Spicy Tartar Sauce Recipe
Spicy Tartar Sauce Recipe – This tartar sauce is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of heat. Made with zesty mayo, sweet and spicy pickle relish, and a touch of fresh dill, it’s a bold twist on the classic condiment. Whip it up in minutes and let the flavors meld in the fridge—perfect for dipping crispy fish, shrimp, or even fries.
Why We Love This Spicy Tartar Sauce Recipe
A creamy, cool and tangy Tartar Sauce is the perfect condiment to enjoy with nearly any and all seafood dishes. From baked fish to fried shrimp and oysters, it adds a welcomed burst of freshness and zesty flavor.
The standard tartar sauce recipe is pretty basic, typically made with mayo and pickles. However, there are some very simple ways you can use on-hand pantry items to make the flavor brighter and bolder.
This incredibly easy no-cook Tartar Sauce takes only 5 minutes to prepare with a handful of ingredients and can be customized to your tastes. Give it a try and I’m sure it will be your favorite go-to condiment for all of your seafood recipes from now on!
Ingredients You Need
- Mayonnaise – the base for a creamy sauce, you can use regular mayo or get our recipe for paleo mayo in this Buffalo Chicken Salad Recipe
- Chunky sweet pickle relish – we like spicy-sweet like Wickles Wicked Relish, or you can use spicy relish for a kick of heat to your sauce
- Fresh chopped dill – for bright fresh flavor
- Lemon juice – adds just the right acidity needed for the perfect sauce
- Worcestershire sauce – gives the sauce a slightly smoky, earthy and savory taste
- Onion powder – adds perk and brings all of the flavors together
How to Make Spicy Tartar Sauce from Scratch
- First, set out a medium mixing bowl. Measure and add all ingredients to the bowl.
- Mix until thoroughly combined and creamy.
- Cover and place in the refrigerator until chilled.
- When you’re ready to serve, spoon the sauce into ramekins and enjoy with your favorite seafood dishes.
Get the Complete (Printable) Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Flavor Variations
- Extra spicy – Add a teaspoon of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or finely chopped jalapeños for more heat.
- Garlic – Mix in ½ teaspoon of minced garlic or roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
- Smoky – Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky kick.
- Herb – Try adding fresh parsley, chives, or tarragon.
- Dairy-free – Swap mayonnaise for dairy-free or vegan mayo to make it plant-based.
- Cajun – Add cajun seasoning for a Louisiana-style cajun tartar sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy as a dip or spread for snacks, lunches, and dinners.
A dish of cool, creamy and tangy Tartar sauce is the perfect dipping sauce to accompany nearly any seafood dish. Enjoy with:
- Oven Baked or Grilled Salmon
- Lemon Pepper Grilled Cod
- Fried oysters … Either on the side to dip or as a smear on a fried oyster or shrimp po’boy sandwich.
- Perfect Maryland Crab Cakes
- Steamed or Fried Shrimp
This flavorful sauce also pairs well with other sides like hushpuppies, roasted potatoes, and even simple French fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep homemade Tartar Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
The flavors get even better as they sit together, so this sauce is perfect to make ahead at least a day or so before you serve.
Yes! While a spicy-sweet relish adds a unique kick, you can use regular sweet relish, dill relish, or even finely chopped dill pickle.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or a mix of mayo and sour cream.
Looking for More Classic Sauce Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
- The BEST Homemade Cocktail Sauce
- Spicy Mustard Seafood Sauce
- (Magic) Easy Aioli Sauce
- Homemade Yum Yum Sauce
- Creamy Chimichurri Sauce
Get the Complete (Printable) Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise your favorite brand
- ¾ cup chunky sweet pickle relish I like the spicy-sweet Wickles relish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Set out a medium mixing bowl. Measure and add all ingredients to the bowl.
- Mix well.
- Cover and chill until ready to serve.
yum! yum! yum! yum! yum! yum! yum!!
Made this and it came out way too watery, like a liquid instead of a thick sauce. I’ve got in the fridge now, hoping it might thicken. I kind of wondered if maybe the pickle relish should have been well drained? It tastes good but it just pours off the spoon. Any ideas/suggestions? Thanks!!
Hi Ray!
I’m sorry to hear that. Yes, it must be that your relish was very liquid-y. I would switch brands next time, or drain off some of the liquid ahead of time.
Perfect for fish and chips! Love this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
One of the best homemade tartar sauces that I have tested in my life!
I love tartar sauce! It is perfect with fish sticks, haha. Such a great homemade tartar sauce recipe.
I’ve always bought tartar sauce. Can’t believe how easy it was to make and so good too! Just the right amount of tangy flavor.
This recipe totally saved dinner! I forgot to check if we had this in the fridge and were out. My kids loved dipping their fish sticks into this and said the flavor was better than the bottled stuff. A definite keeper!