Tartar Sauce from Scratch elevates any seafood meal, transforming simple dishes like fish sticks and fish fillets into gourmet experiences. This homemade version is incredibly creamy, bursting with fresh flavors, and undeniably superior to anything you can buy in a bottle from the store.
There’s nothing quite like the bright, tangy zest of homemade tartar sauce to complement your favorite fried or baked seafood. Forget the bland, overly sweet, or artificial taste of store-bought varieties. This recipe delivers a vibrant, rich condiment that becomes the star alongside dishes such as our Garlic Lemon Tuna Cakes or classic Homemade Fish Sticks. It’s a game-changer that will have you wondering why you ever settled for less.
Why Choose Homemade Tartar Sauce?
Making tartar sauce from scratch is not only incredibly simple and quick, but it also offers unparalleled freshness and flavor customization. This recipe requires only a handful of staple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. We’re talking about basic components like mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped dill pickles, fragrant fresh dill, a hint of onion powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. The process is as straightforward as combining these ingredients in a bowl and giving them a good stir. In mere minutes, you’ll have a delightful, creamy, and flavorful sauce that puts any store-bought alternative to shame. The difference in taste is so profound, you’ll never go back to the bottled stuff!
Beyond the superior taste, crafting your own tartar sauce gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can choose high-quality mayonnaise, adjust the acidity with more or less lemon juice, pick your favorite type of pickles (dill, sweet, or even gherkins), and decide on the amount of herbs to suit your palate. This level of customization is impossible with pre-made sauces, which often contain excessive sugar, unhealthy oils, and artificial preservatives. With homemade, you get a clean, wholesome, and incredibly delicious condiment every single time.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Homemade Tartar Sauce
The beauty of this tartar sauce recipe lies in its simplicity and the readily available ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
- Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of your tartar sauce. We recommend using a good quality full-fat mayonnaise for the richest flavor and silkiest texture. If you prefer, you can opt for a light mayonnaise or even homemade mayo for an extra touch of freshness.
- Dill Pickles: Finely chopped dill pickles are essential for that characteristic tangy crunch and savory depth. Their briny flavor cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise beautifully. Sweet pickles can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile, but traditional dill is highly recommended.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the entire sauce, adding a vibrant acidity that is crucial for balancing the flavors. It’s far superior to bottled lemon juice, so don’t skip this fresh element if possible.
- Fresh Dill: While dried dill can work in a pinch, fresh dill offers an aromatic, herbaceous note that truly elevates the sauce. Finely chopping it releases its oils, infusing the sauce with its distinctive, refreshing flavor. If fresh dill isn’t available, use about half the amount of dried dill.
- Onion Powder: A touch of onion powder provides a subtle, sweet onion flavor without the harshness or texture of raw onion. It adds depth and complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are vital for enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste, adding more if needed after mixing.
- Optional (Capers): The original recipe mentions capers, though they were skipped. Capers add a briny, salty, and slightly floral tang that many traditional tartar sauce recipes include. If you enjoy their unique flavor, finely chop a tablespoon of capers and add them to the mix.
Sometimes, people also like to add a pinch of dried parsley for extra color and mild herbal notes, or a dash of Dijon mustard for a little zing. Feel free to experiment with these additions to tailor the sauce to your personal preference!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Tartar Sauce from Scratch
Creating this delicious homemade tartar sauce couldn’t be easier. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients. Begin by finely chopping your dill pickle. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly distributed the flavor and texture will be throughout the sauce. Similarly, finely chop your fresh dill. Precision in chopping ensures a smooth, consistent sauce. If using capers, chop them finely as well.
- Step 2: Combine All Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickle, fresh lemon juice, finely chopped fresh dill, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. If you’re adding capers or any other optional ingredients like dried parsley or Dijon mustard, now is the time to incorporate them.
- Step 3: Mix Thoroughly. Using a spoon or a small whisk, stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. Make sure there are no pockets of unmixed mayonnaise. The sauce should have a uniform creamy consistency with visible flecks of dill and pickle.
- Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor. While the tartar sauce is ready to serve immediately, it’s highly recommended to cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a much more delicious and harmonious sauce. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!
Beyond Fish: Versatile Uses for Your Homemade Tartar Sauce
While tartar sauce is traditionally synonymous with fish and chips, its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it an incredibly versatile condiment that pairs well with a wide array of dishes. Don’t limit yourself to just seafood; this homemade delight can elevate many other meals!
