Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your seafood dishes or even your homemade fish and chips, look no further than this easy and delicious homemade tartar sauce with pickle relish. This creamy, tangy condiment is a classic companion to fried fish, and it’s a breeze to whip up in your own kitchen! With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a condiment that’s fresher and tastier than anything you can find in a bottle. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful sauce.

Why This Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish Stands Out

What sets this homemade tartar sauce apart is its perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess, thanks to the combination of mayonnaise, pickle relish, and fresh ingredients. The addition of brined capers and a hint of onion adds a delightful depth of flavor that you won’t find in store-bought versions. Plus, it’s customizable! You can adjust the sweetness, acidity, and herbiness to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re preparing a simple fish fillet or a gourmet seafood platter, this tartar sauce will enhance every bite.

Gather These Ingredients

To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s)
• 2/3 cup sweet and/or dill pickle relish (lightly but not completely drained; leave just a little bit of liquid)
• 1 tablespoon grated yellow or sweet onion (I use Vidalia)
• 1 tablespoon chopped brined non-pareil capers, drained
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 to 3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (added to taste)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, added to taste)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Equipment at a Glance

Before you start mixing, make sure you have the following equipment handy:

• Mixing bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
• Whisk or spoon: To mix everything until smooth.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements.
• Knife and cutting board: To chop the onion, capers, and dill.
• Storage container: To keep your tartar sauce fresh in the fridge.

Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish in Steps

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment, let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering and measuring out all your ingredients. Chop the onion, dill, and capers finely, ensuring that they are ready to be mixed into the mayonnaise.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise. This will serve as the creamy base of your tartar sauce.

Step 3: Add the Pickle Relish

Next, stir in 2/3 cup of sweet and/or dill pickle relish. Make sure to drain it lightly so that your sauce doesn’t become too watery. The relish adds that signature tang and sweetness.

Step 4: Mix in the Fresh Ingredients

Now, add 1 tablespoon of grated onion, 1 tablespoon of chopped capers, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. These ingredients will bring an extra layer of flavor that makes this tartar sauce special.

Step 5: Incorporate Fresh Herbs and Seasoning

Sprinkle in 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, and squeeze in 1 to 3 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This is where you can adjust the acidity to your liking. If you prefer a touch of sweetness, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar at this point. Finally, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Mix and Taste

Using a whisk or a spoon, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. Taste your tartar sauce and adjust any components as necessary—more lemon juice for acidity, more sugar for sweetness, or additional salt and pepper.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Transfer your homemade tartar sauce to a storage container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve it alongside your favorite seafood dishes and enjoy!

Nutrition-Minded Tweaks

If you’re looking to make this homemade tartar sauce even healthier, consider the following tweaks:

• Use low-fat or light mayonnaise to reduce calories.
• Incorporate Greek yogurt for added protein and a tangy flavor.
• Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup.
• Add more herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor without added calories.

What Could Go Wrong

Making homemade tartar sauce is generally straightforward, but here are a few pitfalls to avoid:

• Too Watery: If you add too much pickle relish or don’t drain it well, your sauce may become runny. Drain it lightly and adjust the consistency with more mayonnaise if needed.
• Overly Tangy: Adding too much lemon juice can overpower the sauce. Start with less and adjust to your taste.
• Not Enough Flavor: If your tartar sauce lacks flavor, consider adding more onion, capers, or salt.
• Inadequate Chilling: Skipping the chilling step may mean the flavors don’t meld properly. Be patient and let it chill!

Storage & Reheat Guide

Homemade tartar sauce can be stored easily:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Do not freeze, as the mayonnaise may separate upon thawing.
• Give it a good stir before serving after it has been stored to recombine any separated ingredients.

Handy Q&A

Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?

Yes! You can use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise alternative if you prefer a lighter or plant-based option. Just be aware that this may alter the flavor slightly.

How can I adjust the flavor of my tartar sauce?

Taste as you go! You can easily adjust the sweetness, acidity, and herbiness by adding more sugar, lemon juice, or fresh herbs according to your preference.

What dishes pair well with this tartar sauce?

This homemade tartar sauce is perfect for pairing with fried fish, fish sandwiches, crab cakes, fried shrimp, or even as a dipping sauce for vegetables.

Can I make this tartar sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to develop further. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve.

Healthy-ish Favorites

If you’re looking for more delicious recipes to complement your meals, check out these healthy-ish favorites:

• Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad
• Easy Chicken Tacos
• Vegan Baked Zucchini Fritters
• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Make It Tonight

Ready to impress your family or guests? This homemade tartar sauce with pickle relish is just a few simple steps away. Whip it up tonight, and you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again. Enjoy dipping your crispy fish and savoring every bite of this creamy, tangy delight!