Make homemade tartar sauce with this easy recipe using everyday ingredients. Perfect for seafood and more!

Prep Time: 10

Total Time: 10

Traditionally served with fish and chips, tartar sauce is one of my favorite dipping sauces. When I began to eat seafood as an adult, I loved those little blue Kraft packs with their bright yellow creamy sauce! These days, I prefer to make my own homemade tartar sauce.

This is not a long post because, as you will see, you literally put the ingredients in a bowl and stir them together. It’s definitely not rocket science! I have a list of additions you can try in the ingredients section—you can use the recipe as a guideline and then make it your own. We love it as a dip for bacon-wrapped shrimp, a spread on a smoked salmon platter, or on the side of fresh lobster cakes.

Jump to:

Ingredients For Homemade Tartar Sauce
How To Make Homemade Tartar Sauce
Expert Tips
Recipe Notes
Printable Recipe Card

Ingredients For Homemade Tartar Sauce

Ingredients to make homemade tartar sauce.

Ingredient Notes

Capers: Add a briny, tangy flavor.
Dill Pickle Relish: Contributes a sweet and tangy flavor and a bit of crunch.
Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, acidic note.
Mayonnaise: Provides a smooth texture and rich flavor.
Old Bay: Brings a blend of herbs, spices, and salt with a subtle hint of heat.
Shallot: Adds a mild onion flavor with a hint of sweetness.

It’s important to note that when making substitutions in recipes, the texture and flavor may be slightly different. However, these substitutes are the best options for changing the original recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

Capers: Substitute with chopped green olives for a similar briny flavor.
Dill Pickle Relish: Use chopped dill pickles or sweet pickle relish.
Lemon Juice: Replace with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
Mayonnaise: Substitute with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise.
Old Bay: Use celery salt, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Shallot: Replace with finely minced red or green onions or chives.

Recipe Variations

Try any of the following for a twist on this homemade tartar sauce recipe:

Citrus Zest: Add lemon or lime zest for a citrusy twist
Fresh Herbs: Try adding chopped dill, parsley, or chives.
Garlic: Add minced garlic for extra flavor.
Greek Yogurt: Replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Jalapeño: Mix in finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Mustard: Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon or whole-grain mustard.
Pickle Juice: Stir in a splash to taste.
Pickled Vegetables: Add finely chopped pickled carrots or cauliflower.
Smoked Paprika: Sprinkle in a pinch of smoked paprika.
Sour Cream: Use half mayonnaise and half sour cream for a tangier sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Use the JUMP TO RECIPE button at the top of this post, or scroll to the bottom to see the PRINTABLE recipe card with ingredient measurements and complete instructions.

How To Make Homemade Tartar Sauce

STEP 1: Place all of the ingredients in a bowl.

STEP 2: Stir well to combine. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later.

Expert Tips

1. I love the chunky texture, but if you like a smoother tartar sauce, pulse it in a food processor or blend in a blender.
2. The sauce is super tangy from the lemon juice and slightly salty from the Old Bay. If this is concerning, add both ingredients to taste rather than all at once.
3. If you have time, let the tartar sauce sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop, making the sauce taste even better.

Recipe Notes

If your homemade tartar sauce is too thick, thin it with lemon or pickle juice. If it’s too thin, stir in a bit more mayonnaise.
Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes a bit more of one ingredient can elevate the flavor.

Storage

Store the tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture and consistency when thawed.
If your tartar sauce has been stored for a few days, give it a good stir before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.

Serve Homemade Tartar Sauce With These Recipes

Did you make this homemade tartar sauce? Please rate the recipe and tell me how it went in the comments below. Also, stay in touch with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to see more delicious food and recipes!