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.

Try this quick and easy tartar sauce recipe and you'll never want store-bought again! | NatashasKitchen.com

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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!

Try this quick and easy tartar sauce recipe and you'll never want store-bought again! | NatashasKitchen.com

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).
Tartar Sauce Recipe

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!

Tartar Sauce Recipe-8

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:

Try this quick and easy tartar sauce recipe and you'll never want store-bought again! | NatashasKitchen.com

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

4.98 from 978 votes
Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com
Try this quick and easy tartar sauce recipe and you'll never want store-bought again! | NatashasKitchen.com
Homemade Tartar Sauce is way better than any store-bought version. This has just the right taste and texture. It's perfect for fish sticks, or with crab cakes or salmon cakes.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 servings or 1 1/2 cups total
  • 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

196kcal Calories1g Carbs1g Protein21g Fat3g Saturated Fat12mg Cholesterol334mg Sodium22mg Potassium1g Fiber1g Sugar51IU Vitamin A1mg Vitamin C10mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Tartar Sauce Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
196
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Cholesterol
 
12
mg
4
%
Sodium
 
334
mg
15
%
Potassium
 
22
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
1
g
0
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
1
g
1
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
 
51
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
10
mg
1
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Tartar Sauce
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 196
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
Try this quick and easy tartar sauce recipe and you'll never want store-bought again! | NatashasKitchen.com

More Homemade Condiments and Sauces

4.98 from 978 votes (608 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Leah A Powell
    May 11, 2025

    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!

    Reply

  • Kory
    May 8, 2025

    Used dried dill (1 tsp) and went with the optional onions. Great tater sauce.

    Reply

  • Rane'e
    April 27, 2025

    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!

    Reply

  • Mike Heers
    April 21, 2025

    Mayo
    Horseradish
    Relish
    Ketchup for color.
    It’ll be the best you ever had

    Reply

  • Mindy
    April 19, 2025

    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!

    Reply

  • Debra Leonard
    April 19, 2025

    The best!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 19, 2025

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Beverly A Carman
    April 18, 2025

    The best!!!!!! I always use your recipes! Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 18, 2025

      You’re very welcome, Beverly! I’m so glad you’re enjoying my recipes!

      Reply

  • Walt
    April 6, 2025

    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!

    Reply

  • James
    April 3, 2025

    Absolutely the best recipe for tartar sauce. Much better than store bought!!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 3, 2025

      I’m so glad you loved it, James.

      Reply

  • Cheryl Chin
    April 3, 2025

    The tartar sauce is just the way I like it. Thank you so much, Natasha🥢

    Reply

  • Len
    April 2, 2025

    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!

    Reply

  • Trisha Duffy
    April 2, 2025

    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!!

    Reply

  • corrine
    March 30, 2025

    love this – how long would you think it will last in the fridge?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 30, 2025

      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.

      Reply

  • J
    March 30, 2025

    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.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 30, 2025

      Hi there! Make sure to store it in an airtight container, it should last in the fridge for about 4-5 days.

      Reply

  • Christina
    March 30, 2025

    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?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 30, 2025

      Hello! Yogurt should work too just a little bit of lemon juice or a touch of honey to keep the flavor.

      Reply

  • Sandy
    March 28, 2025

    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.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 28, 2025

      That’s so great! It sounds like you found a favorite on my blog, I’m so excited to hear that!

      Reply

  • April
    March 24, 2025

    Have made this many times. I omit the onion. Sometimes I use the dill simply relish , it helps get it put together faster.

    Reply

    • Andrea Tackett
      April 18, 2025

      Hi, can I use dehydrated onion instead of fresh?

      Reply

      • NatashasKitchen.com
        April 18, 2025

        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.

        Reply

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