Tartar sauce is such a popular condiment that it’s hard to imagine enjoying fried foods – fried seafood in particular – without it! This homemade tartar sauce recipe packs such a delicious flavor, it’s simply the BEST!
Tartar sauce, from the French sauce tartare, has become such a staple condiment that’s enjoyed in many parts of the world. It’s easy to whip up on demand because it uses ingredients you likely already have on hand in your pantry and refrigerator.
What ingredients go into making the best tartar sauce?
For a truly great tartar sauce we need to achieve that perfect balance of piquancy without it being too tart or too sweet. For that reason I like to supplement some of the mayonnaise with creme fraiche or sour cream for a lighter, fresher flavor and texture along with fresh lemon juice; I also use dill pickles instead of sweet bread-and-butter pickles to avoid the too-sweet flavor you often find in fast food/takeout tartar sauces.
Another great choice is cornichons, which provide an even crunchier texture than dill pickles. The capers provide that perfect touch of brininess, the Dijon mellows it out a touch, and the parsley adds a hint of fresh pepperiness. You can also add some fresh chopped dill which pairs superbly with fried fish.
Some other ingredients I like to add on occasion to change things up are finely chopped olives and/or a touch of horseradish. Experiment and find the combination that you like best.
How To Make Homemade Tartar Sauce
To make it you simply stir all the ingredients together in a bowl and let the sauce chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer the better because the flavors will intensify.
How To Use Tartar Sauce
Here are a few ideas to get you started. It’s perfect for:
- Fried fish
- Clams
- Shrimp
- Calamari
- Oysters
- Boiled lobster
- Chicken tenders
- Hushpuppies
- French fries
- Oven roasted potatoes
- Zucchini fries
- Onion rings
- Fried green tomatoes
- Baked potatoes
- Hamburgers and sandwiches
- Tuna salad
- Ham salad
- Egg salad
- and even with potato chips!
This is such a delicious and versatile condiment, it’s hard to imagine life without it!
For another deliciously versatile sauce that works great with most of the ideas listed above, be sure to try our phenomenal homemade Ranch Dressing!
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Serve this tartar sauce with our BEST Classic Fish Cakes!
Best Homemade Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup creme fraiche or sour cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles (use cornichons for more crunch or bread and butter pickles if you prefer it sweeter)
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed/drained and roughly chopped
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (fresh dill is also a great option for seafood)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped olives (optional)
- 1 teaspoon horseradish (optional)
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and stir to combine. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving. The longer the better as the flavors improve over time.
Robert Cham says
What no chopped hard boiled egg?
Darlene says
Would there be any problem in adding sweet pickle rather than dill pickle? The only tartar sauce I have ever eaten has been made with sweet pickle. I prefer them as well!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
No problem at all, Darlene, feel free to use sweet pickle!
Anita says
— I have all the ingredients….I’ll try it as soon as possible… sounds delicious !!!
THANK YOU…
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Perfect, Anita, please let us know what you think when you’ve tried it!
Demeter says
You cannot beat the flavor you get from homemade! So much better than store bought.
Kim Seghers says
Now I finally know how t make homemade tartar sauce. Thank you for sharing this recipe.I can’t wait to make it dip all my fried seafood into it …yum!
Beth Pierce says
What a great recipe! I will be saving this so I always have this sauce on hand! Delicious!
Amanda says
So many things I want to get this with. It looks so amazing and easy!
Sandra says
This is really awesome! A great way to make tartar sauce!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
I know for sure this would be a huge hit in my house!
Margo Hunter says
I’ve been making a similar recipe for “decades.” My additions are anchovy paste and minced Cornichons rather than the dill pickles no horseradish and a bit of lemon zest ( not lemon juice because it would make it too runny) . No salt!
Jacquelyn Hastert says
I can’t wait to fry some fish up and make this tarter sauce. We love fried fish and it’s perfect during the summer.
Anonymous says
To many ingredients all you need is
Mayo
Onion
Sweet relish
Lemon
Pepper
Best tarter sauce ever
NC Home Chef says
I agree!! . . .
Tasty but, flavor was overwhelming on mild fish! & why add mustard unless your making tuna fish or egg salad ?
My go to tartar sauce is made w/: the
1/2 tbsp.Capers chopped,
1/2 tsp.Mrs. Dash,
squirt of fresh Lemon,
touch of crushed dried dill,
1/3 cup Mayo
& an occasional grn. onion(snipped for a mild onion flavor).
Yummy 😋 ((less is more))
Sandy Donais says
I agree , the amount of ingredients is crazy, But, we can make it ,or not, right? She does have a ton of other recipes that sound great though. (No offense)! SANDY
Anonymous says
Just found your recipe. Headed to store. Would love to know how you make those great looking onion rings as well.
Marla says
Love this recipe! I made it with all of the extras except the hot sauce and substituted dill for the parsley. How long will this keep in the fridge?