Old Fashioned Tartar Sauce

Make your own tangy and creamy Old Fashioned Tartar Sauce for your favorite fish and seafood dishes, this recipe is far better than store bough jarred stuff!

Easy Tartar Sauce Recipe

So I was craving some fish and chips the other night and broke out my go-to tartar sauce to go with it. Except, when I looked in the fridge, I realized my stash had dwindled down to just a sorry, crusty spoonful leftover in an old jar. Major tartar sauce fail! 

Now I could run to the store to grab some, or I could make some from scratch.

Guess which one I picked? Yep, with just 5 simple ingredients from my pantry, I made a batch that reminded me why old fashioned and homemade is better.

Some of my other favorite condiments are this cinnamon honey butter, this hoisin sauce which is definitely better than store bought, and this buffalo sauce.

What is Tartar Sauce?

Tartar Sauce is the perfect companion to fresh fish and seafood. It has creamy mayonnaise base with crunchy pickles, fresh lemon juice, tangy dill weed, and a little salt and pepper.

Combine them and you have just the right flavor combination to serve along with crunchy fried fish and shrimp.

More Delicious Sauces

Sauces make everything better! Some of my favorite ones to make and use as spreads or dipping sauces are Bang Bang Sauce, Chick Fil A Sauce, Tzatziki Sauce, and Fry Sauce. So many options to try!

Ingredients Needed

Mayo – I like to use Duke’s or Hellman’s for my sauce but if you have a favorite feel free. Just don’t use Miracle Whip as it has other ingredients that can muck up the flavors.

Dill Pickles – I like to use finely chopped sour dill pickles but feel free to use sweet if you like. Or if you are not for chopping, dill relish works just as easily!

Dill – Fresh herbs are always the best but if you can’t find any, use dried dill. Just use half the amount to start with as dried herbs are stronger than fresh.

Lemon – I like to use fresh lemon where I can but if you only have the bottled stuff that’s ok too!

Pantry staples – Salt, black pepper if needed.​

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How to Make Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce

First: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients.

Second: Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to enjoy!

Third: Serve with your favorite fried fish recipe or dip your fries in it! I love that!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

How long does it last?

You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. Make sure to give it a good stir each time you use it because ingredients will naturally separate a little.

Ways to Use Tartar Sauce

There are a ton of different way to use tartar sauce. Some of my favorites are as a sandwich spread like on fish sandwiches, or a dipping sauce for fish sticks or french fries.

I know a few people who love to have fresh tartar sauce on burgers and chicken sandwiches too, some even like it as the filling to put in deviled eggs.

I like to add a sprinkle of Old Bay Seasoning when I’m serving it with a crab cake! It’s the best way to compliment them in my opinion.

Tips for No Leftovers

• Add a little Dijon mustard for a little more tang!
• Substitute half the mayo for sour cream.
• I like to add a little pickle juice to mine if it gets too thick.
• If dill pickle relish isn’t your thing, try sweet pickle relish or chopped sweet pickles.
• If you don’t have fresh lemon you can use bottled lemon juice.
• Fresh dill weed is best but if you don’t have any feel free to use dried dill. Just use about half the amount.
• If you like yours spicy, add a dash of hot sauce!
• Minced onion is also a great addition to add even more flavor!

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

When you whip up this delicious easy old fashioned tartar sauce recipe for your next freshly caught dinner I would love to hear how you like it and what you served it with!

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