The Ultimate Homemade Tartar Sauce from Bland to Grand

The BEST Tartar Sauce Recipe From Bland to GRAND

By Cameron BlytheSeptember 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever wondered how to take your fish and chips to the next level? Well, let's talk tartar sauce recipe ! Forget that bland jarred stuff.

I'm going to teach you how to make a proper condiment. It tastes like the best seaside chippy on a sunny bank holiday!

What Makes This Tartar Sauce So Special?

This isn't just any old condiment. It's a classic tartar sauce recipe, a tangy dip born from French culinary tradition.

It's simple, taking only about 10 minutes. This recipe yields about a cup, perfect for 8 servings!

This DIY tartar sauce condiment is packed with flavour and good fats from the mayonnaise. This makes it a healthier treat.

Plus, it's just perfect for any fried food or even as a dip for veggies! The freshness of this recipe is far from any store-bought product.

Why This Tartar Sauce Recipe Rocks

The homemade tartar sauce ingredients bring such vibrancy. The tartar sauce with dill pickles bring a lovely tang. The capers add a salty bite, and fresh herbs just make it pop.

Honestly, this sauce will become your new go-to. I even tried a vegan tartar sauce recipe once! The flavour combinations were incredible.

The best part? It's so easy. It takes a few minutes. You have the best tartar sauce for fish and chips .

Seriously, ditch the jarred stuff! Get ready for some flavour explosion in your mouth.

Let’s dive into what you'll need!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Tartar Sauce Toolkit

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need for this easy tartar sauce recipe . Seriously, it's so simple. You'll wonder why you ever bought the jarred stuff!

Main Homemade Tartar Sauce Ingredients

Mayonnaise : 1 cup ( 240ml ). Good quality, full fat is best, honestly.
Dill pickles : 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ), finely chopped. Gherkins are spot-on.
Capers : 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ), drained and chopped.
Fresh dill : 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ), finely chopped.
Fresh parsley : 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ), finely chopped.
Lemon juice : 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ), fresh is crucial!
Dijon mustard : ½ teaspoon ( 2.5ml ). Adds a great kick.
Black pepper : ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25ml ), freshly ground.

For the mayo, splurge a little. It makes a massive difference. As for the tartar sauce with dill pickles , make sure they're the crunchy kind. That snap makes all the difference.

Seasoning Notes: The Flavour Orchestra

This isn't just about slapping ingredients together. It's about flavour harmony! Dill and lemon are best friends. You know? The mustard adds a subtle warmth.

For a tartar sauce with capers variation, add a tiny bit of the caper brine. It gives a salty pop! If you are trying to do a vegan tartar sauce recipe , there are many good mayo versions of it.

No fresh dill? Honestly , dried will do in a pinch. Halve the amount though. And experiment with other tartar sauce variations . A pinch of cayenne never hurt anyone!

Equipment Needed: Simple and Sweet

Cutting board.
Sharp knife. No brainer!
Mixing bowl.
Measuring spoons.
A spoon. For the mixing of this classic tartar sauce .

Don't have a fancy chef's knife? A regular kitchen knife is fine. Seriously, no need to get all Gordon Ramsay about it.

The bowl? Any old bowl will do! Time to make the best tartar sauce for fish and chips you have ever tasted!.

With these homemade tartar sauce ingredients this will be amazing!

The Ultimate Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe : From Bland to Grand!

Seriously, who wants boring tartar sauce? Not us! This isn't your average, straight from-the-jar condiment. We're making a classic tartar sauce that'll knock your socks off.

It's the best tartar sauce for fish and chips , period.

Honestly, I used to think all tartar sauce tasted the same. Then, I made it from scratch. Oh my gosh! Game changer.

So let me share you the easy tartar sauce recipe that changed my life!

Prep Like a Pro

Before we even think about mixing, let's get organised. It's all about that mise en place . Roughly, 10 minutes is all you need.

Chop your dill pickles , capers, dill, and parsley nice and fine. It just helps everything mix together. Make sure to drain those capers otherwise it will be all watery.

Stirring Up Success: step-by-step

Right, let's get to it. This is super simple:

Grab 1 cup (240ml) of good quality mayonnaise.
Add 2 tablespoons (30ml) of chopped dill pickles .
Toss in 1 tablespoon (15ml) of capers.
Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon (15ml) each of fresh dill and parsley.
Squeeze in 1 teaspoon (5ml) of lemon juice.
Add ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) of Dijon mustard.
Grind in ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) of black pepper.
Stir it all together!

