Dinners · 2 min read
5-Ingredient Tartar Sauce
Creamy, tangy homemade tartar sauce with mayo, lemon, onion, capers, and relish. Ready in minutes and better than store bought for fish and sandwiches.
★ 5.0 (5)
This homemade tartar sauce is the one you'll want on every fried fish sandwich. With just five ingredients, it comes together in minutes but tastes like it spent hours developing. The key is a short rest in the fridge, which lets the onion soften and the capers and relish meld into a creamy, tangy sauce that's brighter than anything from a jar.
Why You’ll Love This Quick Tartar Sauce
- Only five ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your fridge and pantry.
- The flavor is bright and briny with a little crunch from the onion and capers, so it lifts fried fish instead of covering it up.
- It takes less than five minutes to mix together, and a short rest in the refrigerator makes it taste even better.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Tartar Sauce
- Mayonnaise is the creamy base that ties everything together. Use a full-fat mayo for the best texture, though a lighter version will work if you prefer.
- Capers bring the briny, savory note that makes this taste like a restaurant sauce. Rinse them if you want to tone down the saltiness, but we like them as is.
- Dill pickle relish adds tang and a hint of sweetness. If you only have sweet relish, you can use it, but the flavor will be a bit different.
Kitchen Tools for Making Tartar Sauce
- A chef's knife for finely dicing the onion
- Measuring spoons for accurate amounts
- A medium mixing bowl for combining
- An airtight container for storing
Tips for Making the Best Tartar Sauce
- Finely dice the white onion so it spreads evenly through the sauce and doesn't overpower any single bite.
- Let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This gives the onion time to soften slightly and the flavors to blend together.
- Stir the sauce again right before serving, because the ingredients can settle as it sits.
Tartar Sauce Variations to Try
- Add a teaspoon of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Swap the dill pickle relish for sweet pickle relish if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Stir in a tablespoon of chopped fresh dill or parsley for extra herb flavor.
- Replace half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce.
What to Serve with Tartar Sauce
- Fried fish fillets or fish sticks
- Shrimp, either fried or grilled
- Crab cakes
- As a spread on a fish sandwich or a BLT
How to Store Homemade Tartar Sauce
Store the tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors peak after 24 hours, so making it a day ahead is a good idea. Give it a stir before serving, and it will be ready to use.
Source recipe: 5-Ingredient Tartar Sauce (SnapChef ID 64ddeefc-d4e6-455f-a355-11ecd5c9bf8b). Nutrition is estimated per serving.
Ingredients
Directions
- Finely dice the white onion until you have the amount needed.
- Measure all ingredients and add them to a medium mixing bowl.
- Stir until thoroughly combined and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to develop.
- Stir again before serving.
Tap a step number to check it off as you cook.
Nutrition Facts per serving · estimated
Amount per serving
% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA).
Good to know
Questions, answered
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients. The resting time stays the same, and the sauce will keep just as well.
What can I substitute for capers?
If you don't have capers, you can leave them out or use chopped green olives for a similar briny flavor. You could also add a pinch of salt to compensate, but the taste will be a bit different.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh lemon juice gives a brighter, cleaner flavor. If you use bottled, start with a little less, since it can be more acidic.
Is this tartar sauce keto-friendly?
Yes, it is low in carbs. The main ingredients are mayonnaise, lemon juice, onion, capers, and relish. Just check the relish for added sugar if you're strict about keto.
