How To Make Tartar Sauce
If you’ve only ever had tartar sauce from a squeeze packet or plastic tub, you’re in for a treat. Homemade tartar sauce is creamy, tangy, bright, and packed with flavor – and it comes together in just minutes with simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
This classic condiment is the perfect partner for fried fish, shrimp, crab cakes, fish sticks, and other seafood favorites, but it’s also delicious as a dip for fries, hushpuppies, or even spread on sandwiches. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, chopped pickles, onion, fresh dill, and lemon juice creates a sauce that tastes fresher and more flavorful than anything store-bought.
The best part? This easy tartar sauce recipe is incredibly simple to make. Just stir everything together, let the flavors mingle, and you’ve got a homemade sauce that can instantly elevate a meal.
Why you’ll love this homemade tartar sauce
- It’s quick and easy – No fancy equipment needed – just chop, stir, and chill.
- It tastes better than store-bought – Fresh dill, lemon juice, and crunchy pickles give this tartar sauce bright, homemade flavor.
- It uses simple ingredients – No mystery ingredients here – just pantry and refrigerator staples.
- It’s versatile – Perfect with fish and seafood, but also delicious with fries, hushpuppies, sandwiches, and more.
- You can customize it – Make it sweeter, tangier, chunkier, or creamier based on your taste preferences.
Tips for making the best tartar sauce
- Let it chill before serving – Tartar sauce tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can blend together.
- Chop ingredients finely – Small pieces of onion, pickles, and dill help create the best texture.
- Use fresh lemon juice – fresh lemon juice adds brightness that bottled juice just doesn’t quite match.
- Taste and adjust – Want it tangier? Add a little more lemon juice. Like it on the sweet side? Use sweet relish in place of dill pickles.
Don’t skip the dill
Fresh dill adds classic tartar sauce flavor, but dried dill works in a pinch.
Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and stir until fully combined.
- You can use it immediately, or if you would like it to thicken up a bit, cover and place it in the fridge for at least two hours.
- Store in an airtight container, in the fridge, for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Variations and substitutions
- Use sweet pickle relish instead of dill pickles for a sweeter tartar sauce
- Add capers for extra briny flavor
- Swap fresh dill for dried dill if needed
- Use Greek yogurt in place of part of the mayonnaise for a lighter version
- Add a dash of Dijon mustard for extra tang
- Stir in a little hot sauce for a spicy kick
Storage tips
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before serving. Because it contains mayonnaise, keep it chilled and avoid leaving it out for extended periods.
FAQ
No, mayonnaise-based sauces tend to separate after freezing.
Dill pickles are classic, but sweet relish works if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
Yes. Fresh dill has brighter flavor, but dried dill can work in a pinch.
If you’re serving up seafood or a Southern-style meal, this homemade tartar sauce pairs beautifully with a few other favorites from Southern Kissed. My Southern Hushpuppies are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for dipping into this creamy sauce. And if you want something cool and tangy on the side, my Vinegar Slaw adds a crisp, refreshing contrast that beautifully balances fried fish and seafood dishes.
Last Bite
Leave a comment below and tell me – what’s your favorite thing to dip in tartar sauce? If you enjoyed this easy homemade recipe, please share it with friends, save it for later, and pin it to your favorite recipes board!
