Try this homemade tartar sauce, and you’ll never want store-bought again. This has amazing flavor and texture with every bite. It’s perfect as a dip for fish sticks, crab cakes, or a spread for seafood sandwiches.
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Homemade Tartar Sauce
I was frustrated with store-bought tartar sauce; one disappointing can after another. Solution: homemade tarter sauce. Making your own is really easy. It’s fresh and amazing for these salmon cakes fish sticks or breaded fish fillets.
My Aunt Anna taught me how to make this Tartar Sauce recipe – she learned it in culinary school, and this is the recipe they made in their restaurant. I’ve probably made this a hundred times, and my fishstick-loving teenage son makes it regularly. It’s our go-to because it’s so easy to make, has simple ingredients and keeps really well in the fridge.
See those fish sticks in the photo – yeah, those are from Costco. Maybe one day, I’ll make my own fish sticks, but for now, these are really good (the Trident brand). Sometimes, I find that I eat more tartar sauce than fish sticks (sounds gross, but this sauce is THAT GOOD!). This recipe stays fresh in the fridge for a few days.
Tartar Sauce Video
Watch my easy video tutorial, and you’ll have this recipe memorized in no time!
Ingredients for Tartar Sauce
- Real Mayonnaise – you can use your favorite storebought mayo or homemade mayonnaise
- Dill pickles – I prefer baby dills for extra crunch since they have more surface area.
- Dill (or) Parsley – you can use fresh or frozen – it adds freshness.
- 1 tsp lemon juice – freshly squeezed is best
- 1 tsp sugar – this balances the sauce, but you can add it to taste
- Pepper – freshly cracked smells and tastes the freshest
- Onion – it’s 2 Tbsp of chopped onion, and it’s optional (I usually skip it when I’m feeling lazy to chop an onion).
How to Make Tartar Sauce
This is really complicated, so pay attention. Are you ready?…
1. Combine everything in a mixing bowl and give it a good stir. Done!
Serve Tartar Sauce With
There are so many great uses for Tartar Sauce, from a dipping sauce to sandwiches. Outside of fish sticks, we love it with:
- Crab Cakes
- Shrimp Cakes
- Fish Tacos
- Salmon Patties
- Onion Rings
- Air Fryer French Fries
- Grilled Salmon Sandwich
Storing Tartar Sauce
Homemade Tartar Sauce keeps really well in the refrigerator. Transfer to an airtight container or jar and refrigerate. It is best enjoyed within 1 week but can last up to 2 weeks.
Tartar Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise*
- 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp dill, fresh or frozen, OR 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 Tbsp onion, finely chopped, optional
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Add more lemon juice or pickles if desired.
Nutrition Per Serving
Filed Under
Absolutely the BEST Tartar Sauce! I followed all instructions and my family LOVES this! They said they’ll never eat store bought again! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
That makes my day, Mimi. There really is nothing better than homemade. Thank you so much for sharing your family’s wonderful review.
I used dried dill weed, some sweet pickles instead of sugar, and threw in some capers.
Those sound like delicious additions, Ella. Thank you for sharing your great ideas.
This is our favorite homemade tartar sauce. Absolutely delicious and fresh tasting!!! Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Lane! Thank you so much, I’m so happy to hear it’s your favorite homemade tartar sauce.
Delicious! It came out a little thin because I didn’t blot the pickles dry first but the flavor is perfect!
How long does this last in the fridge after making it ?
Make sure to store it in an airtight container, it should last in the fridge for about 4-5 days.
Very close to my recipe but I add garlic powder, sometimes generously.
Thanks for the recipe
You’re very welcome!
I count on you for good recipes, and this is no exception. I sometimes add capers for a briny flavor. Have you used capers in tartar sauce?
The Best Tartar Sauce ever! Made her fresh Ailioli yesterday to the shrimp card, and they went fast. Today making crab cakes! Thanks Natasha for dedicating your hard efforts to putting these receives together:)
You’re very welcome, Mia! I’m so glad you loved it.
The best. Hands down, I’ll never buy from a store again !
That is high praise, and I’m so grateful you shared it with me! So happy this recipe was such a success, Ross.
Have made this perfect recipe many times. Can sub in green onions/chives if on hand.
I’m so happy to hear that, Beth!
I have made tartar sauce for many years. Like you, I could not find store-bought that suited my taste. Your recipe is a stand out! Thank you very much!
You’re very welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed this one!
I have tried a lot of homemade tartar sauces, this is the BEST. so easy and so flavorful. I added a little garlic powder and some finely chopped fresh parsley…….YUM.
Thanks so much for the wonderful feedback, Fran! I’m so glad you gave this recipe a try. We only make it homemade now.