Des

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Homemade Tartar Sauce

A simple tartar sauce recipe for deep fried seafood. With just a few ingredients you can make your own that is better than anything you’d buy!

Have you ever bought a condiment at the grocery store and it just wasn’t quite what you wanted? Too sweet, too salty, too bland. Or maybe, you realize you forgot to pick it up at the grocery store (or the grocery store was out).

Yeah, we’ve all been there. And that is why I’ve started making several of my own condiments.

When you start experimenting more with cooking you begin to realize that many of the things that you buy pre-made are actually really easy to make on your own.

Honey mustard? Excellent and easy to make at home. Aioli? Easy to make and change up flavors to suit your tastes! Tartar sauce is another one of those things that once you start making at home, you’ll never want to buy it again.

This Tartar Sauce Recipe is beyond easy and not to mention delicious. With just a few ingredients you can make your own and you'll never buy the pre-made stuff again! 

One would think that after working 6 years in a seafood restaurant where they served all you can eat fish and chips on Wednesdays that I would want to stay as far away as possible from tartar.

But despite the fact that I ate and on a few occasions, wore, my fair share of this delicious seafood dip, I still believe that no fried fish dinner is complete without it.

And neither do my kiddos.

This Tartar Sauce Recipe is beyond easy and not to mention delicious. With just a few ingredients you can make your own and you'll never buy the pre-made stuff again! 

What ingredients do you need for this recipe?

When it comes to making your own condiments, you’d be surprised at how many of the ingredients are actually staples in your kitchen. Making homemade BBQ? It’s mostly ketchup, brown sugar and a few seasonings. Homemade cocktail sauce? Ketchup, Worcestershire and garlic salt.

This Tartar Sauce Recipe is beyond easy and not to mention delicious. With just a few ingredients you can make your own and you'll never buy the pre-made stuff again! 

This Tartar Recipe is no different. Most of the ingredients you will already have on hand. To make your own you will need:

Mayonnaise: This is where the creaminess comes from.

Yellow Onion: You’ll want to make sure that it is minced fine. Chunky onions can quickly overpower the dip.

Sweet Pickle Relish: I love the hint of sweetness that it gives to the dip.

Dill Pickles: In contrast to the sweet pickle relish, dill pickles add a nice crunch to the dip as well as a bit of tang from the dill.

Parsley: Just for a bit of freshness.

Dijon Mustard:

Capers: These are my secret must have ingredient for tartar sauce. Their brininess makes the perfect addition.

If there is one ingredient that you need that might not be in your pantry it’s probably the capers.

What are capers?

Personally, I always have capers on hand. Capers are actually the bud of a flower and their briny, saltiness is a favorite around here. I use them in bruschetta, chicken piccata, artichoke tapenade and this recipe.

There are a few different sizes of capers. For this recipe, you’ll want non-peril capers which are the smallest. I find that they work the best for most recipes.

How to make the best tartar sauce!

How long will homemade tartar sauce keep?

It should last a couple of days in your refrigerator.

What do you dip in tartar sauce?

Obviously, fried cod  is a favorite around here. As are french fries. It also makes a great topping for fish sandwiches

 

Other Homemade Condiment Recipes: 

Alabama White BBQ Sauce 

Creamy Ranch Dip 

Honey Mustard Dressing 

Carolina BBQ Sauce

Horseradish Cream Sauce

Note: This post was originally written in 2009. Updated in 2020.

 

This Tartar Sauce Recipe is beyond easy and not to mention delicious. With just a few ingredients you can make your own and you'll never buy the pre-made stuff again! 

Homemade Tartar Sauce

A simple tartar sauce recipe for deep fried seafood. With just a few ingredients you can make your own that is better than anything you'd buy!
4.9 from 30 votes
Course Condiments
Cuisine American
Servings 3 Servings
Calories 127 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon capers drained
  • 1 tablespoon minced yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 2 teaspoons minced dill pickle
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients together in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Serve.

Notes

Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 10.2gProtein: 0.5gFat: 9.9gSaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 368mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 4.2g
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: capers, dijon mustard, dill pickle, Dip, mayonnaise, onion, seafood, seafood sauce, sweet pickle relish, tartar sauce

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Dee Mittie
    November 3, 2022 at 4:34 pm

    5 stars
    I made this tartar sauce recipe to go with the crispy fried cod…. another amazing keeper! My only change was adding kalamata olives because I didn’t have capers on hand, it tasted fantastic with the fish! Capers have been put on the list so I have them on hand the next time I make fried cod. Thanks!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      November 7, 2022 at 11:18 am

      Oooohhhh!! I am LOVING the idea of adding kalamata olives. Totally going to try that next time!

