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Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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