This homemade tartar sauce is one of my favorite condiments to make at home. It’s ready in just 5 minutes and has all of the classic flavors of store‑bought or restaurant tartar sauce using just 7 ingredients. Once you start whipping this up at home, you’ll stop buying the jarred stuff. In 5 minutes you can have a restaurant‑quality condiment ready to go. Enjoy it with fish and chips, Alaskan salmon, crab cakes, fries—whatever you like.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise (use your favorite variety)
- ½ cup dill relish
- 1 Tbsp freshly chopped dill
- 1 Tbsp freshly‑squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp horseradish or stone ground mustard (if you don’t have horseradish)
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (optional, to offset tangy/spicy flavors)
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk until well blended.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Why This Works & What To Know
- The creamy mayonnaise base gives the classic rich texture.
- Dill relish + fresh chopped dill bring in tangy, aromatic herb notes.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor and adds acidity.
- Horseradish (or mustard) adds a subtle kick—adjust to taste if you prefer milder.
- A bit of sugar softens the acidity and spice, but it’s entirely optional.
- Black pepper rounds out the seasoning with gentle heat.
- If you have a moment, refrigerating the sauce for about 30 minutes before serving really helps the flavors meld.
What To Eat Tartar Sauce With
This sauce is traditionally paired with seafood (think fish & chips!) but it’s versatile enough for more:
- Fried or baked fish fillets
- Crab cakes
- Salmon
- Sweet potato fries or regular fries
- Chicken tenders
- Vegetables needing a creamy tangy dip
Storage
Store any leftover homemade tartar sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
FAQ & Fun Facts
- Is tartar sauce different from mayonnaise? Yes. While it uses a mayonnaise base, it’s enhanced with other flavors (herbs, lemon, horseradish) to give it a unique tart and tangy profile.
- What does tartar sauce taste like? Rich, slightly tangy, with potential heat depending on the horseradish and pepper. Some store‑bought versions lean sweet due to added sugar or syrups.
- Does tartar sauce contain cream of tartar? No! Despite the name, tartar sauce does not include cream of tartar. It’s a mayo‑based sauce flavored with condiments and herbs.
Nutrition Information (per ~2 Tbsp serving)
- Calories: ~138 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~3 g
- Protein: ~0.3 g
- Fat: ~14 g (Saturated fat ~2 g)
- Sodium: ~231 mg
- A small amount of fiber (0.2 g) and sugar (~1 g)
Note: These values are approximate and based on the ingredients listed.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted this homemade version, you’ll realize just how easy it is and why the jarred stuff just doesn’t compare. With minimal effort and everyday ingredients, you can elevate your sauce game and bring more flavor to your meals. Make a batch, dip everything, and enjoy the difference that fresh, homemade condiments bring.