Tartar Sauce Recipe

How to Make the Best Tartar Sauce

Homemade tartar sauce is one of those simple pleasures that elevates any seafood dish from ordinary to extraordinary. This creamy, tangy condiment takes just 15 minutes to prepare and uses fresh ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The combination of capers, fresh dill, and crunchy dill pickles gives this sauce a bright, herbaceous flavor that pairs perfectly with crispy fish, grilled salmon, or golden fried shrimp.

What makes this tartar sauce stand out from store-bought versions is the freshness of the ingredients. The sharp bite of fresh lemon juice, the aromatic punch of real dill, and the briny pop of capers create layers of flavor that jarred sauces simply can’t match. Plus, you can easily customize it to suit your taste—add more lemon for extra tang, throw in some chopped chives for an oniony kick, or swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

Whether you’re hosting a fish fry, preparing a casual weeknight dinner, or looking for the perfect dipping sauce for your favorite seafood appetizers, this homemade tartar sauce will become your go-to recipe. Make a batch ahead of time and keep it chilled in the refrigerator—it only gets better as the flavors meld together.