  • Reply
    Ashok
    April 22, 2022 at 10:07 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks For Sharing this Amazing Recipe. My Family Loved It. I will be sharing this Recipe with my Friends. Hope They will like it.

  • Reply
    Amy Jo McCord
    November 26, 2021 at 1:57 pm

    Sorry Dann, hot sauce does NOT belong in a tartar sauce!

  • Reply
    restaurantthatdeliversnearme.website
    April 30, 2021 at 7:48 pm

    5 stars
    Great recipe. Thanks !

  • Reply
    Dann Reardon
    April 26, 2021 at 3:14 pm

    5 stars
    You lost me with the mayonnaise base, pickle relish and mustard.

    My recipe: Half mayo and sour cream, capers, fresh lime juice, Crystal Brand® hot sauce and fresh-cracked black pepper.

    Give it a try.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      April 26, 2021 at 9:16 pm

      Also sounds fab! I’ll have to try it some time!

  • Reply
    dave
    March 10, 2021 at 5:17 pm

    5 stars
    I too followed this recipe by adding a fresh lemon juice in place of the mustard. I fried up some Cod to go with this tarter sauce. It turned out wonderful. Many thanks for the recipe.

  • Reply
    Lise Ode
    November 11, 2020 at 5:57 am

    5 stars
    I find it so interesting that you include capers in this recipe. Who knew! I can’t wait to try it!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      November 11, 2020 at 8:58 pm

      The capers absolutely make it! You’ve GOT to try it!

  • Reply
    Mike
    October 2, 2020 at 2:50 pm

    5 stars
    We used fresh dill and snipped it into the mix. Delicious.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      October 2, 2020 at 4:29 pm

      Love that idea!

  • Reply
    Cindy O’Neil
    September 26, 2020 at 2:09 pm

    5 stars
    Great tarter sauce. I didn’t think I would like that much sweet relish in it. But it was perfect.

  • Reply
    Vicki Heist
    July 22, 2020 at 5:27 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe sounds amazing! I can’t wait to make it. Is it able to be canned?

    • Reply
      Deseree
      July 23, 2020 at 1:13 pm

      Thanks Vicki! Unfortunately, I don’t have experience canning so I am not sure and cannot recommend it with this recipe

  • Reply
    sarah roberts
    April 26, 2020 at 8:55 pm

    5 stars
    this is pretty much how I make mine, Except for the mustard. I use lemon juice instead for tang.
    I do like mustard though so I might try that next time. otherwise I use all the other ingredients and I do believe you have to have capers for great tartar sauce.

  • Reply
    Amy McCord
    October 31, 2019 at 2:34 pm

    5 stars
    Hellman’s tarter sauce has always been my benchmark for tartar sauce…until now! Love this sauce! Only change I made was to leave out the parsley and substitute some dried dill weed. Awesome!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      November 4, 2019 at 5:52 pm

      Love the idea of adding extra dill! So happy you enjoy this!

  • Reply
    Evelyn
    August 19, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    5 stars
    Why in the world would you mix SWEET PICKLE RELISH with DILL PICKLES & capers?? You either use one or the other!!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      August 19, 2019 at 3:27 pm

      Because it’s good? The sweet n’ salty combo totally works. If it’s not for you feel free to leave one out!

  • Reply
    Susan Ash
    June 30, 2019 at 6:09 pm

    5 stars
    I made it with fresh still instead of parsley, and substituted veganaise for mayo, for a vegan version. I didn’t have any dill pickles, so I added some of the caper juice. I also added a dash of salt. Delish! Your recipe was super simple and tasty!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      June 30, 2019 at 8:49 pm

      Loving your substitutions! Glad you liked it :)

  • Reply
    Allen
    April 29, 2019 at 10:48 pm

    3 stars
    A little dill weed would be great in this tartar sauce. It just kicked it up a little bit more..

