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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!

homemade tartar sauce recipe

Easy Tartar Sauce Recipe

So I was craving some fish and chips the other night and broke out my go-to tartar sauce recipe to get my dip on. Except, when I peered inside my fridge, I realized my stash had dwindled down to just a sorry, crusty bit leftover in an old jar. Major tartar sauce fail! 

Now I could’ve run to the store to grab some goo or – even quicker – just whipped up a fresh, tangy batch myself in 5 minutes flat. 

Guess which route I picked? Yep, with just 5 simple ingredients from my pantry, I blended up the creamiest, dreamiest dip that reminded me why old fashioned is the best option.

classic homemade tartar 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 Buffalo Sauce, Bang Bang Sauce, Chick Fil A Sauce, Tzatziki Sauce, and Fry Sauce. So many options to try!

the main ingredient for creamy homemade tartar sauce is dill pickle relish

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.​

Looking for more leftover worthy dishes? Follow LTB on Pinterest and pin to a board!

How to Make Easy Tartar Sauce Recipe

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 baking instructions, please see the recipe card at the end of this post.

best tartar sauce

How long does it last?

You can keep any leftover tartar sauce 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.

How do you 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.

old bay tartar sauce in a jar

Tips for No Leftovers

  • Add a little Dijon mustard for a little more tang!
  • I like to add a little pickle juice to mine if it gets too thick.
  • If dill pickles aren’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!

a spoon of tartar sauce is a great addition to crab cakes

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

tartar sauce in a jar

Old Fashioned Tartar Sauce

Yield: 1 cup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

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

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup dill pickles, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients and store in an air tight container until ready to enjoy!
  2. Serve chilled!

Notes

  • Add a little Dijon mustard for a little more tang!
  • I like to add a little pickle juice to mine if it gets too thick.
  • If dill pickles aren't your thing, try sweet relish.
  • 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!
  • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1/4 cup
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 376Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 34gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 499mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g

    This nutrition information was generated via a third party, Nutritionix, and can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.

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    Lalia Mccarthy

    Sunday 1st of August 2021

    Just made your tartar sauce for a fish bake at a family gathering....I'm surevits going to be a hit...thank you

    Jennifer

    Monday 2nd of August 2021

    Can't wait to hear if everyone liked it!

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