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Homemade Tartar Sauce with Pickle Relish

This Homemade Tartar Sauce is a game-changer! Creamy, tangy, and easy to whip up, it’s the perfect condiment for your seafood dishes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy, Homemade, Seafood
Servings: 4 servings

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)
  • 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 (to taste)
  • freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  • 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.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise. This will serve as the creamy base of your tartar sauce.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Sprinkle in 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill, and squeeze in 1 to 3 teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. 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.
  • Using a whisk or a spoon, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly. Taste your tartar sauce and adjust any components as necessary.
  • 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.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Storage container

Notes

  • Store your homemade tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • For a lower-calorie option, consider using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
  • Chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.