The best restaurant style tartar sauce made with only 5 ingredients. Copycat recipe for McDonald’s Filet O Fish sauce.
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The first time I recipe tested this tartar sauce, I was surprised how much it tasted like most restaurants. Plus it comes together in five minutes with ingredients that are mostly refrigerator and pantry staples.
Check out these delicious restaurant style ranch dressing, yum yum sauce and buffalo sauce recipes.
What is Tartar Sauce?
Tartar sauce is a French creation (Sauce Tartare) which is a creamy condiment with mayonnaise at the base.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Mayonnaise - Choice your favorite mayo brand like Dukes, Hellman’s or Kraft.
Relish- Dill relish is recommended, but sweet relish can be substituted (I’d omit the sugar). Chopped dill pickles would be extra delicious.
Onion- Fresh yellow or white onion. Dried onions and shallots are delicious substitute as well.
Capers- I recommend the tiny nonpareilles, so no chopping needed. If you’re not a fan of capers, a squeeze of lemon juice would be delicious substitute.
Sugar- Granulated or cane would will balance the flavors.
Mix In’s and Swaps
If you like to add even more flavor or want to change up a few ingredients, check out these delicious options.
- Sour Cream
- Plain Yogurt
- Mustard
- Chives
- Dill
- Tarragon
- Pickles
- Gherkins
- Dill Pickles
- Shallots (instead of onions)
- Garlic Powder
- Dried Onions Flakes
- Black Pepper
- Parsley
- Lemon Juice
- Hot Sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
How To Use Tartar Sauce
The flavor of tartar sauce is creamy, tangy, bright with a slight crunch. It makes it the perfect topping and dipping sauce for seafood dishes, chicken and vegetables.
- Fried Shrimp
- Beer Battered Fish
- Fish Sandwich
- Shrimp Po Boy
- Fried Calamari
- Crab Cakes
- Oysters
- Fish Sticks
- Cold Seafood Salads
- Chicken Cutlet
- French Fries
- Fresh Vegetables
- Mix into Tuna Salad
- Top a Baked Potato
McDonald's Filet O Fish Sandwich
I must say I love McDonalds fish sandwich, although it feels likes it’s gotten smaller over the years. One of the best parts is the tartar sauce, it does not taste right without it. I can forgo the cheese, but the sauce is a must.
It’s a steamed bun, half sliced of American cheese, perfectly square breaded fish and the sauce. It can be easily made at home and instead of going to the drive-thru.
Storage
This tartar sauce should be stored in an airtight container (bottle or jar) for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Recipe Testing
After testing this recipe a few times my best recommendation is to allow the tartar sauce chill for a minimum of 1 hour after mixing. Honestly overnight is even better, the flavors will meld together and balance out.
Step By Step Instructions and Photos
- To a mixing bowl add mayonnaise, relish, capers, onion, and sugar.
2. Mix well with a whisk. Store in a jar, bowl, or squeeze bottle.
3. For best results, chill for a minimum of 1 hour, but overnight is even better. Enjoy.
Restaurant Style Tartar Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl and Whisk
- Mason Jar or Bottle
Ingredients
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Dill Relish or Chopped Dill Pickles
- 2 teaspoon Onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Capers
- ½ teaspoon Sugar
Instructions
- To a mixing bowl add mayonnaise, relish, capers, onion, and sugar.
- Mix well with a whisk. Store in a jar, bowl, or squeeze bottle.
- For best results, chill for a minimum of 1 hour, but overnight is even better. Enjoy.
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