    • Reply
      Deseree
      May 1, 2019 at 6:37 am

      That’s great to know! I’ll have to try that next time, I love dill. :)

  • Reply
    Melanie Bauer
    April 17, 2019 at 3:16 am

    5 stars
    Sounds spectacular! Simple and easy to make yet super delicious, so excited to make this!

  • Reply
    Anna
    April 16, 2019 at 2:20 pm

    5 stars
    I never buy it in the store anymore! This is the best!

  • Reply
    Allyson Zea
    April 16, 2019 at 11:45 am

    5 stars
    I always make this at home because it’s way tastier than the jarred one!

  • Reply
    Taylor W.
    April 16, 2019 at 7:02 am

    5 stars
    Homemade tartar sauce is so much better than store-bought! Yum!

  • Reply
    Jen
    April 15, 2019 at 9:38 am

    5 stars
    My boys are obsessed with fish sticks and I’ve always gotten store bought sauce. I didn’t realize it was so easy to make your own, thanks!

  • Reply
    Demeter
    April 15, 2019 at 9:37 am

    5 stars
    Homemade sauces always offer the best flavor! Plus, super easy to make.

  • Reply
    Sarah
    April 8, 2019 at 4:46 pm

    5 stars
    I love this! I make fish dinners at home all the time, but I didn’t realize tartar sauce is so easy to make from scratch! DOING THIS! :D

  • Reply
    Chrissy
    April 8, 2019 at 4:40 pm

    5 stars
    Ahhh so happy I found this! I was making a fish sandwich and needed a quick homemade tartar sauce to put on top – soooo good.

  • Reply
    Rhonda
    March 6, 2019 at 2:27 pm

    5 stars
    I didn’t have any onion, so I used dry. I also added about a teaspoon of cream style horseradish. Very good.

    • Reply
      Deseree
      March 6, 2019 at 3:13 pm

      I love the addition of cream style horseradish! I bet it added a nice kick!

  • Reply
    Debra
    December 31, 2018 at 10:36 am

    5 stars
    Somehow I knew these were ingredients, but I always need the proportions. It’s delish!

  • Reply
    Sandra | A Dash of Sanity
    December 3, 2018 at 2:16 am

    5 stars
    This is really awesome! Looks and sounds so easy to make!

  • Reply
    Michelle
    November 30, 2018 at 10:45 am

    5 stars
    Looks great. I am happy to actually be able to see and taste the herbs…usually is just pickle mayo.

  • Reply
    Melanie Bauer
    November 29, 2018 at 10:43 pm

    5 stars
    Looks fantastic! Love how easy to make this recipe, adding to my list of must makes!

  • Reply
    Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
    November 29, 2018 at 5:38 pm

    I have never found a jarred sauce that I love. Can’t wait to make a homemade version!

  • Reply
    Amanda
    November 29, 2018 at 3:06 pm

    5 stars
    I have so many things I want to try this with!!

  • Reply
    Nick
    November 29, 2018 at 1:04 pm

    I’m going to have to give this a try!

  • Reply
    Chrissie Baker
    November 29, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    5 stars
    I LOVE that! It sounds perfect for wings, chips, fries, and pretty much anything that can be slathered with sauce. Om nom nom.

  • Reply
    Brian
    January 19, 2010 at 9:28 am

    I always add some pickle juice into my tartar sauce, it adds a nice tangy flavor.

  • Reply
    chocolate shavings
    October 6, 2009 at 5:06 am

    Homemade Tartar sauce is the best – yours looks delicious!

  • Reply
    Kathy - Cooking On the Side
    October 5, 2009 at 1:00 pm

    I do love to indulge in tartar sauce with fried fish :-) Thanks for the recipe – I’m making my own next time!

  • Reply
    gaga
    October 5, 2009 at 4:56 am

    Who knew it was so easy? I’m never buying the store stuff again!

  • Reply
    Anita
    October 4, 2009 at 6:17 pm

    It sounds great with the capers in the recipe, it would taste delicious!

  • Reply
    cassie
    October 3, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    We make our own but I’ve never added capers. I’ll have to try that next time.

  • Reply
    Aly
    October 2, 2009 at 6:35 pm

    We always just mixed mayo and relish together for it. I guess I could try this, too, since it will be definitely a lot different. I’m not a fan of capers, though.

  • Reply
    Jessie
    October 2, 2009 at 3:10 pm

    yumm!! I love tartar sauce too, I can’t believe how simple and easy it is make!

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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