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Insanely Good Tartar Sauce

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Prep Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes minimum | Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Very Easy | Cost: Low | Makes: About 1.5 cups

There’s tartar sauce, and then there’s this tartar sauce. Forget the bland, gloppy stuff from a jar. This homemade version is a revelation—bright, creamy, tangy, and textured, with just the right amount of zip. It transforms a simple piece of fried fish, a crab cake, or even baked sweet potato fries into something spectacular. The secret lies in the balance of high-quality ingredients and a mandatory chill time that lets the flavors marry into something insanely good. Once you try it, you’ll never go back.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240g) high-quality mayonnaise (such as Duke’s or Hellmann’s)

  • 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, plus 1 tablespoon of the relish juice

  • 1 ½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about ½ a lemon)

  • 1 tablespoon finely minced shallot or red onion

  • 1 ½ tablespoons capers, drained and roughly chopped

  • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • A pinch of kosher salt (taste first, as capers and relish add salt)

  • Optional for extra zing: ½ teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco) or a pinch of cayenne pepper

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl

  • Rubber spatula or spoon

  • Measuring spoons and cups

  • Sharp knife and cutting board

  • Airtight container for storage

Instructions

Step 1: The Base

In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish (and that crucial tablespoon of relish juice), Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper. Using a rubber spatula, stir until the ingredients are just combined. Avoid over-mixing.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics & Texture

Add the finely minced shallot, chopped capers, and fresh parsley to the bowl. The shallot provides a gentle, sharp bite, the capers bring a briny pop, and the parsley offers fresh color and flavor. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly until the add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

This is the most important step. Dip a clean spoon into the sauce and taste it. Consider the balance:

  • Need more tang? Add another teaspoon of lemon juice.

  • Need more brightness? A bit more relish juice can help.

  • Too bland? Another pinch of salt or pepper may be needed.

  • Want a kick? Now is the time to add that optional hot sauce or cayenne.
    Remember, the flavors will intensify as it chills.

Step 4: The Crucial Chill

Transfer the tartar sauce to an airtight container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce to prevent a skin from forming, then seal the lid. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for 2 hours or more. This resting time is non-negotiable—it allows the sharpness of the shallot to mellow and all the flavors to blend and deepen, creating that “insanely good” harmony.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Give the sauce a quick stir before serving. Dollop generously alongside crispy beer-battered fish, succulent crab cakes, shrimp, or use as a decadent spread for fish sandwiches. It also makes a fantastic dip for roasted vegetables or crispy potato wedges.

Storage & Lasting Power

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This tartar sauce will keep beautifully for up to 1 week. The flavors often taste even better on the second day. Do not freeze, as mayonnaise-based sauces will separate and become watery when thawed.

Nutrition Information (Per 2-tablespoon serving)

  • Calories: 130 kcal

  • Total Fat: 14g

  • Saturated Fat: 2g

  • Cholesterol: 10mg

  • Sodium: 180mg

  • Total Carbohydrates: 2g

  • Dietary Fiber: 0g

  • Sugars: 2g

  • Protein: 0g

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate based on the specific ingredients listed and may vary with substitutions. Values are calculated for the primary sauce ingredients; optional additions like hot sauce are not included.

Chef’s Notes & Variations

  • Herb Twists: Try adding 1 teaspoon of fresh dill or chives for a different flavor profile.

  • Luxury Upgrade: Fold in 2-3 tablespoons of finely flaked, cooked crab meat or lobster just before serving for an ultra-indulgent seafood sauce.

  • Dairy-Free: Use a vegan mayonnaise alternative—the recipe remains just as flavorful.

  • Sweet vs. Dill: This recipe uses sweet relish for a classic balance. For a tangier, less sweet sauce, substitute dill pickle relish and add a tiny pinch of sugar if desired.

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