Kickin Homemade Tartar Sauce Easy As Pie

Kickin Tartar Sauce My Simple Tartar Sauce Recipe

By Cameron BlytheJuly 1, 2025

Whip up the best simple tartar sauce recipe This homemade version is easy quick and tastes like restaurantquality Ditch the jarred stuff Get the recipe now ... Quick & Easy

Table of Contents

☷

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever found yourself staring sadly at a bland fish dish? Honestly, a decent sauce can make or break it. This simple tartar sauce recipe will transform any piece of fish from 'meh' to magnificent.

Think tangy, creamy deliciousness.

Brief Overview

Tartar sauce is a classic condiment with French origins. This easy tartar sauce recipe takes only ten minutes, plus an optional half-hour to chill.

This recipe makes about a cup, enough for a small family fish and chip night.

Main Benefits

The best bit? Homemade is always better than shop-bought. A classic tartar sauce from scratch tastes fresher and you control the ingredients. Plus, you avoid all those dodgy additives!

What Makes this Tartar Sauce Ace?

Right, so why bother making your own homemade tartar sauce ? Well, aside from being way tastier, it's also pretty cheap.

I mean, think about it - good ingredients, less cost and an incredible final flavor. What's not to love? The biggest thing is the flavor though.

Kickin Homemade Tartar Sauce Easy As Pie presentation

Easy Tartar Sauce Recipe: All You Need to Know

You won't believe how easy it is to whip this homemade condiments . You basically chop a few bits, chuck them in a bowl with mayo, give it a good stir, and Bob's your uncle! You've got yourself a quick tartar sauce .

A dash of salt or pepper really brings the flavor out.

The Secret to the Best Tartar Sauce Recipe

The secret? Good quality mayonnaise. Seriously, don't skimp on the mayo! Plus, don't skip the chilling time! I promise it makes a difference.

Remember to finely chop the pickles. This helps the sauce bind better. Are you wondering what is tartar sauce made of? Well, good mayo, pickle relish, herbs and lemon juice.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Alright, let's talk shop. To make this simple tartar sauce recipe , you don't need a kitchen the size of Wembley Stadium.

Honestly, it's easier than queuing for petrol these days. So, what do you need for the best tartar sauce recipe ? Let's break it down.

Main Ingredients for Easy Tartar Sauce

1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise. Go for the good stuff, not that watery stuff. Quality matters here.
1/4 cup (60ml) finely chopped dill pickles. Drain them, no one wants a soggy sauce.
2 tablespoons (30ml) finely chopped red onion or shallot. Small pieces are key.
1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice. Bottled is a sin!
1 tablespoon (15ml) chopped fresh parsley. Curly or flat-leaf, your call.
1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard. Adds a little oomph .
1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) freshly ground black pepper.
Pinch of salt. To taste, of course!

For the best flavor, the key is good mayo and well-drained pickles. I once used cheap mayo and ended up with tartar sauce for fish that tasted like sadness.

Never again! You know, a quick tartar sauce is only as good as its base.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauces

Forget bland! You can easily tweak this classic tartar sauce . For that restaurant style tartar sauce flavour, go with quality ingredients.

The Dijon mustard gives it a little kick. Lemon juice brings some zing. Don't be afraid to chuck in a pinch of cayenne pepper if you're feeling cheeky.

For herbs, dill is a must! But tarragon adds a touch of class.

What if you're out of something? No worries! Sweet pickle relish works if you don't have dill pickles. Shallots can sub in for red onion.

Dried parsley? Use half the amount. It’s a versatile homemade condiments recipe, so don't sweat it.

Essential Equipment: Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy Thermomix. I love cooking, but I am not getting fancy when it comes to Easy Tartar Sauce Recipe Homemade . Here's the bare minimum:

Cutting board
Sharp knife (mind your fingers!)
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing bowl
Spoon or whisk
Airtight container

That's it. A fork works instead of a whisk if you're really slumming it. You probably already have it all anyway.

Now, are you ready to make some proper Homemade Tartar Sauce ? Let's go! The question what is tartar sauce made of is now easily answered.

Kickin' Homemade Tartar Sauce: Easy As Pie

Fancy a bit of classic tartar sauce ? Honestly, this easy tartar sauce recipe homemade is a game-changer! Forget that bland stuff from the shops.

We're talking restaurant style tartar sauce quality right in your kitchen. It's so simple, even I, with my sometimes-dodgy cooking skills, can nail it every time.

I can still remember the first time I tried it, the taste was a complete revelation. Let's ditch the jarred stuff, shall we?

Prep Steps

Essential mise en place : It's all about getting your bits ready. Chop your dill pickles ( drain them well ), red onion, and parsley.

We need about 1/4 cup (60ml) of pickles, 2 tablespoons (30ml) of onion, and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of parsley, respectively.

