Best Homemade Tartar Sauce

Featured in Must-Have Toppings.

This homemade tartar sauce is a creamy, tangy delight that’s a breeze to make. Using fresh mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, a splash of lemon juice, and optional capers and Dijon mustard, it brings a bright, refreshing flavor to crispy favorites like fish sticks and fries. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, season to taste, and let it chill for at least 30 minutes to develop its flavor. Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week to enjoy its zesty taste with any dish!

Ranah
Updated on Mon, 05 May 2025 23:37:11 GMT
A bowl of sauce with a green herb in it. Pin it
A bowl of sauce with a green herb in it. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This tartar sauce transforms any seafood dish from ordinary to extraordinary with its perfect balance of creaminess, tanginess, and herbal notes. I've been making this recipe for years after growing tired of bland store-bought versions that never quite matched what I enjoyed at quality seafood restaurants.

I first created this sauce when hosting a backyard fish fry, and my guests couldn't stop raving about it. Now it's requested anytime seafood appears on our menu, and family members often ask me to bring a jar to gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base that carries all the flavors, choose quality brands or make your own for best results
  • Dill pickle: Adds essential tanginess and texture, look for crisp pickles with good snap
  • Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the entire sauce, use freshly squeezed for vibrant flavor
  • Capers: Introduce a briny complexity that complements seafood beautifully, rinse if you prefer less saltiness
  • Fresh dill: Provides herbaceous notes that store bought sauces typically lack
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth with its umami properties, just a small amount makes a big difference
  • Dijon mustard: Introduces subtle heat and complexity that rounds out the flavor profile
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper: For final seasoning adjustments

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine Base Ingredients:
Place mayonnaise in a mixing bowl as your foundation. Add the finely chopped pickles, ensuring they're cut small enough to distribute evenly throughout the sauce. The mayo and pickles create the signature creamy texture with bits of crunch that defines great tartar sauce.
Add Flavor Enhancers:
Pour in lemon juice for brightness, followed by the chopped capers for brininess. Incorporate the fresh dill, which infuses the sauce with herbal notes, then add Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. These ingredients work together to create a complex flavor profile that develops as the sauce rests.
Season and Rest:
Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and black pepper, then stir everything thoroughly until completely combined. Taste and make adjustments, adding more lemon for acidity or salt for flavor enhancement. Allow the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving so flavors can meld together fully.
A bowl of sauce with breaded food. Pin it
A bowl of sauce with breaded food. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

The secret to this recipe is the balance between the bright acidity from the lemon juice and the savory depth from the capers and Worcestershire sauce. I discovered this perfect combination after experimenting with various ratios and ingredients over several years of family fish fries. My daughter, who normally dislikes tartar sauce, now requests extra whenever we serve it.

Customization Options

This tartar sauce recipe welcomes personalization based on your preferences. For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or finely minced jalapeño. If you prefer a sweeter profile, mix in a small amount of sweet pickle relish instead of dill pickles. You can also experiment with different herbs like parsley or chives in addition to or instead of dill. The beauty of homemade sauce is adapting it to complement your specific seafood dish.

A bowl of sauce with a lemon wedge and breaded fish sticks. Pin it
A bowl of sauce with a lemon wedge and breaded fish sticks. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Make Ahead Tips

This tartar sauce actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. For best results, make it at least a few hours before serving, but ideally prepare it the day before. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will maintain optimal flavor for up to a week. The fresh lemon juice serves as a natural preservative while keeping the flavors bright and vibrant throughout its shelf life.

Serving Suggestions

While traditionally paired with fried seafood, this versatile sauce elevates numerous dishes. Serve it alongside crispy fish and chips, grilled salmon cakes, or as a dipping sauce for shrimp. Beyond seafood, try it as a spread on fish sandwiches, a topping for roasted potatoes, or mixed with a bit more lemon juice as a unique salad dressing. For an elegant presentation, serve in a small ramekin garnished with a sprig of fresh dill and a thin lemon slice.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

For an egg-free option, you can substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo. It works perfectly and keeps the sauce creamy and flavorful.

→ How long can I store homemade tartar sauce?

Homemade tartar sauce can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to one week. However, the freshest taste is within the first few days.

→ Can I add other ingredients for extra flavor?

Yes! You can add chopped parsley, minced garlic, or a dash of hot sauce for added flavor and variety.

→ Do I have to use fresh dill?

Fresh dill is recommended for the best flavor, but if unavailable, you can use dried dill. Use about one-third of the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.

→ What dishes pair well with this tartar sauce?

Tartar sauce pairs excellently with breaded fish, fish sticks, fries, crab cakes, or even use it as a topping for burgers and sandwiches.

Best Homemade Tartar Sauce

Creamy tartar sauce with fresh dill, pickles, and lemon juice.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Ranah


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Western

Yield: Makes 3/4 cup

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup mayonnaise (homemade or store-bought)
02 1 small dill pickle, chopped very small (3 tablespoons)
03 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
04 1 tablespoon capers, chopped (optional, but recommended)
05 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
06 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
07 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, but recommended)
08 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, capers, dill, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Stir until well blended and creamy.

Step 02

Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste, then adjust seasoning with additional lemon juice, salt, and pepper as needed.

Step 03

For best flavor, cover and store the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Step 04

Store in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

  1. Tartar sauce maintains its best flavor when consumed within a week. Making a double batch allows for enjoyment throughout the week.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs (if using traditional mayonnaise). To make egg-free, substitute with vegan mayonnaise.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 64
  • Total Fat: 6.9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 0.1 g