Looking for a delicious and easy tartar sauce recipe? Look no further!
You’ll love this old-fashioned tartar sauce recipe because it’s quick to make, adaptable to your tastes, and delicious with any fried seafood.
How to make old fashioned tartar sauce
Homemade tartar sauce is super simple to make and tastes way better than storebought.
Some things require precision in the kitchen, and some things don’t. Tartar sauce is one of those wonderfully flexible condiments in which a lot of things will work well. As long as you have a well-seasoned mayonnaise base with plenty of acidic flavoring, it will be tasty and be the perfect balance to rich or fried seafood.
It’s so easy to make and so fresh tasting. Definitely worth the very little effort that it takes. It takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish.
Let’s make it together.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy: All you do is measure and mix.
- Flexible: This recipe can be adapted to your tastes with simple changes
What you’ll need
- mayonnaise (full fat!)
- dill relish or chopped dill pickles (homemade relish is great, but storebought is fine)
- fresh lemon juice
- shallot (or onion!)
- salt
- freshly ground pepper
- fresh parsley
Step by step homemade tartar sauce
Combine all the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
For serving, spoon the sauce into individual bowls or ramekins.
That’s it!
Tips for the best homemade tartar sauce
- Make sure you chill the sauce before serving. You really want the flavors to have time to blend.
- Taste before you serve. If it seems bland, add more seasoning. Easy!
Substitutions
The most important part of this recipe (or really any other), is balance. You are beginning with a base of mayonnaise, and likely using this sauce for fried food To balance out all that heaviness, we need acid.
- No lemon juice? Use vinegar or dill pickle juice.
- No dill relish? Chop up some dill pickles. (Or even bread and butter pickles)
- No shallot? A finely chopped onion will work just fine.
You can also add things to this base recipe for more flavor.
Good additions include minced fresh parsley, fresh dill, minced fresh garlic, dijon mustard, and capers. Have a seasoning you love, like lemon pepper or Cajun seasoning? Throw it in there! Or add cayenne for a little spice.
Frequently asked questions
What is tartar sauce made of?
What do you serve tartar sauce with?
Do I really need to make it ahead?
Storage tips
Tartar sauce will keep in the fridge for a week.
It does not freeze well at all (sorry!)
More homemade sauces you’ll love:
- Cajun ranch dressing is easy to make
- Homemade lemon curd is another from scratch goody to keep on hand
Recipe for old fashioned tartar sauce
Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup dill relish
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons minced shallot
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon coarse pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium sized bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
- Spoon into individual ramekins before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
This old-fashioned tartar sauce recipe is quick to make, adaptable to your tastes, and delicious with any fried seafood. Whether you’re looking for an easy tartar sauce recipe or just want a delicious condiment for your next fish fry, this one is sure to please!
