BEST Tartar Sauce Recipe
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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.
Tartar Sauce Ingredients & Variations
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.
Tartar Sauce Recipe
Quick and easy to make, simply:
- Stir all the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Cover and let the sauce chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. The longer the better because the flavors will intensify.
That’s it! Your homemade tartar sauce is ready to enjoy! See below for some serving recommendations.
How To Use Tartar Sauce
This tartar sauce is deliciously versatile. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
- Fried fish, Clams, Shrimp, Calamari and Oysters
- Fish Cakes
- Boiled lobster
- Chicken tenders
- Hushpuppies
- French Fries, Sweet Potato Fries, Baked Potato Wedges
- Oven roasted potatoes and baked potatoes
- Zucchini fries
- Onion rings
- Fried Green Tomatoes
- Hamburgers and sandwiches
- Use some in your tuna salad, ham salad, and egg salad
- Serve it with potato chips!
For more delicious homemade sauce recipes be sure to try my:
- Bearnaise Sauce
- Jerk Sauce
- Enchilada Sauce
- Bechamel Sauce
- Hollandaise Sauce
- Romesco Sauce
- Sriracha Sauce
- Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Hoisin Sauce
- Black Bean Sauce
- Eel Sauce
- Cocktail Sauce
- Yum Yum Sauce
- Char Siu Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Best BBQ Sauce
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BEST Tartar Sauce Recipe
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.
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet August 20, 2017
Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!
always use this recipe when frying up fish/shrimp! Just made it now….very good
Fantastic, Lisa, thanks so much!
this was THE BEST!!!!
Thank you! :)
Excellent tartar sauce, will be my go-to recipe from now on!
I’m so happy to hear it, Jim, thank you!
Made this for the first time. Used dill instead of parsley…it was awesome. But then I love dill. Just word of warning don’t make the same mistake I did. I thought I could take a shortcut and use dill relish.
It was too runny and salty. So I had to increase mayo and sour cream. I did think it needed more onion, so we added the dehydrated kind. Might have been due to my goof up. I’ll do it right next time and see if it’s not better.
I’ve worked in many restaurants (nationwide),yacht and country clubs and 3&4 star Haute (and Continental) cuisine establishments… and this recipe is a winner! I did add 1 [scant] tsp dill weed,only half shallot,1 tbsp caper and 1/2 tsp mustard. Bon travail!!
Thanks for much for the feedback, James!
I love tartar sauce and will definitely have to try your recipe!
I just need to grill up a burger and I am set! I am going to be craving this now!
I have never thought of adding Horseradish – sounds a lovely idea. Will try it next time I make Tartare Sauce.
Hi Mary! It’s a nice touch for changing things up a bit.
Homemade is always better! :) This looks perfect.
I love tartar sauce! Next time I will try your tips! Thanks!
I adore tarar sauce and this looks great – and now I would like those onion rings, thankyouverymuch! Love that you use dill pickles!
I’ve been craving some fried fish and chips and this is the perfect tarter sauce to go with it!
I absolutely LOVE tartar sauce!
I love tartar sauce, but I’ve never made it before. Can’t wait to try this!
Sadly, I’m the only person in my house who appreciates tarter sauce but that just means more for me :) Can’t wait to try your recipe.
Can you make a bunch at one time and refrigerator in a jar and if so how long can I keep it in the refrigerator
Hi Mike, yes you can double/triple, etc the recipe but it will only keep in the fridge for a week.