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
This is my go-to tartar sauce and I love the salmon patties as well! I will use this tartar sauce with any fish such today, for Mother’s Day catfish! Since I tend to have capers I will add them as well. Truthfully, I tend to make fish to go with my tartar sauce! It’s a win-win!
Used dried dill (1 tsp) and went with the optional onions. Great tater sauce.
I was skeptical about adding the sugar but it was the best tartar sauce I’ve had. I rarely leave reviews and HATE people who leave a 5 star review without actually making the recipe! I made this. It was delicious. I’m definitely keeping this recipe memorized!
Mayo
Horseradish
Relish
Ketchup for color.
It’ll be the best you ever had
This is my go to tartar sauce recipe as are your other many go-to recipes for yummy meals They are always a sure thing!
The best!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
The best!!!!!! I always use your recipes! Thank you so much!
You’re very welcome, Beverly! I’m so glad you’re enjoying my recipes!
Just made this, my family and I loved it! Maryland native and huge crab / crab cake lover. This is definitely the best recipe out there, thank you!
Absolutely the best recipe for tartar sauce. Much better than store bought!!
I’m so glad you loved it, James.
The tartar sauce is just the way I like it. Thank you so much, Natasha🥢
This our go to. I generally have all these ingredients on hand. No reason to try another, it’s already the best! Thanks for the recipe!
Excellent balance of flavor! Easy and quick to make. Family loved this with Fried Whiting Fish. It really took the meal up a notch. Thanks for the recipe!!
love this – how long would you think it will last in the fridge?
Hello! Approximately, it should last in the fridge for about 4-5 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container and make sure to check the texture, smell or color before consuming it.
How long is this tarter sauce good for in the fridge? It’s the best tarter sauce I have ever made or tasted. Thank you for sharing.
Hi there! Make sure to store it in an airtight container, it should last in the fridge for about 4-5 days.
I’ve made this recipe before as is and it was great! Now that my husband and I are trying to be a little health conscious, can I sub greek yogurt for the mayo?
Hello! Yogurt should work too just a little bit of lemon juice or a touch of honey to keep the flavor.
Every recipe of yours that I have made is outstanding! This is no exception! Have been using it for years and will never buy tartar sauce again.
That’s so great! It sounds like you found a favorite on my blog, I’m so excited to hear that!
Have made this many times. I omit the onion. Sometimes I use the dill simply relish , it helps get it put together faster.
Hi, can I use dehydrated onion instead of fresh?
Hi Andrea! That should work, but I’m you’ll need to experiment with how much to use. Also, it will take some extra time for the flavor to develop.