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Tartar sauce is one of those small things that makes a big difference.
You can have perfectly crispy fish, golden fries, or a great fish burger — but without that creamy, tangy spoonful on top, something feels incomplete.
The best part? It takes less than five minutes to make at home, and it tastes fresher than anything from a bottle.
• Perfect Creamy Base: Mayonnaise creates a smooth, rich texture.
• Sweet and Tangy Balance: Pickle relish adds brightness and subtle sweetness.
• Optional Mustard Kick: Adds depth without overpowering.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Lightens and sharpens the flavor.
• No Cooking Required: Just mix and serve.
• Better Than Store-Bought: Fresher and more customizable.
• Pairs with Everything Fried: Fish, shrimp, fries, or burgers.
• Ready in Minutes: Ideal for last-minute meals.
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Add mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, mustard (if using), and lemon juice to a bowl.
• Step 2: Stir Until Smooth
Mix thoroughly until evenly combined and creamy.
• Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Add a little more lemon juice or relish if desired.
• Step 4: Serve or Chill
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
• Use Good Quality Mayonnaise: The base matters.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Add more relish if you prefer it sweeter.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Dill or parsley gives it a fresh twist.
• Chill Before Serving: Even 20 minutes helps flavors blend.
• Add Finely Chopped Pickles for Texture: If you prefer chunkier sauce.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: It tastes brighter than bottled.
• Balance With Salt if Needed: A small pinch can enhance flavor.
• Keep It Cold: Especially when serving with seafood.
• Dill Tartar Sauce: Add chopped fresh dill.
• Spicy Version: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne.
• Garlic Twist: Add a tiny amount of minced garlic.
• Capers Addition: For briny depth.
• Greek Yogurt Blend: Replace part of the mayo for a lighter option.
• Smoky Version: Add a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Chunky Style: Add finely diced pickles instead of relish.
• Extra Tangy: Increase lemon juice slightly.
• Crispy fish fillets
• Fish burgers
• Fried shrimp
• Fish and chips
• Crab cakes
• French fries
• Fried oysters
• As a sandwich spread
• Refrigerate in an Airtight Container: Keeps well up to 5 days.
• Stir Before Serving Again: Ingredients may settle slightly.
• Do Not Freeze: Texture will separate.
• Keep Chilled When Serving Outdoors: Especially in warm weather.
Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling.
Absolutely. It is optional but adds depth.
Yes. It will be less sweet and more tangy.
Yes, as long as your mayonnaise and mustard are gluten free.
Tartar sauce may be simple, but it completes the plate.
Creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and bright with lemon — it turns good seafood into something truly satisfying.
Once you start making it fresh at home, you may never go back to store-bought again.
Craving more cozy, easy, and scroll-worthy recipes? Follow along and never lose a favorite again.
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A 28-year-old part-time barista, full-time vibe curator, and above all, an enthusiastic amateur cook living in Austin, Texas.
This whole adventure began with a bowl of very confused guacamole.
Two summers ago, I brought my now-legendary “honey-guac” to a friend’s backyard party. It was… a character-building experience.
A single bite earned me a gentle pat on the hand from my friend’s abuela and the realization that some souls are meant to enjoy food, not make it.
But instead of fading into the background, I leaned in. I laughed at the mess and decided to document the whole beautiful, blundering journey.
That’s how An Amateur Cook was born. Here, “amateur” isn’t a disclaimer. It’s the whole point.
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