragon.
4. How Do You Make Tartar Sauce Recipe? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Making tartar sauce couldn’t be easier:
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 finely minced shallot
- 2 tbsp dill pickle, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp capers, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
- Mix well until flavors start to meld.
- Let sit for 30 minutes before serving (or at least 30 minutes before serving for flavor and texture).
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
5. What’s the Secret to the Best Homemade Tartar Sauce?
It’s all in the details:
- Finely chop your ingredients for a smooth, dippable consistency.
- Use high-quality mayo and fresh herbs.
- Don’t skip the capers—they add that restaurant-style flair.
- Allow the sauce to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors meld.
The result? A sauce that’s extra creamy, zesty, and perfect for serving with crab cakes or salmon.
6. How Long Can You Store Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe?
Your sauce can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a day, letting those flavors deepen.
Note: Shelf life is considered an estimate based on daily value usage and standard fridge conditions.
7. What Are the Best Ways to Use Tartar Sauce?
Let’s talk ways to use this addictive condiment:
- Dipping fish sticks, crab cakes, or fried seafood.
- Slathered on seafood sandwiches.
- Dolloped onto fish and chips.
- As a creamy topping for favorite seafood dishes like baked salmon or shrimp tacos.
You’ll love how it transforms everyday meals into something special.
8. Can I Customize This Recipe?
Absolutely. Feel free to use what you have:
- Swap dill pickles with bread and butter pickles for sweetness.
- Try pickles instead of capers if you prefer mild flavor.
- Add a kick with some hot sauce or dijon.
And if you’re a fan of tartar sauce, this is a great base to get creative.
9. Is Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe Healthier Than Store-Bought?
Yes—and no. While tartar sauce isn’t exactly a low-fat food (thanks to mayo), making it at home lets you avoid preservatives, sugars, and oils found in store-bought versions.
You can even use light mayo or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Nutritional values are approximate and food serving contributes a modest amount to your daily value intake.
10. What Dishes May Also Like Tartar Sauce?
If you’re looking to pair your homemade tartar sauce with more dishes, try:
- Crispy calamari
- Grilled halibut
- Roasted potatoes
- Tuna patties
- Fish tacos
It’s perfect for serving on the side of any seafood like shrimp, scallops, or baked fish.
FAQs About Tartar Sauce Recipe
What is basic tartar sauce made of?
Basic tartar sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients: mayonnaise, dill pickles or sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, and a touch of salt and pepper. Many versions also include capers, dijon mustard, or parsley for extra flavor. It’s a creamy, tangy sauce perfect for serving with fried seafood or fish sticks.
How to make tartare sauce at home?
To make tartare sauce at home, start with 1 cup of mayonnaise, then add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill pickles, 1 tablespoon of capers, 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Stir all the ingredients together in a bowl and let the flavors meld by chilling in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. It’s fast and easy, and tastes way better than store-bought!
What does Gordon Ramsay put in his Tartar Sauce Recipe?
According to Food Republic, Gordon Ramsay’s tartar sauce recipe includes:
- 3 tablespoons crème fraîche
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- Pickles
- Finely diced shallots
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
He sometimes also adds hot sauce like Tabasco for heat and enhances the flavor with herbs such as dill, parsley, chives, or even tarragon. This mix creates a creamy, tangy sauce that works beautifully with fried fish, sandwiches, or even as a warm dressing over poached seafood.
How do you make Paula Deen’s tartar sauce?
Paula Deen’s Quick Tartar Sauce is simple and flavorful. According to her official recipe on PaulaDeen.com, it includes:
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1 cup dill pickle relish (or chopped dill pickle spears)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare, puree the onion and relish in a food processor, then mix with mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately or store in a sealed container. This makes about 2 ½ cups of creamy, tangy tartar sauce—perfect for your favorite seafood dishes.
Final Summary: Key Takeaways
- Use mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill pickles, and capers for classic flavor.
- Let the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Great with fish sticks, crab cakes, and other fried seafood.
- Keep your tartar sauce stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Customize with your favorite pickles, herbs, and spices.
- It’s easier to make than you think—and better than anything store-bought.
Best Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe for a Tangy Twist
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Description
Love dipping your crispy fish sticks or crab cakes into something creamy, zesty, and absolutely irresistible? This homemade tartar sauce is extra tangy, ultra-creamy, and bursting with bold flavor—better than any store-bought version.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 finely minced shallot
- 2 tbsp dill pickle, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp capers, finely chopped
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
- Mix well until flavors start to meld.
- Let sit for at least 30 minutes before serving for flavor and texture.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
Customize with bread and butter pickles, add hot sauce, or swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. Perfect for crab cakes, fish tacos, and more.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: tartar sauce, dipping sauce, seafood sauce, homemade tartar sauce
