Name: Homemade Tartar Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles (or relish); 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill (or ½ tsp dried dill); 1 tbsp finely chopped onion (optional); ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

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I love making this homemade tartar sauce because it’s creamy, tangy, and so much better than any store-bought version. It’s incredibly simple to whip up, and it brings that fresh, zesty flavor that pairs perfectly with fish, shrimp, or even fries. Once I made this, I never looked back!

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles (or relish)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon dried dill)

1 tablespoon finely chopped onion (optional)

½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, dill pickles, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, and if using, chopped onion and Worcestershire sauce until everything is well combined.

Cover the bowl and chill the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Serve chilled alongside your favorite fish, shrimp, or fries for a delicious accompaniment.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about ¾ cup of tartar sauce, enough to serve 4 to 6 people as a dipping sauce. It takes just 5 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes of chilling time to bring out the best flavor.

Variations

I sometimes tweak this recipe depending on what I have or the flavor I’m craving. Adding a bit of capers or minced garlic gives it a more robust taste. For a lighter version, I swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. If I want it spicier, a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños does the trick. Also, swapping fresh dill for dried dill works well when fresh herbs aren’t available.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftover tartar sauce stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to a week. Since it’s best served cold, I don’t reheat it—just give it a good stir before serving again. If it thickens up too much after refrigeration, I add a tiny splash of lemon juice or water to loosen the consistency.

FAQs

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

I sometimes substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier tartar sauce that’s still creamy.

Can I prepare tartar sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! Making it a few hours or even a day before serving helps the flavors meld perfectly.

How long does homemade tartar sauce last?

Stored properly in the fridge, it usually keeps well for about 5 to 7 days.

Is it necessary to chill the tartar sauce?

Chilling isn’t required but highly recommended because it allows the flavors to blend and improves the overall taste.

Can I freeze tartar sauce?

I don’t recommend freezing it because the texture can separate once thawed, making it less appealing.

Conclusion

Making my own tartar sauce is such a simple step that elevates any seafood meal. I enjoy knowing exactly what goes into it, and the fresh, vibrant flavors always impress. Whether I’m serving crispy fried fish or a plate of shrimp, this tartar sauce is my go-to for adding that perfect creamy tang.

Recipe:

Homemade Tartar Sauce

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 35 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: About ¾ cup (serves 4 to 6 as a dipping sauce)
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy, tangy homemade tartar sauce that pairs perfectly with seafood like fish and shrimp, made with simple fresh ingredients for a zesty flavor.

Ingredients

½ cup mayonnaise

2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles (or relish)

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill (or ½ tsp dried dill)

1 tbsp finely chopped onion (optional)

½ tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, dill pickles, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, and if using, chopped onion and Worcestershire sauce until everything is well combined.
Cover the bowl and chill the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Serve chilled alongside your favorite fish, shrimp, or fries for a delicious accompaniment.