Tartar Sauce Recipe
This tartar sauce recipe brings a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors ideal for seafood dishes. It’s far superior to any store-bought version.
Ready in just minutes, it pairs perfectly with fish sticks, crab cakes, and salmon patties, delivering a zesty complement that lifts every bite.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Tartar Sauce Recipe
Mayonnaise – Acts as the creamy base, providing richness and a smooth texture that binds all the flavors together.
Dill pickles – Deliver bold tang and crunch, giving the sauce its signature brightness and contrast.
Fresh dill or parsley – Adds a burst of herbaceous flavor that enhances the freshness of the sauce.
Lemon juice – Brings a vibrant acidity that balances the creamy mayonnaise and sweet elements.
Sugar – Subtly sweetens to round out the acidity and intensify flavor complexity.
Black pepper – Offers mild heat and depth, tying the savory elements together.
Onion (optional) – Introduces a sharp, aromatic note that boosts the overall flavor profile.
How to Make This Tartar Sauce Recipe in Minutes
Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl until fully blended. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice or pickles if desired.
Recipe Tips for Tartar Sauce Recipe Success
For the best flavor, use real mayonnaise rather than light versions, and chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Swap dill pickles with bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter twist, or try capers for a briny punch.
“This recipe is flexible—make it your own!”
How to Store Leftovers: Tartar Sauce Recipe Edition
Store leftover tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Stir well before each use.
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may break once thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this tartar sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it’s actually better when made a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to blend fully.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried dill or parsley if needed.
What can I use instead of pickles?
Capers or even chopped green olives offer a similar tangy, briny flavor if you’re out of pickles.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your mayonnaise is certified gluten-free if needed.
Tartar Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh dill or fresh parsley as a substitute
- 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped onion optional
- 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, dill pickles, fresh dill or parsley, lemon juice, sugar, black pepper, and onion if using.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly until all components are well combined. Adjust the flavor by incorporating additional lemon juice or pickles to suit your preference.
