Make your own tartar sauce with this easy recipe! (original) (raw)

tartar sauce pin image

Overhead view of a bowl of tartar sauce being stirred with a spoon.

Overhead view of a bowl of tartar sauce on a plate of fish sticks, being stirred with a spoon.

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tartar sauce pin image

Overhead view of a bowl of tartar sauce being stirred with a spoon.

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I’m always on a quest to reduce the number of half-used bottles of sauce in my fridge (the struggle is real…) Instead of buying every single sauce under the sun, I keep a few basic condiments on hand so I can make any other homemade sauce whenever I want and in whatever quantity I need. This Homemade Tartar Sauce is the perfect example. I don’t eat tartar sauce often, but when enjoying homemade fish sticks, it’s an absolute must! It takes just a few minutes to whip up, uses only six (or less!) pantry and fridge staples, and I can make any amount that I need with NO leftovers. #win

“Wow! This sauce is just awesome! I used to mix only mayo and relish to go with my fish sticks but this is much much better! Thank you for sharing all your ideas!”

Valérie

Tartar sauce is a rich and tangy mayonnaise-based sauce that pairs perfectly with fish and seafood, and honestly, it’s one of the easiest condiments to whip up at home. I lighten mine up some by mixing the mayonnaise with plain yogurt, then all you need is dill relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of dried dill for flavor. If your fridge looks anything like mine, you probably have everything you need already!

tartar sauce pin image

Overhead view of a bowl of tartar sauce being stirred with a spoon.

Tartar Sauce

Cost 1.13recipe/1.13 recipe / 1.13recipe/0.22 serving

Homemade tartar sauce is incredibly easy to make and pairs perfectly with any baked or fried fish or seafood.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Overhead view of a bowl of tartar sauce with a spoon, on a plate of fish sticks.

▢ 1/2 cup mayonnaise ($0.40*)
▢ 1/4 cup plain yogurt ($0.28*)
▢ 1/4 cup dill relish ($0.32)
▢ 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard ($0.02)
▢ 1 Tbsp lemon juice ($0.06)
▢ 1/2 tsp dried dill ($0.05)
Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and stir to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to five days.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

*You can use your favorite brand of mayo, but I usually lean towards Hellmann’s or Dukes. I like to do a half-and-half mix of mayonnaise and yogurt because the yogurt lightens up the sauce and makes the flavor slightly brighter. You can use regular-style yogurt for a thinner sauce or Greek-style yogurt for a thicker sauce. Or substitute with more mayonnaise for an ultra-rich and thick tartar sauce.

Serving: 0.25cupCalories: 174kcal (9%)Carbohydrates: 4g (1%)Protein: 1g (2%)Fat: 17g (26%)Sodium: 314mg (14%)Fiber: 0.3g (1%)

The nutrition data is automatically calculated using all ingredients listed on the recipe card, including any listed as optional. Percentages are of daily value.

How to Make Tartar Sauce Step-By-Step Photos

Tartar sauce ingredients in a bowl not stirred together.

Combine the ingredients: All you have to do to make tartar sauce is stir together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup plain yogurt (or just do 1 cup total mayonnaise), ¼ cup dill relish, 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, and ½ tsp dried dill.

Finished tartar sauce in a bowl with a spoon.

Stir it all together and you’re good to go! You can store this sauce in the fridge for up to five days. If you prefer a thicker sauce, use Greek-style yogurt, or skip the yogurt and use all mayonnaise.

A bowl of homemade tartar sauce on a plate of fish sticks with lemons on the side.

Serve with your favorite seafood, roasted vegetables, or even as a sandwich spread!

What Else Can I add?

This easy tartar sauce recipe is a great base that can then be modified to fit your taste buds or other ingredients you may have on hand. That’s just one reason why I love it! Try adding these ingredients to customize your sauce:

Try adding a dash or two of hot sauce or a small spoonful of horseradish for some kick!
Got leftover capers? Stir them in for some extra briney flavor.
Finely diced red onion would add even more crunch and savory flavor.
Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for some more umami.
Add a tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley for more freshness.

How to Serve Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce is obviously great with fish sticks, crab cakes, and salmon patties, but I also think it’s delicious with chicken nuggets, oven-baked steak fries, or classic tuna patties. And since it’s simply a lemon-dill flavored mayonnaise, I also use it as a spread on sandwiches and wraps for lunch!

How to Store

This homemade tartar sauce will last about 4–5 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. However, how long it’ll keep will depend on the freshness of the ingredients you use (especially the yogurt), so do keep that in mind.

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Beth MoncelI’m a food lover, number cruncher, and meticulous budgeter. I love science and art, and the way they come together when I cook. I love to create, problem solve, and learn new things. Making great food is my passion, my purpose, and my favorite thing to share with others.More About Beth