This recipe for homemade dill tartar sauce uses simple pantry ingredients and whips up in minutes. Better than store-bought this tartar sauce is nice and tangy, perfect for your next seafood night.
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There is nothing better than a side dish of tangy tartar sauce when you are having seafood. Especially if you are eating fried or breaded seafood.
I find that most tartar sauce you buy at the grocery store is lacking in flavour.
I promise you that this homemade dill tartar sauce is not.
It has just the right consistency to work as either a dip or sauce and it is both creamy and tangy.
It’s made with simple ingredients and ready in minutes. This recipe makes about one cup of sauce which is the perfect amount for most meals with a bit leftover.
We like to use it on our Homemade Salmon Burgers, as a dip for Air Fried Breaded Shrimp, or with some crispy and delicious Immitation Crab Cakes.
Ingredients & Substitutions
For a full list of ingredients and measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Homemade tartar sauce is made with simple pantry ingredients. You will need:
Mayonnaise – This forms the base of the sauce. My favourite brand to use is Hellman’s, but you can use whatever you like. Just be sure you are not substituting with Miracle Whip or sandwich spread as it will change the flavour.
Dill pickles – This recipe uses both diced dill pickles and pickle juice.
Capers – Capers are little flower buds. They have a slightly salty flavour from the brine they are in and add a great flavour to seafood dishes.
Lemon juice – Fresh is best, but bottled will work in a pinch.
Dijon mustard – You can substitute mustard powder if needed.
Dill – I use dried because I always have it, but you certainly can use fresh. If using fresh use at least 2 tablespoons.
Garlic powder – For a slight garlic note without overpowering the tangy dill.
Hot sauce – This is totally optional, but I like adding a few dashes for a bit of a kick.
Step by Step Instructions
The preparation for this delicious dill tartar sauce is quick and easy. All you need to do is add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and mix it well.
This sauce will be best if it has at least an hour to rest to allow all of the flavours to blend, but it is ok to serve it right away if you need to.
Pro Tip – Feel free to taste as you go. Depending on the brand of pickles I’m using I sometimes find I need to add a bit of extra pickle juice to get the flavour I’m after.
I like to store mine in a small mason jar. It should last about a week in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
This tartar sauce is perfect with any seafood meal.
We love this served on salmon burgers or with breaded shrimp. It is delicious with battered halibut or cod and is even a delicious dip for French fries.
You can use this homemade sauce for just about everything.
Top Tips & FAQS
All you need to do to make this tartar sauce vegan is substitute the mayonnaise for a vegan version. No other substitutions are required.
I like to store my tartar sauce in a small mason jar, but any small container will do. It should last about a week in the refrigerator.
More Sauces & Dips
You may also like:
Cucumber Raita – by Diabetic Foodie
Green Goddess Dip – by It’s Not Complicated Recipes
Smoked Onion Dip – by A Grill for All Seasons
Printable Recipe
Homemade Dill Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ Cup mayonnaise
- ¼ Cup diced dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon capers drained and chopped
- 2 tablespoon dill pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tsp dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- dash hot sauce
Instructions
- Dice the pickles and roughly chop the capers.
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl and stir until well mixed.
- This tartar sauce is best if it has time to rest (1 hour), but can be served immediatly.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutritional content will vary with brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes and more.