Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Homemade tartar sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment that elevates any seafood dish. Made with simple ingredients like mayonnaise, pickles, and fresh herbs, it’s easy to whip up and adds a zesty kick to your meals.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 large pickle, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp capers, chopped
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 tbsp horseradish
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried dill (or fresh dill, finely chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
2. Step 2: Fold in the finely chopped pickle, capers, and green onions, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
3. Step 3: Stir in the horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing thoroughly to blend the flavors.
4. Step 4: Add the dried or fresh dill and mix well to ensure it’s evenly incorporated.
5. Step 5: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding salt, pepper, extra pickle juice for tang, or more horseradish for spiciness as desired.
6. Step 6: Transfer the tartar sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh dill for a brighter, more vibrant flavor instead of dried dill.
• For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra brightness and acidity.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, finely mince the pickles and capers or pulse them quickly in a food processor.

Storage

Store homemade tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before serving leftovers, stir well and adjust seasonings if needed. This sauce is best enjoyed cold and should not be left out at room temperature for extended periods.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make tartar sauce ahead of time?

Yes, tartar sauce tastes even better after resting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. You can prepare it up to a week in advance and keep it refrigerated.

What can I use tartar sauce for besides fried fish?

Tartar sauce is delicious as a dip for shrimp, calamari, crab cakes, or french fries. It also works well as a spread on sandwiches and burgers for an added tangy flavor.

Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 64 reviews

This Homemade Tartar Sauce is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful condiment perfect for pairing with fried seafood dishes like fish, shrimp, and calamari. Made with a smooth blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, pickles, capers, and fresh herbs, this sauce delivers the perfect balance of zest, crunch, and umami. It’s easy to make and can be refrigerated to let the flavors meld for an even better taste.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream

Texture Boosters

• 1 large Pickle, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp Capers, chopped
• 3 Green Onions, finely chopped

Flavor Enhancers

• 1 1/2 tbsp Horseradish
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Dried Dill (or fresh dill, finely chopped)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine the base ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise and 1/2 cup sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
2. Mix in the texture boosters: Fold in the chopped pickle, capers, and green onions, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Add the flavor enhancers: Stir in 1 1/2 tbsp horseradish, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Mix thoroughly to blend the flavors.
4. Finish with dill: Sprinkle in 1 tsp dried dill (or fresh dill if using). Mix well, ensuring the dill is evenly incorporated.
5. Taste and adjust: Give the tartar sauce a taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can add a pinch of salt, a splash of pickle juice for extra tang, or more horseradish for a spicier kick.
6. Chill before serving: Transfer the tartar sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Serve and enjoy: Use this creamy, flavorful tartar sauce as a dip for fried fish, shrimp, or calamari, or spread it on a fish sandwich for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Notes

• For a smoother texture, finely chop or pulse the pickles and capers in a food processor.
• Adjust horseradish to control the level of spiciness.
• Use fresh dill if available for a brighter herb flavor.
• The sauce can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Adding a splash of lemon juice can add extra brightness if desired.

Keywords: homemade tartar sauce, tartar sauce recipe, creamy tartar sauce, seafood sauce, homemade condiment