Is it weird to say that I love tartar sauce? Because it’s true. I am 100 percent that person who will judge a seafood restaurant by its tartar sauce. One star if it tastes like I’m eating a spoonful of mayo, and five stars if it’s bright, tangy, and crunchy. This tartar sauce recipe is five stars. It tastes way better than any other version I’ve ever had.
Why You’ll Love It
Unlike other tartar sauces, this one doesn’t taste like straight-up mayo. I cut the mayo with an assortment of minced shallot, fresh herbs, lemon juice, chopped pickles, and capers, all of which add brightness, depth, and texture.
To avoid your tartar sauce tasting flat and boring, I call for letting it sit for 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and balances them out. Most other recipes don’t call for this extra step, but it makes a world of difference!
Key Ingredients in Tartar Sauce
Mayo: This serves as the body of the sauce. Because this recipe is rather generous with the amount, make sure to use a mayo you like.
Herbs: I like my tartar sauce loaded with herbs for a fresher flavor. This recipe calls for parsley and dill, but other herbs like chives and tarragon are welcome additions.
Pickle-y things: It isn’t tartar sauce without the tang! Both chopped dill pickles and capers add a briny, vinegary bite.
Lemon juice: Just one tablespoon helps balance the pickles while also cutting through the creamy mayo.
Helpful Swaps and Add-ins
If you don’t have a shallot on hand, swap in an equal amount of finely chopped white onion.
To use up a jar of sweet pickle relish, bread and butter pickles, or tiny cornichons, swap it in for the dill pickle spears. If you’re using relish, start with 1/4 cup, taste, and add more as needed.
For a kick, I like to add in a few dashes of my favorite hot sauce or some Dijon mustard.
Storage and Make-ahead Tips
Because tartar sauce is a mix of shelf-stable and fresher ingredients, it can last up to one week in the fridge. I do not recommend freezing tartar sauce, as freezing and thawing will change its texture. If you need less, this recipe can easily be halved!
