This homemade tartar sauce recipe comes together in just 5 minutes, delivering restaurant-quality flavor right in your kitchen. With its perfect balance of creamy texture and zesty taste, this classic condiment elevates any seafood dish from basic to extraordinary. Skip the store-bought versions and whip up this quick, budget-friendly sauce that packs more flavor and fewer preservatives. Whether you’re serving fish and chips or crab cakes, this 5-minute tartar sauce recipe is your ticket to seafood perfection.
Ingredient Section
- Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt: 1/4 cup each, forms the creamy base of the sauce
- Capers & Dill Pickles: 1 tablespoon each, chopped, adds tangy brininess
- Dried Dill Weed: 1/2 teaspoon, provides fresh herbal notes
- Dijon Mustard: 1/2 teaspoon, adds subtle heat and depth
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1/4 teaspoon, enhances savory flavor
- Garlic: 1 clove minced, brings aromatic punch
- Lemon Juice: Half a small lemon, adds brightness
- Horseradish: 1 teaspoon (optional), for extra kick
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, balances flavors
Instructions Section
- Mix & Combine: Blend all ingredients in a bowl until well incorporated
- Season: Add salt and pepper according to your taste preference
- Rest & Chill: Store in refrigerator (keeps fresh up to 2 weeks)
- Serve: Perfect companion for fish and chips, salmon bites, or crab cakes
Easy Substitutions
This tartar sauce recipe is super flexible! You can swap the Greek yogurt for all mayonnaise if that’s what you have on hand. No fresh dill? Double up on the dried dill weed. If capers aren’t your thing, try finely chopped green olives instead. For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise and non-fat Greek yogurt – it’ll still taste great!
Make It Your Own
Love a bit of heat? Add an extra teaspoon of horseradish or mix in some finely chopped jalapeños. Want it tangier? Double the lemon juice or add a splash of pickle juice. You can also toss in some finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor and color.
Storage Tips
Your homemade tartar sauce needs to be kept cold! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The lemon juice and vinegar help keep it fresh for up to 2 weeks. Give it a quick stir before using, as some liquid might separate – that’s totally normal! If you notice any odd smell or appearance, it’s time to make a fresh batch.
Serving Ideas
While this tartar sauce is perfect with fish and chips, try it as a sandwich spread, a dip for fresh veggies, or dolloped on grilled shrimp. It makes a tasty alternative to plain mayo in tuna or chicken salad. You can even use it as a topping for baked potatoes or spread it on fish tacos!
Tartar Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 Tablespoon capers drained and coarsely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon dill pickles finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/2 small lemon juiced
- 1 teaspoon horseradish optional, for a kick
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve with fish and chips, air fryer salmon bites, or crab cakes.
