Description
What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can adjust the tanginess, add your favorite herbs, or even incorporate capers for a more sophisticated flavor profile. Whether you’re serving fish and chips, crab cakes, or grilled salmon, this homemade tartar sauce will elevate your meal from good to unforgettable. The best part? You control every ingredient, ensuring no unnecessary preservatives or artificial flavors make their way into your sauce.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (or finely chopped sweet pickles)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small shallot, finely minced (about 1 tablespoon)
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
Substitution Suggestions:
- For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt
- Vegan option: Use vegan mayonnaise
- No fresh herbs? Use 1 teaspoon dried herbs instead
- Dill pickles can replace sweet pickles for a more savory flavor
- Green onions work wonderfully in place of chives
Instructions
Start by measuring your mayonnaise into a medium mixing bowl. The quality of your mayonnaise will significantly impact the final flavor, so choose a brand you genuinely enjoy eating. Add the pickle relish, ensuring you drain any excess liquid first to prevent your sauce from becoming watery.
Zest your lemon directly over the bowl to capture those aromatic oils, then add the fresh lemon juice. The combination of zest and juice provides both bright acidity and intense lemon flavor that makes homemade tartar sauce so much better than store-bought versions.
Finely mince your shallot – this small step makes a huge difference in flavor complexity. Add it along with the Dijon mustard, which provides subtle heat and helps emulsify all the ingredients together. The mustard also adds a sophisticated depth that elevates the overall taste.
Gently fold in the chopped chives and parsley. Fresh herbs are what truly set homemade tartar sauce apart – they provide color, freshness, and a complexity that dried herbs simply cannot match. If you’re using capers, add them now for extra briny flavor.
Add garlic powder, salt, and white pepper to taste. Start conservatively with the salt since pickles and capers already contribute saltiness. White pepper maintains the sauce’s clean appearance while providing gentle heat.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a more harmonious sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 2g