Best Homemade Tartar Sauce

Best Homemade Tartar Sauce

1 3/4 cup
I love this tartar sauce recipe so much! I’ve always been disappointed with store-bought tartar sauce, so I was so excited when we figured out a way to make it at home. When I have it in my fridge, I love using homemade mayonnaise for this recipe. For an egg-free option, substitute the mayonnaise for vegan mayo.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

    try homemade mayonnaise

  • 1 small dill pickle

    chopped very small, 3 tablespoons

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon capers

    chopped, optional, but recommended

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

    optional, but recommended

  • Salt and fresh ground black pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Combine the mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, capers, dill, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard in a small bowl and stir until well blended and creamy.

  2. 2

    Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste then adjust with additional lemon juice, salt, and pepper. For the best flavor, cover and store in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

  3. 3

    Keep, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for one week.

Best Homemade Tartar Sauce

Best Homemade Tartar Sauce

10 min1 3/4 cup

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About this Recipe

Tired of lackluster store-bought tartar sauce that just doesn't hit the spot? This recipe for homemade tartar sauce will revolutionize your seafood experience, delivering fresh, vibrant flavors that are simply unmatched. You'll love how easy it is to whip up this creamy condiment, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.

What makes this recipe stand out is its commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and the ability to customize to your exact taste. By starting with a good mayonnaise, especially homemade mayonnaise if you have it on hand, you lay the foundation for a rich, creamy texture. The addition of freshly chopped dill pickle and bright lemon juice provides that essential tang, while capers offer a briny depth that truly elevates the flavor profile beyond anything you'd find in a jar.

Expect a sauce that is wonderfully creamy yet incredibly fresh and lively. Each spoonful offers a delightful balance of tangy, savory, and subtly herbaceous notes. The finely chopped dill pickle and capers add a pleasant texture, contrasting beautifully with the smooth mayonnaise base. This isn't just a condiment; it's a flavor enhancer that makes fried fish, crab cakes, and even simple oven-baked salmon sing. It's incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it a perfect last-minute addition to any meal.

This versatile tartar sauce can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. For an egg-free option, simply substitute the regular mayonnaise with your favorite vegan mayo. If you're out of fresh dill, you can use dried dill in a pinch. Feel free to adjust the amount of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard to achieve your perfect balance of savory depth and subtle kick. While capers are optional, they are highly recommended for that signature briny complexity.

Serve this delightful homemade tartar sauce alongside classic fish and chips, crispy shrimp, pan-fried scallops, or even as a zesty spread for seafood sandwiches. It's the perfect accompaniment for any occasion where you want to add a touch of fresh, homemade elegance to your meal.

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