Tartar Sauce
Meet your new seafood sidekick! This is the best tartar sauce recipe ever. It’s creamy, zesty, and ready in minutes, it turns any fish dish into an instant crowd-pleaser!
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I’ll admit it—I’m a tartar sauce fan through and through. If there’s crispy fish on my plate, you better believe there’s a side of tartar sauce right there with it. And not just any type will do, I want this bold, tangy, creamy homemade version that completely puts the store-bought stuff to shame.
I used to settle for the bottled kind, but it always felt like something was missing. So, I started making my own, and now I’ll never go back. This tartar sauce recipe is the real deal—fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Whether you’re dipping fish sticks, slathering it on a sandwich, or serving it with salmon cakes, it’s the kind of sauce that makes a good meal even better.
I make this tartar sauce anytime we need something for fish, and it’s just as good as a dip for chicken breasts. We’ve even used it on all sorts of other things—it’s that good!
— Pat
Ingredients you’ll need
These are the simple ingredients that come together for the best tartar sauce recipe. You can find the measurements in the recipe card below.
- Mayonnaise: Use a good-quality mayo as the creamy base. Full-fat varieties give the richest flavor and consistency.
- Chopped dill pickles: Opt for crunchy dill pickles over sweet varieties to keep the sauce tangy.
- Chopped capers: Add a briny pop that elevates the flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Brings subtle heat and extra flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the whole mixture. Roll the lemon on the counter first to get the most juice.
- Pickle juice: A splash ties the flavors together and thins the sauce slightly.
- Fresh dill (or dried): Fresh dill gives the most vibrant flavor; if using dried, crumble it between your fingers to release the oils.
- Minced shallot or red onion: Adds crunch and mild sharpness. Soak minced onion in cold water for a few minutes if you want to soften the bite.
- Salt & black pepper: Season at the end—taste first since pickles and capers already add plenty of salt.
Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon chopped capers
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, or 1 teaspoon dried
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot or red onion
- Salt & pepper to taste
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Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayo, chopped pickles, capers, dijon mustard, lemon juice, pickle juice, dill, shallot, salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- If possible, chill the tartar sauce in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes before serving, to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
If you’d like to add a little heat, stir in a small amount of hot sauce or sriracha sauce.
Did you make this recipe?
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How to make homemade tartar sauce
Step 1. Add all tartar sauce ingredients to a medium bowl.
Step 2. Mix well to combine.
Step 3. If you have the time, chill the tartar sauce in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes before serving, to let the flavors meld together.
Helpful tips
- Chop ingredients finely: The smaller the pieces, the smoother and more scoopable your tartar sauce will be—perfect for spreading or dipping.
- Adjust to taste: Like it more tangy? Add extra pickle juice or lemon. Want it creamier? Stir in a bit more mayo. If you like a sweeter taste, you can add in a bit of sugar, sweet pickle relish or some chopped sweet pickles. For spice, stir in hot sauce or sriracha sauce.
- Use fresh herbs when possible: Fresh dill gives the brightest, most vibrant flavor, but dried works in a pinch.
Frequently asked questions
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to one week. Stir before using, as it may separate slightly.
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a base for a lighter or mayo-free version. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
Absolutely. It will give the sauce a sweeter flavor—great for pairing with spicier fried seafood or shrimp.
Ideas for serving
Here are some tasty ways to serve homemade tartar sauce:
- Classic with fried fish: A must-have dipping sauce for fish fillets, fish sticks, or fish and chips.
- With crab cakes or salmon patties: The tangy creaminess complements the richness of crab or salmon beautifully.
- Spread on sandwiches: Use it on fish sandwiches, burgers, or even turkey clubs in place of mayo for a flavorful twist.
- Dip for fries or roasted potatoes: Especially good with seasoned fries or crispy oven potatoes.
- With shrimp or calamari: Makes a great dip for fried or grilled seafood appetizers. It’s also delicious with grilled salmon and air fryer salmon bites.
- As a veggie dip: Surprisingly delicious with raw veggies like carrots, cucumbers, or bell pepper strips.
More delicious homemade sauce recipes to try
If you try this, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
I make this tartar sauce anytime we need something for fish, and it’s just as good as a dip for chicken breasts. We’ve even used it on all sorts of other things—it’s that good!
So happy to hear!