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The Best Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce

Close-up of creamy homemade tartar sauce with visible relish and capers in a small white bowl.

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Make this creamy, tangy tartar sauce from scratch in under 10 minutes. It is the perfect homemade tartar sauce recipe for fish and chips, crab cakes, and sandwiches.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Gather all your ingredients. You need a medium bowl for mixing.
  2. Place the mayonnaise in the bowl. This forms the creamy base for your sauce.
  3. Add the sweet pickle relish, chopped dill pickles, and chopped capers to the mayonnaise.
  4. Stir in the lemon juice, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and black pepper.
  5. Mix everything together until the sauce is uniform and creamy. Do not overmix.
  6. Taste the sauce. Adjust lemon juice or relish if you want more tang or sweetness.
  7. Cover the bowl and chill the tartar sauce for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.

Notes

  • For a spicy tartar sauce variation, add 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a healthier homemade dip.
  • This sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, making it a great make ahead condiment.

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