Time-saving organization tips : Chop the pickles and onion together. Less washing up, see? This also works to keep the onion from making you cry too much... maybe.

Step-by-Step: Creating the Best Tartar Sauce Recipe

Right, let's get cracking with this simple tartar sauce recipe .

Chop your pickles, red onion, and parsley. Aim for small pieces.
Grab your 1 cup (240ml) of mayo. (Not the super cheap stuff, yeah?). Chuck it in a bowl.
Squirt in 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of Dijon mustard. Whisk it!
Add your chopped bits: pickles, onion, and parsley. Also, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) of black pepper.
Give it a good mix. Make sure everything's playing nicely together.
Taste it. Needs more oomph ? Add a pinch of salt. A little more lemon? Go for it!
Now (optional, but recommended): Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . Flavors need a bit of a mingle.

Pro Tips for Next-Level Homemade Condiments

Want to elevate your homemade tartar sauce ? Here’s how:

Use good quality mayo. Seriously, it makes a difference. Full-fat is best (sorry, not sorry). This is what is tartar sauce made of.
Don't skip the chilling time. 30 minutes in the fridge makes a difference in the flavor.
For a quick tartar sauce , you can actually use sweet pickle relish if you are in a pinch.

Recipe Notes

Alright, so you've got the easy tartar sauce recipe homemade , but let's chat about making it your own. Honestly, this part is where the fun begins.

Serving Suggestions: Make It a Feast!

Thinking about plating? A little dollop next to some crispy fish looks fab. Seriously! Garnish with a sprig of parsley.

You know? Fancy. I once served this homemade tartar sauce at a garden party with some posh fish finger sandwiches.

Everyone went nuts for it! This tartar sauce for fish is excellent with sides. Coleslaw or a good potato salad does the trick.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh!

Right, so you've made your quick tartar sauce . Now what? Keep it in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days.

Make sure you use an airtight container. I never freeze mine. I reckon it ruins the texture. Reheating? Nah. You're not going to be reheating this.

Serve cold.

Variations: Get Creative!

Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Boom! Spicy easy tartar sauce . Need a dairy-free option? Use a plant-based mayonnaise.

Easy peasy! Sometimes I swap out regular dill pickles for cornichons. It gives a tangy twist. Also consider trying to swap out the mayonnaise with veganaise to accommodate for a vegan friendly recipe.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside!

Okay, so this isn't exactly a health food. But it's not terrible either! The fat comes from the mayonnaise. It is needed to build up the perfect texture.

The herbs add a little somethin' somethin' Vitamin-wise. This restaurant style tartar sauce offers some key benefits that store bought sauces may miss.

Honestly, mastering the best tartar sauce recipe doesn't need to be difficult. Have a crack at it. I was shocked at how easy it was to make.

This recipe really makes other homemade condiments seem within reach! You might just ditch the shop-bought stuff forever.

Classic Tartar Sauce The Secret to a Restaurant Taste

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade tartar sauce last, and what's the best way to store it?

Homemade tartar sauce, like this simple tartar sauce recipe, is best enjoyed fresh! However, it will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly. Think of it like a proper cuppa - best enjoyed fresh, but still good after a day or two!

Can I make this simple tartar sauce recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time is actually a good shout! The flavors meld together beautifully when given a chance to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, and it will be just like you saw Mary Berry make it.

What can I substitute for dill pickles in this simple tartar sauce recipe? I'm all out!

No pickles, eh? No worries! If you're fresh out of dill pickles, you can use sweet pickle relish or even some finely chopped capers for a similar briny, tangy flavor. Think of it as a little bit of a "Bake Off" substitution challenge – get creative! You might even find a new favourite twist.

My tartar sauce turned out a bit watery. How can I fix it?

A watery tartar sauce is a bit of a bummer, but easily fixed! This often happens because the pickles weren't drained well enough. Next time, make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the pickles. For this batch, you can try stirring in a bit more mayonnaise or even a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt to thicken it up – just like adding cornstarch to a gravy that's a bit too runny, but without the cooked flavour.

I'm watching my calories – can I make a lighter version of this simple tartar sauce recipe?

Of course! You can lighten up the tartar sauce by using light mayonnaise or even a combination of Greek yogurt and a smaller amount of regular mayonnaise. Another tip is to load up on the herbs and lemon juice – they'll add flavor without adding extra calories. You can still enjoy a delicious tartar sauce without feeling like you've gone completely off the rails!

Can I add any spice to this simple tartar sauce recipe?

Absolutely! To spice things up, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favourite hot sauce (like Tabasco or Sriracha) for a kick. For a more complex flavour, you could also add some finely diced jalapeño peppers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Just like a good curry, you can adjust the level of spice to your own taste!