Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce – 5-Minute Recipe

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This Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce is the perfect creamy, tangy companion for seafood lovers! In just 5 minutes, you can whip up a fresh and flavorful condiment that’s miles better than any store-bought jar. Made with simple pantry ingredients like mayonnaise, pickles, and lemon juice, this sauce is smooth, zesty, and perfectly balanced.
Whether you’re dipping golden fish fillets, crispy shrimp, or fries, this 5-Minute Tartar Sauce Recipe will add that irresistible homemade touch to every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Tartar Sauce
- Quick & easy: Ready in just 5 minutes!
- Simple ingredients: No fancy tools or hard-to-find items.
- Better than store-bought: Fresh, tangy, and customizable.
- Versatile: Great with seafood, fries, sandwiches, or burgers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles (or relish)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional but delicious)
- 1 tsp capers, drained and chopped (optional for extra tang)
- Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Homemade Tartar Sauce
- Mix the base: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped pickles, and lemon juice.
- Add flavor: Stir in Dijon mustard, fresh dill, and capers if using.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Chill: Let it sit in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to blend (optional, but worth it!).

Tips for the Best Tartar Sauce
- Use fresh lemon juice: It brightens the flavor beautifully.
- Adjust thickness: Add a splash of pickle juice for a thinner consistency.
- Love garlic? Add a pinch of minced garlic for a subtle kick.
- Make ahead: It gets even better after chilling — lasts up to a week in the fridge!
What to Serve with Tartar Sauce
This Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce pairs perfectly with:
- Fish and chips 🐟🍟
- Crab cakes or shrimp
- Fried oysters or calamari
- Fish sandwiches or salmon burgers
- Veggie sticks and fries

FAQs
Can I use sweet relish instead of dill pickles?
Yes! It will make the sauce slightly sweeter but still delicious.
How long does homemade tartar sauce last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely — just use a dairy-free mayo substitute.
Conclusion
This Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce – 5-Minute Recipe is creamy, tangy, and irresistibly fresh. Once you try it, you’ll never reach for the bottled version again! Perfect for seafood nights, sandwiches, or even as a dipping sauce — it’s quick, customizable, and bursting with flavor. 🌿🍋

