Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe with an extra Pickle POP

Hey there! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite sauce recipes: homemade tartar sauce. As a dad who loves to cook for his family, I’ve found this recipe over the years to be both delicious and super easy to make. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into creating a flavorful condiment that will elevate any dish it touches.

What is Tartar Sauce?

Tartar sauce is like the cool sidekick to your favorite seafood dishes. It’s that creamy, tangy condiment that adds a burst of flavor with every bite. Picture a blend of mayonnaise, chopped pickles, capers, and a hint of lemon juice, all coming together to create a zesty sauce that complements everything from crispy fish to juicy burgers. It’s the secret ingredient that takes your meal from ordinary to extraordinary, making each bite a delightful adventure for your taste buds.

Why Homemade Tartar Sauce?

First things first, why bother making tartar sauce from scratch when you can easily grab a jar from the store? Well, for one, who needs another jar filling up your fridge door? Homemade tartar sauce allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and quality. Especially if you make your own mayonnaise. You can be sure you’re avoiding unnecessary additives and preservatives. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, making it a great addition to your culinary repertoire.

How to Make Homemade Tartar Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (for extra credit, make your own!)
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles (I like grillo’s)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or pickle juice)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh Dill
• Salt and Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mix It Up: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and dill. Give it a good stir until everything is well incorporated.
2. Season to Perfection: Taste your tartar sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust to your preference.
3. Chill Out: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives you a deliciously creamy and tangy sauce.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, your homemade tartar sauce is ready to rock! Use it as a dip for crispy fish and chips, slather it on a juicy burger, or drizzle it over a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless!

How to store Homemade Tartar Sauce

Homemade tartar sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Although, I highly doubt it will make it that long without being devoured! I’m always an advocate for freezing anything you can’t eat in time, but Mayonnaise based sauces tend to split in the freezer, so I recommend just using it up while it’s fresh.

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What to serve Homemade Tartar Sauce with

When you think of tartar sauce, your mind probably instantly goes to fish, and for good reason! Homemade tartar sauce is the perfect compliment to many seafood dishes like crab or fish cakes, fried shrimp, po boys and more. It’s also an excellent pairing for a variety of other sandwiches, and makes a killer snack with fresh veggies, or along side blistered shishito peppers. One of my favorite ways to eat the left overs is simply in a little bowl with a stack of crackers to dip. As long as you’re replacing mayo, or thinking dips or creamy spreads, it’s hard to go wrong by subbing in a little extra flavor with homemade tartar sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe:

As a busy dad, I appreciate recipes that are not only tasty but also quick to make. This homemade tartar sauce ticks all the boxes—it’s flavorful, versatile, and can be prepared in advance. Plus, it’s a great way to get the little ones involved in the kitchen. Let them help chop the pickles or squeeze the lemon juice (with supervision, of course), and watch their faces light up as they contribute to the meal.

Final Thoughts:

Homemade tartar sauce is a game-changer in the kitchen. It’s a simple yet impactful way to elevate your meals and impress your loved ones. So, next time you’re craving something tangy and creamy, skip the store-bought stuff and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

I hope you enjoyed this dad-approved recipe. Until next time, happy cooking!

Note: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste buds. Add a dash of hot sauce for some heat or throw in some minced onion for extra flavor. Get creative and make it your own!

If you thought this recipe was a big DILL. then try our Dill Pickle Micheladas!