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Homemade BEST Tartar Sauce photo

BEST Tartar Sauce

This BEST Tartar Sauce is creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh flavors—a perfect homemade condiment to elevate your fish and veggies!
Print Recipe Save it
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Condiment
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles (cornichons for crunch or bread and butter pickles for sweetness)
  • 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained, roughly chopped
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or fresh dill for seafood)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped olives (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon horseradish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Start by gathering all your ingredients. This will make the preparation process smooth and efficient.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the 3/4 cup of mayonnaise with the 1/4 cup of crème fraîche (or sour cream). Stir until well blended.
  • Fold in the 1/4 cup of finely chopped dill pickles (or cornichons) along with the 2 tablespoons of capers to add crunch and brininess.
  • Add the finely minced shallot and garlic to the bowl to provide savory depth.
  • Toss in the tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley (or dill) and the 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
  • Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and, if desired, the hot pepper sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Optionally, fold in the finely chopped olives and horseradish to add extra flavor complexity.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve alongside fried fish, seafood, or as a vegetable dip.

Notes

  • If your tartar sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of lemon juice or water.
  • Balance saltiness by adding more sour cream or mayonnaise if needed.
  • For less tang, blend in a little sugar or honey to mellow flavors.
  • Let sauce sit longer in fridge to enhance flavor intensity.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week; best within 3-4 days.
Keyword Condiment, Easy, Homemade, Quick, Sauce