Name: Tartar Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons buttermilk; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 tablespoons caper juice; 2 tablespoons minced dill pickle or dill relish; 2 tablespoons finely minced onion; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped capers; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt

This is the best homemadeTartar Sauce Recipe— creamy and tangy and made with simple ingredients! An easy-to-make condiment that pairs perfectly with fish and seafood, this tartar sauce is ready in 30 minutes and beats store-bought versions every time.

A small white pail filled with creamy tartar sauce, made from a classic tartar sauce recipe and garnished with parsley and a lemon wedge, sits on a white surface next to a pickle and a lemon slice.

🍔 While perfect with fish and chips, this tartar sauce also shines as a sandwich spread, vegetable dip, orburger topping. The creamy texture and tangy flavor complement everything from grilled salmon to fried pickles!

My 2 Best Tips For Making This Tartar Sauce Recipe

Texture Balance:Get the perfect consistency by mincing ingredients uniformly. Dill pickles should be finely chopped to distribute flavor evenly, while onions need thorough mincing to avoid overwhelming bites. Pat pickles dry before adding to prevent watery sauce.

Let Time Work Its Magic:The 30-minute chilling period isn’t optional—it’s crucial for flavor development. During this time, the buttermilk softens sharp edges, the caper juice distributes throughout, and it all settles into an amazingly flavorful sauce. (For even better results, chill overnight or make ahead!)

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Unlike store-bought versions loaded with preservatives, this homemade tartarsauce recipelets you control every ingredient.

The combination of fresh lemon juice, good mayonnaise, and briny capers creates a perfect balance of creamy and tangy that’s impossible to achieve with processed alternatives.

This tartar sauce comes together in under 5 minutes of active preparation time. Simply whisk the wet ingredients, fold in the aromatics, and let it chill. The hardest part is waiting the 30 minutes for the flavors to develop!

How To Make Homemade Tartar Sauce

Three images show the steps of a homemade tartar sauce recipe: ingredients on a counter, then in a bowl ready to mix, and finally the creamy finished sauce in a bowl with a spoon on a striped towel.

Step 1:Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, and caper juice until blended.

Step 2:Stir in pickle, onion, parsley, capers, white pepper, and salt.

Step 3:Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Recipe FAQs

What’s the best mayonnaise to use for tartar sauce?

High-quality mayonnaise makes a noticeable difference in this recipe. Brands like Hellmann’s, Duke’s, or homemade mayonnaise provide the richest flavor and creamiest texture. Avoid low-fat or miracle whip-style products, as they can make the sauce too thin or sweet.

Can I substitute the buttermilk in this tartar sauce recipe?

If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. You can also use sour cream thinned with a little water, or simply omit it and add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice for tanginess.

How long does homemade tartar sauce last in the refrigerator?

roperly stored in an airtight container, this tartar sauce recipe stays fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator. The mayonnaise base and acidic ingredients help preserve the sauce, but always check for any off odors or separation before using.