To make tartar sauce, you typically combine a creamy base like mayonnaise with chopped pickles and seasonings to create a tangy, flavorful condiment perfect for seafood. Here's a simple and popular recipe:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 small dill pickle, finely chopped (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped capers (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill (parsley can be substituted)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped dill pickles, lemon juice, capers, dill, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
- Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together for best taste.
This homemade tartar sauce is creamy, tangy, and much more flavorful than store-bought versions. It pairs excellently with seafood dishes like fish sticks, crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, and more
. Variations include using Greek yogurt instead of some or all of the mayonnaise for a lighter version, adding finely chopped shallots or onions for extra flavor, or using sweet pickles for a sweeter sauce
. Store tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It may separate slightly after chilling, so stir before serving