You know it's ready when everything is mixed well. For the homemade tartar sauce ingredients , it couldn't be easier.

If you have time, pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . It lets the flavours get to know each other.

Pro Tips for Tartar Triumph

Don't skimp on the mayonnaise! It's the base of everything.
Taste as you go! This is very important, you can change the flavour to your liking.
Avoid over mixing. Just stir it until it is all nice and mixed. Otherwise you could separate it.

If you want, you can make this the day before. A great seafood dipping sauce recipe is only minutes away!.

Why bother with store-bought? This DIY tartar sauce condiment blows it out of the water. Plus, there are so many tartar sauce variations you can try.

For a twist, why not add a pinch of cayenne? Or try a vegan tartar sauce recipe with vegan mayo.

Trust me, once you make your own, you will never go back.

Recipe Notes: Let's Get Saucy!

Honestly, making your own tartar sauce recipe is a game changer. No more of that shop bought stuff that tastes like…well, nothing. It's all about getting the balance just right!

Serving Suggestions: Plating Perfection

Think beyond just slapping it on your fish and chips! For plating, dollop a generous spoonful beside crispy fish. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a sprig of dill.

For sides, a classic coleslaw cuts through the richness beautifully. A crisp, dry white wine pairs nicely.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Keep your homemade tartar sauce ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll be good for up to 3 days .

Freezing isn't really recommended. It'll get a bit watery when it thaws. Reheating isn't a thing, it's a cold sauce, silly!

Variations: Tartar Transformations

Fancy a vegan tartar sauce recipe ? Easy! Just swap out the mayo for a vegan alternative. Job done! For a seasonal twist, in autumn, try adding a tiny bit of apple cider vinegar for extra zing.

So good!

Nutrition Basics: Guilt Free(ish) Goodness

Okay, let's be real, tartar sauce isn't exactly a health food. But hey, everything in moderation, right? It's mainly fat from the mayo, but the herbs add some vitamins.

A little goes a long way! Using a lower fat mayo alternative, is also an option.

So there you have it! Your DIY tartar sauce condiment possibilities are endless! Get creative, have fun, and enjoy! This tartar sauce with dill pickles is calling your name! Next time you have your best tartar sauce for fish and chips , you have to try it with this recipe!

Plus, if you are feeling fancy try adding some capers and make tartar sauce with capers !

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to store homemade tartar sauce? Can I make it ahead of time?

Homemade tartar sauce is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-5 days, depending on the freshness of your ingredients. In fact, making it a day ahead is actually recommended!

This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, like a good cuppa left to brew just a little longer. You might find it tastes even better the next day.

My tartar sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out without ruining the flavor?

If your tartar sauce is a bit too thick for your liking, don't fret! You can easily thin it out by adding a teaspoon or two of either lemon juice or even a splash of milk or water (start small!). Stir it in well and taste to see if you've reached your desired consistency.

Just like adding water to your gravy to get it just right, a little goes a long way.

Can I freeze tartar sauce? I made a big batch of this tartar sauce recipe, and I have too much!

Freezing tartar sauce isn't generally recommended because mayonnaise tends to separate and become watery when thawed. This can affect the texture and overall appeal. It's best to make it fresh and enjoy it within a few days for the best quality.

Think of it like trying to refreeze ice cream it's just not the same!

I don't have all the ingredients listed in the tartar sauce recipe. What are some good substitutions?

No worries! Cooking is all about making do. If you're missing dill pickles, try sweet pickle relish or finely chopped cornichons. If you don't have capers, some finely chopped green olives will provide a similar briny punch. And remember, fresh herbs always add a special something.

But in a pinch, you can use dried herbs just use half the amount. You're basically following the same substitution principles that you would use when baking a cake.

Can I make a healthier version of this tartar sauce recipe?

Absolutely! To lighten things up, use a light mayonnaise or even plain Greek yogurt as the base (though the flavor will be tangier). Load up on the fresh herbs and lemon juice to boost the flavor without adding extra calories.

You can also reduce the amount of mayonnaise and supplement it with avocado for a creamier texture and healthy fats. Every little bit helps on the healthy path.