Growing up near the coast, seafood was always a part of my life, and no seafood entree was ever complete without a generous dollop of tartar sauce. But forget the bland, store-bought versions. This is the best tartar sauce recipe in town; creamy, tangy, and brimming with fresh flavor. With crisp dill pickles, a splash of lemon, and a touch of Dijon, it’s the perfect companion for fried catfish, hush puppies, or even a simple basket of fries. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll never go back!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this tartar sauce recipe is everything the jarred kind wishes it could be; fresh, zesty and flavorful. It’s quick to whip up with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, yet it elevates any seafood dish its served with.
- Fresh flavor: tangy pickles, bright lemon, and Dijon make this taste miles better than store-bought.
- Quick & easy: just stir everything together in minutes with ingredients you likely already have.
- Make-ahead friendly: it tastes even better after chilling, so you can prep it in advance.
Jump to:
Eqiupment
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for stirring
- Cutting board and sharp knife (for chopping pickles and herbs)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Airtight container (for storing leftovers in the fridge)
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of tartar sauce. Use a good-quality mayo for the richest flavor
- Dill pickles (or dill relish): These add that signature tangy crunch. Dill pickles keep the flavor fresh and zesty, while relish makes it a bit sweeter and more spreadable.
- Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon brightens the sauce and balances the richness of the mayo. Always go for fresh juice if possible!
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth, giving the sauce a more complex, savory flavor.
- Fresh dill or parsley (optional): Fresh herbs make the sauce vibrant and add a garden-fresh note that pairs beautifully with seafood.
- Garlic powder (optional): A pinch of garlicky warmth rounds out the flavors without overpowering.
- Salt & black pepper: The finishing touch to balance and enhance all the flavors.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and herbs.
- Step 2: Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Substitutions & Variations
Here’s a list of tasty substitutions and fun variations you can try to make this recipe your own:
- Pickles: Swap dill pickles for sweet pickles or sweet relish if you like a sweeter sauce.
- Mayonnaise: Use half mayo and half Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. You can also try sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Mustard: Dijon gives a subtle zing, but you can substitute with yellow mustard for a milder taste or whole grain mustard for texture.
- Herbs: Fresh dill is classic, but parsley, tarragon, or even chives work beautifully.
- Spicy kick: Stir in a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or horseradish for a little heat.
- Zesty twist: Add a spoonful of grated onion or minced shallot for a sharper flavor.
How to Serve
Tartar sauce is best served chilled, either in a small dipping bowl on the side or spooned over your favorite seafood and sides. A sprig of fresh dill or a lemon wedge alongside the dish adds a nice finishing touch. Here are some foods that pairs wonderfully with this simple tartar sauce recipe:
- Fried catfish or cod: the classic Southern combo.
- Hush puppies: dip those golden bites right in! Use my hush puppies recipe to back up a batch.
- Crab cakes: the creamy tang balances the rich crab flavor.
- Fried shrimp or oysters: perfect for a seafood platter.
- Fish sticks or fish sandwiches: a family-friendly favorite.
- French fries or potato wedges: a fun twist on classic dipping sauces.
- Grilled fish tacos: swap it in for crema for a coastal spin.
Storage
Transfer the tartar sauce to an airtight container or glass jar and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 5–7 days. Be sure to give it a quick stir before serving, as some of the liquid from the pickles or lemon juice may separate a little over time. Since this recipe is mayo-based, it’s best not to freeze it; the texture won’t hold up once thawed.
Tips & Tricks
- Chill before serving: Let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors have time to meld.
- Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh-squeezed makes a huge difference in brightness and flavor.
- Taste and adjust: Everyone likes their tartar sauce a little different. Add more pickles for tang, more mustard for zest, or an extra squeeze of lemon for freshness.
FAQ
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors blend together.
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will keep for 5–7 days.
Sweet relish, bread-and-butter pickles, or even chopped green olives work well.
Yes! Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt or light sour cream for a lighter version.
Simple Tartar Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Small bowl and spoon
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup finely chopped dill pickles or dill relish
- 2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon fresh dill or parsley chopped (optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and herbs.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
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