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The Boat Shed Kitchen

Best Homemade Tartar Sauce

This Homemade Tartar Sauce blends creamy mayo, tangy pickles, zesty lemon, and savory spices into one irresistible dip or spread. It’s quick to mix, packed with flavor, and way better than anything store-bought. Perfect for seafood and more!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 110
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup chopped dill pickle or dill pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill weed or parsley optional

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, pickles, lemon juice, paprika
  2. Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
  3. Stir well until fully combined.
  4. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh dill or parsley if using.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
  6. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/best-homemade-tartar-sauce/

Notes

  • Use dill pickles for a classic tart tang, but feel free to substitute with sweet pickles if you prefer.
  • Letting the sauce rest in the fridge really enhances the flavor—don’t skip this step.
  • Adjust lemon juice and Worcestershire to balance brightness and depth.