Homemade Tartar Sauce

Prep: 10 min Serves: 2 Cuisine: American

Homemade tartar sauce offers a creamy, tangy accompaniment perfect for seafood dishes like fish and chips or shrimp. Its blend of mayonnaise, sweet pickles, and lemon juice creates a bright, flavorful dip that pairs well with casual or gourmet meals alike, adding a zesty touch to your plate.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons chopped sweet pickles
  • 1 teaspoon instant minced onion
  • juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Combine mayonnaise, chopped sweet pickles, minced onion, and lemon juice in a bowl.
  2. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  3. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a zesty twist, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce to your tartar sauce. You can also substitute the sweet pickles with dill pickles for a tangy flavor. If you don't have instant minced onion, fresh finely chopped onion can be used, but adjust the quantity to avoid overpowering the other flavors. This homemade tartar sauce pairs beautifully with Peppered Steak.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your homemade tartar sauce alongside fried fish, shrimp, or crab cakes for a classic pairing. It also works well as a dip for fresh vegetables or chips. For a delightful meal, consider serving it with Aunt Jeanette'S Fast Cherry Crumb Cake for dessert to balance the savory flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors may meld and improve over time. It’s best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat; simply give it a good stir before using.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Homemade Tartar Sauce contains roughly 121 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium.

121 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 4.4g 6% DV
Carbs 20.9g 8% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 1.4g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 84.4mg 4% DV
Potassium 457.6mg 10% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.1mcg
Vitamin C 2mg 2% DV
Calcium 44.4mg 3% DV
Iron 5.1mg 29% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this tartar sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make this tartar sauce a day ahead. The flavors develop and improve when allowed to sit in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving.

Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use vegan mayonnaise in place of regular mayonnaise to create a delicious vegan tartar sauce. The other ingredients remain the same, ensuring it retains that classic flavor.

What can I serve with tartar sauce besides seafood?

Tartar sauce is versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. It pairs nicely with fried vegetables, such as zucchini or onion rings, and can be used as a spread on sandwiches or burgers for added flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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