- Baked or Fried Fish Sticks: The classic pairing! The cool, tangy sauce perfectly complements the crispy exterior and tender interior of fish sticks.
- Fish Fillets: Whether baked, grilled, or pan-fried, any fish fillet (cod, haddock, tilapia, salmon) is enhanced by a generous dollop of tartar sauce.
- Tuna Cakes or Salmon Patties: A fantastic companion to savory fish cakes, providing moisture and a burst of flavor.
- Fried Fish Sandwiches: Transform a simple fish sandwich into something extraordinary with this flavorful spread.
- Crab Cakes: The richness of crab cakes finds its perfect match in the bright acidity of tartar sauce.
- Shrimp and Other Fried Seafood: From crispy fried shrimp to calamari or scallops, tartar sauce is the ultimate dipping companion.
- Chicken Tenders or Nuggets: A surprising but delicious alternative to ketchup or BBQ sauce for chicken.
- French Fries or Potato Wedges: Dip your favorite crispy potato sides in for a zesty twist.
- Roasted Vegetables: A dollop on roasted asparagus, broccoli, or sweet potatoes can add a creamy, tangy kick.
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Use it as a spread on burgers, deli sandwiches, or even veggie burgers for an unexpected flavor boost.
- Coleslaw Dressing: Thin it out slightly with a little milk or buttermilk and use it as a base for a tangy coleslaw dressing.
- Deviled Eggs: Add a spoonful to your deviled egg filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage Tips for Homemade Tartar Sauce
One of the many benefits of making your own tartar sauce is knowing exactly what goes into it, and how to store it properly to maintain its freshness and flavor. This homemade tartar sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Always ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge and to keep it fresh. Give it a good stir before each use, as some separation may occur naturally. This sauce is not suitable for freezing, as the mayonnaise base will likely separate upon thawing, affecting its creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tartar Sauce
What exactly is tartar sauce?
Tartar sauce is a mayonnaise-based condiment, typically made with chopped pickles (often dill), capers, lemon juice, and herbs like dill or parsley. It’s known for its creamy texture and tangy, savory flavor profile, making it a popular accompaniment for seafood dishes.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
Yes, you can use dried dill, but fresh dill provides a much brighter and more aromatic flavor. If using dried dill, use about half the amount of fresh dill called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Start with ¼ teaspoon of dried dill and add more to taste.
What if I don’t have dill pickles?
While dill pickles are traditional, you can substitute them with other pickled items. Sweet gherkins can offer a different, sweeter tang. In a pinch, finely chopped cornichons or even a spoonful of pickle relish (sweet or dill) can work, though you might need to adjust the lemon juice and seasoning to balance the flavors.
Can I make this tartar sauce dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use a high-quality vegan mayonnaise as the base. All other ingredients in this recipe (dill pickles, lemon juice, fresh dill, onion powder, salt, pepper) are naturally vegan.
How can I make my tartar sauce spicier?
For a kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a small amount of finely minced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the mixture. Start with a tiny amount and adjust to your preferred level of heat.
Is it possible to make tartar sauce with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Yes, for a lighter, tangier version, you can substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. Be aware that the texture will be slightly different, and the flavor will be tangier. It’s a great option for a healthier alternative.
Can I prepare this sauce in advance for a party?
Yes, in fact, making it a few hours or even a day in advance is ideal. The flavors will have more time to meld together, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious sauce. Just remember to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
More Easy Condiment Recipes
If you love making your own sauces and dips from scratch, be sure to check out some of our other fantastic recipes:
- Homemade BBQ Sauce
- Creamy Caesar Dressing
- Italian Salad Dressing
- Tzatziki Sauce
We hope you enjoy this simple yet spectacular homemade tartar sauce! If you try this recipe, we’d love to see your creations. Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag us @crunchycreamysweet so we can check it out and leave a comment!
Tartar Sauce from Scratch
Anna
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★
★
★
★
📌Pin Recipe
5
5
Appetizer
American
8 servings
96 kcal
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 dill pickle finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories:
96
kcal
|
Fat:
10
g
|
Saturated Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
5
mg
|
Sodium:
232
mg
|
Potassium:
7
mg
|
Vitamin A:
25
IU
|
Vitamin C:
0.7
mg
|
Calcium:
3
mg
|
Iron:
0.1
mg
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