Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce

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If you’re making crispy fish fillets, crab cakes, or even a simple fish sandwich at home, there’s no topping quite like a creamy, zesty tartar sauce. Forget the store-bought jars—this easy homemade tartar sauce takes just a few minutes to stir together and adds a burst of freshness you can actually taste.

Made with ingredients you likely already have on hand, this sauce is all about tangy pickles, bright lemon juice, and a creamy base that pulls everything together. It’s one of those back-pocket recipes you’ll find yourself making on repeat because of how quick, customizable, and ridiculously flavorful it is.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce

This tartar sauce is creamy, briny, and citrusy—just like it should be. But what makes it even better is how adaptable it is. Want it a little sweeter? Add a touch of sugar. Prefer more tang? Use extra lemon juice. You’re in charge here. Best of all, it pairs with more than just seafood. Try it as a dip for roasted veggies, crispy zucchini rounds, or even fries.

What Kind of Pickles Work Best in Tartar Sauce?

You can go classic with dill pickles for that iconic briny flavor, or experiment with sweet relish for a different twist. Some even swear by cornichons or bread-and-butter pickles. The key is chopping them fine and using a variety that has a punch of flavor. If you love pickles, don’t hold back.

Ingredients for the Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce

Homemade tartar sauce comes together with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your fridge and pantry. Each ingredient has a specific role in creating that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory.

• Mayonnaise
• Dill pickles
• Fresh lemon juice
• Capers
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

How To Make the Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce

Step 1: Chop the Flavor Boosters

Finely chop the dill pickles, capers, and parsley. You want them small so they blend easily and don’t overpower any bite.

Step 2: Stir the Base

In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. This becomes the creamy, tangy base.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the chopped pickles, capers, and parsley into the mayo mixture. Stir gently until well mixed.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Sprinkle in salt and pepper. Start light and taste as you go—you can always add more.

Step 5: Let It Chill

For the best flavor, cover the sauce and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors marry beautifully.

How to Serve and Store This Tartar Sauce

This recipe makes enough to serve about 6 to 8 people, depending on how much sauce each person uses. It’s perfect for fish sticks, fried shrimp, or even as a creamy spread on burgers or wraps. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a stir before using again—the ingredients might settle a little.

What to Serve With Tartar Sauce?

Fried Fish

Whether it’s classic fish and chips or homemade crispy cod, tartar sauce is the essential companion.

Crab Cakes

The rich, flaky texture of crab cakes is even better with a dollop of tangy tartar.

Air Fryer Zucchini

Tartar sauce makes an unexpectedly good dip for crispy veggie snacks like Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Rounds.

Fish Sandwiches

Spread it generously over a soft bun with a hot fish filet and lettuce for a better-than-fast-food sandwich.

Shrimp

Dip fried or grilled shrimp into tartar sauce for a creamy contrast.

French Fries

Switch up your dipping game and try tartar sauce with your fries instead of ketchup.

Onion Rings

Their salty crunch goes great with the herby creaminess of tartar.

Salmon Patties

Add a side of tartar for an extra hit of lemony zip with your salmon.

Want More Sauce & Dip Ideas?

If you love this creamy tartar sauce, you’ll want to explore some of our other favorite sauces and dips:

• Try our Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak for a savory, umami-packed topping.
• Add brightness to seafood with Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails.
• Looking for something cozy? Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup is a must-make when you want comfort in a bowl.
• Our go-to Easy Chicken with Zucchini Corn Garlic Sauce is another quick and flavorful dinner idea.
• And for flavor-forward snacks, don’t miss these Crispy and Delicious Chinese Egg Rolls.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or seafood board so you can come back to it any time.

Let us know how your tartar sauce turned out. Did you go heavy on the lemon? Add extra pickles? Make it your own and share the twist!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dips, sauces, and spreads on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites.

Conclusion

Once you try this homemade version, you may never go back to store-bought tartar sauce again. It’s tangy, herby, and the perfect creamy condiment for your favorite crispy seafood or veggies. Best of all, it takes just minutes to whip up and can be adjusted to match your taste exactly. The next time you fry up a fish filet, this is the sauce you’ll want by your side.

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