Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce

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There are certain dinners that just beg for a good sauce, and fish is at the top of that list. Whether it’s frozen fish sticks, air fryer fish, or a quick seafood dinner, a solid Tartar Sauce can completely change the meal.

This Easy Homemade Tartar Sauce comes together in about 5 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have. No fancy extras, no weird ingredients, just a creamy, tangy sauce that actually gets used instead of shoved to the back of the fridge.

Back when I ran my meal assembly business, quick sauces like this were non-negotiable. They had to be fast, familiar, and something people would actually use more than once. This tartar sauce is the same one I still make at home when fish is on the menu and I want dinner to feel finished without extra work.

Why You’ll Love this Homemade Tartar Sauce

• Ready in 5 minutes with zero cooking
• Made with pantry staples you already have
• Better than store-bought without being fussy
• Perfect for fish sticks, baked fish, or air fryer seafood
• Easy to tweak for picky eaters

Ingredients and Recipe Notes

• Mayonnaise – I use full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor and creamy texture. You can definitely lighten things up with Greek yogurt or low-fat mayonnaise, but the classic version really shines here.
• Sweet Pickle Relish – Sweet pickle relish is my preference for that traditional tartar sauce flavor. Dill relish works great too if you prefer something less sweet.
• White Onion – Be sure to mince the onion very small. The onion is there for flavor, not crunch.
• Lemon Juice – Use fresh lemon juice if you can. You’ll be able to tell the difference, and it really brightens up the sauce.
• Ground Black Pepper – Just enough to balance the creaminess and give the sauce a little bite.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Jill’s Top Tips

• If you’re cooking for picky eaters, start light on the onion and add more after tasting.
• Letting the sauce rest in the fridge for even a few minutes helps the flavors blend.
• This is a great make-ahead sauce for busy weeknights.

How to make Homemade Tartar Sauce

Step 1: Add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, minced onion, lemon juice, and black pepper to a small bowl.

Step 2: Stir until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Taste and adjust as needed.

Step 4: Chill for 10–15 minutes if you have time, or serve immediately.

That’s it. No cooking, no prep stress.

Easy Variations (Depending on What You’re Serving)

These are simple swaps I use depending on what’s on the plate. Think of them as quick ways to repurpose the sauce without starting over.

• Hot Pickle Relish – Swap sweet relish for hot pickle relish if you like a little kick with your fish.
• Ketchup – Stir in a tablespoon or two of ketchup to turn this into a great sauce for burgers or fish sandwiches.
• Southwest Style – Swap the lemon juice for lime juice, use red onion instead of white, and add finely chopped jarred jalapeños instead of the pickles. This version is especially good with fish tacos or grilled chicken.
• Capers & Fresh Parsley – Skip the relish and use finely chopped capers with fresh parsley and lemon juice. These two together add so much flavor and give the sauce a more classic, bistro-style feel.

What to Serve with Tartar Sauce

This sauce is a lifesaver on busy nights. I use it most often with:

• Fish sticks or frozen fish fillets
• Air fryer fish
• Baked cod or tilapia
• Shrimp or crab cakes

It’s an easy way to make a simple seafood dinner feel more homemade.

Storage Instructions

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
• Stir before serving
• Do not freeze

Did you make the recipe? Let us know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! Thanks so much!

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