The easiest, tastiest homemade tartare sauce recipe that’s better than anything from a store!
Tartare sauce is one of the easiest recipes to make at home and uses only a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. The result is the most incredible sauce that goes with everything, especially fish and veggies – serve it with classic fish and chips, smothered over a piece of grilled salmon, with cooked prawns (shrimp), with crumbed calamari rings, with sweet potato fries or in a classic fish burger with loads of crispy, fresh lettuce.
This easy mayonnaise-based sauce, flavoured with pickles, capers, onion, dill and lemon, tastes better than ANYTHING you can buy at the store. It’s the type of sauce that you can also make ahead of time. It takes just 10 minutes to pull together and it lasts in the fridge for up to 3 days.The longer it sits, the more delicious it will be as the flavours meld together.
What else can I add to my tartare sauce?
Aside from the essentials (creamy whole-egg mayo, pickles and fresh dill are a must), try adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or dijon mustard for a tangy kick of flavour. You can also try substituting the red onion for finely chopped spring onion (scallion). If you’d like a smoky edge, try adding ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.
What do I do with the rest of the capers left in the jar?
Most capers will last between 7–14 days in the fridge (check your jar for details). Try leftover capers with my Cheat’s Caesar Salad Dressing (finely chop them, and stir them through), my classic Potato Salad, with Smoked Salmon Bagels, with Crumbed Lamb Cutlets (which features an amazing caper mayonnaise recipe), with my Dijon Salmon and Crispy Potatoes or my Loaded Scandi Hotdogs.
Watch how to make Best Homemade Tartare Sauce
What are some other simple, delicious sauce recipes?
If you are looking for easy sauces to transform your meals, try:
Mushroom Sauce
Bechamel Sauce
And check out my blog article 12 Quick and Easy Salad Dressings, which is packed full of simple dressings and sauces.
Best Homemade Tartare Sauce
Best Homemade Tartare Sauce is a creamy, homemade, flavour-packed tartare sauce that’s ready in minutes using pantry staples and fresh herbs.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1½ cups (375 g) 1x
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (375 g) whole-egg mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp gherkins (dill pickles), finely diced
- 1 tbsp capers, finely diced
- 1 tbsp finely diced red onion
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill (or fresh parsley if preferred)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp sea salt flakes
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a bowl and stir until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or until ready to use.
Equipment
Notes
Make Ahead
Prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavours will develop over time, making it taste even better!
Leftovers
Store freshly made leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dips, Sauces & Dressings
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: Modern
