Tartar sauce is a classic condiment that pairs perfectly with seafood, adding a tangy and creamy touch to dishes like crispy fish or shrimp. Making your own tartar sauce at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to suit your taste preferences. This recipe is quick, easy, and avoids unnecessary sugars by using a hint of maple syrup for a subtle sweetness.

Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
- Add Flavor and Texture:
- Stir in finely chopped dill pickles and pickle juice (if using). The pickles add crunch and a tangy flavor to the sauce.
- Season to Taste:
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting the amounts to your preference. Taste and add more lemon juice or maple syrup if desired for balance.
- Mix Well:
- Mix all ingredients together until well combined. The sauce should be smooth and creamy with small bits of pickle throughout.
- Chill (Optional):
- For best results, refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Use homemade tartar sauce immediately as a dipping sauce for crispy fish, coconut shrimp, or as a spread for sandwiches. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Recipe Tips:
- Customize Your Tartar Sauce: Experiment with additional ingredients such as capers, chopped herbs like dill or parsley, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Healthier Option: This homemade version avoids added sugars found in many store-bought tartar sauces, making it a healthier choice for your meals.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Jalapeño Tartar Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped pickled jalapeños
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Follow the base tartar sauce recipe by combining mayonnaise, lemon juice, and maple syrup in a bowl.
- Add finely chopped dill pickles and pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Include pickle juice if desired for additional tanginess.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve alongside your favorite seafood dishes for a spicy twist on classic tartar sauce.
2. Herb-Infused Tartar Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs (such as dill, parsley, or chives)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Start with the base tartar sauce mixture by combining mayonnaise, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
- Add finely chopped dill pickles and fresh herbs of your choice (dill, parsley, or chives).
- Mix in Dijon mustard for a tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir all ingredients together until well blended.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.
- Use as a dipping sauce for seafood, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
Recipe Tips:
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños or fresh herbs according to your preference for spice or herbaceous flavor.
- These variations can be customized further by adding other ingredients like capers, shallots, or a splash of hot sauce for added complexity.
Enjoy experimenting with these flavorful variations of homemade tartar sauce!
Homemade Tarter Sauce
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, and maple syrup.
- Stir in finely chopped dill pickles and pickle juice (if using). The pickles add crunch and a tangy flavor to the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper, adjusting the amounts to your preference. Taste and add more lemon juice or maple syrup if desired for balance.
- Mix all ingredients together until well combined. The sauce should be smooth and creamy with small bits of pickle throughout.
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