This creamy and tangy tartar sauce recipe is a must-have condiment for seafood lovers. With fresh ingredients like dill pickles, lemon juice, and parsley, it’s the perfect partner for dishes like fish and chips, shrimp, or crab cakes. Skip the store-bought version and make your own in minutes!
What You’ll Need Tartar Sauce Recipe
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon capers, finely chopped (for a briny kick)
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (for extra tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Steps to Make the Best Tartar Sauce Recipe
1. Gather Your Ingredients
- Ensure all your ingredients are fresh, especially the parsley and lemon juice, for the brightest flavor.
2. Mix the Base
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth.
3. Add Flavor Boosters
- Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and any optional ingredients like capers or pickle juice.
4. Adjust to Taste
- Add a pinch of salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your taste.
5. Let It Rest
- Chill the sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Serving Ideas for Tartar Sauce
This homemade tartar sauce pairs perfectly with:
- Crispy fish and chips
- Fried shrimp or calamari
- Baked or grilled salmon
- As a dipping sauce for fries or veggie sticks
Why Make This Recipe at Home?
- Fresh Ingredients: You control the quality and flavor of every ingredient.
- Customizable: Adjust the tanginess or add herbs for your personal twist.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes!
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Mayonnaise: A good mayonnaise makes all the difference in flavor.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust lemon juice and seasoning gradually to find your perfect balance.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh dill or chives are great alternatives to parsley.
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigerate: Store your tartar sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Avoid Freezing: The mayonnaise base doesn’t freeze well and may separate when thawed.
This creamy and tangy tartar sauce recipe is a must-have condiment for seafood lovers. With fresh ingredients like dill pickles, lemon juice, and parsley, it’s the perfect partner for dishes like fish and chips, shrimp, or crab cakes. Skip the store-bought version and make your own in minutes!
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon capers, finely chopped (for a briny kick)
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (for extra tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Steps to Make the Best Tartar Sauce
1. Gather Your Ingredients
- Ensure all your ingredients are fresh, especially the parsley and lemon juice, for the brightest flavor.
2. Mix the Base
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, and Dijon mustard. Mix until smooth.
3. Add Flavor Boosters
- Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and any optional ingredients like capers or pickle juice.
4. Adjust to Taste
- Add a pinch of salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your taste.
5. Let It Rest
- Chill the sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Serving Ideas for Tartar Sauce
This homemade tartar sauce pairs perfectly with:
- Crispy fish and chips
- Fried shrimp or calamari
- Baked or grilled salmon
- As a dipping sauce for fries or veggie sticks
Why Make This Recipe at Home?
- Fresh Ingredients: You control the quality and flavor of every ingredient.
- Customizable: Adjust the tanginess or add herbs for your personal twist.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes!
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Mayonnaise: A good mayonnaise makes all the difference in flavor.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust lemon juice and seasoning gradually to find your perfect balance.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh dill or chives are great alternatives to parsley.
Storage Guidelines
- Refrigerate: Store your tartar sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Avoid Freezing: The mayonnaise base doesn’t freeze well and may separate when thawed.
