Homemade tartar sauce is super easy to make, which is why I rarely purchase it already made any more. All of the ingredients are available in most grocery stores. And it costs pennies to make.

If you have a minute or two, please read this entire post before starting the recipe. But if you’re in a hurry, simply click on the jump-to-recipe button beneath the title. This will take you to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Ingredients

Here is what I use:

• Mayonnaise
• Mustard
• Sweet pickle relish or chopped dill pickles
• Lemon juice or lime juice

You can also add cayenne, Old Bay seasoning, dill, Italian seasoning blend, ground black pepper, or any other seasonings you enjoy.

Also, if you prefer dill pickles or dill relish over sweet, swap them out. Or you might want to mix a little of both to add even more depth of flavor. You can even add pickle juice if you want.

However, if you want to go the other way and make it sweeter, add a little sugar or honey. For tartness, use either bottled lemon juice or fresh lemon juice. It really doesn’t matter.

For the exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions on how to make this tartar sauce, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.

Directions

This is so easy anyone can do it in about 5 minutes … or less. The first time you make this, I recommend following the recipe. Then adjust in the future to make it exactly the way you want it.

First, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, and pickle relish. If you don’t like sweet pickles, use dill pickle relish.

If you want it to have a little more body, you can add some plain Greek yogurt. The more yogurt you add the thicker the sauce will be. Or you can use sour cream for similar results. Other ingredients you might want to add are onion powder, garlic powder, or black pepper.

Stir until well mixed. You can use a food processor, but it’s not necessary because all of the ingredients blend together so well.

Next, add the lemon or lime juice. Add just a little to make it a tiny bit tart or more for a tangy tartar sauce. You can use fresh lemon juice or the kind from a bottle. Either way, this gives it the best flavor.

Another seasoning you can add is jarred or fresh dill. This ingredient is optional, but I think that a little bit of it adds a lot of flavor. I didn’t have any on hand this time.

If you want to add any other seasonings, like a touch of horseradish, you can do so at any time. I chose to add some Old Bay seasoning because I’m going to serve it with a very mild fish.

Finally, refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it. I think it’s best after a couple of hours, when all the flavors have had a chance to hang out together.

Easy Tartar Sauce for Fish and Other Seafood

This is delicious on seafood, such as this pecan-crusted fish that I make or these tasty salmon cakes, also known as salmon patties or salmon croquettes.

Or if you like fish sticks, this tartar sauce makes them even better. It’s also good on crab cakes, fried fish fillets, or any of your favorite fish or seafood. The sauce adds a creamy texture along with great flavor to whatever you put it on.

So you never have to eat boring fish. After you make it the first time, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your own taste. Although you can purchase it already made, there is no need since it’s so easy to make from scratch. This easy tartar sauce recipe will make you a believer in making all of your own dipping sauce.

It doesn’t take a long time to make, and you can whip it up while the fish cooks. Or you can prepare it in advance and stick it in the fridge to chill for a while.

You may also enjoy this flavorful cocktail sauce that’s also good on any kind of fish. I always make it homemade cocktail sauce for shrimp, oysters, and other shellfish. It’s truly a delicious condiment.

How Long Does Tartar Sauce Keep?

It should be good for up to a couple of days if you store it in an airtight container. However, you probably won’t have any left after the first day.

More Seafood Recipes

Another seafood you might want to serve it with is these Nashville fish fingers from South Your Mouth. The sauce will add another delicious element to the dish.

Speaking of fish, I make this delicious parmesan pesto tilapia. The combination of flavors eliminates the need for any sauce, but you can still add more if you like.

This delicious pecan crusted fish is another family favorite. The blend of flavors and textures delivers a sophisticated dish that is very easy to make.

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