Ingredients
Base
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
Pickle and Zest
- 4 tablespoons minced dill pickle
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
Herbs and Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 2 teaspoons capers (drained and chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (peeled and crushed)
Condiments and Spices
- 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon hot sauce (optional; more or less to taste)
- 3/4 teaspoon granulated white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the mayonnaise, minced dill pickle, dill pickle juice, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped dill, chopped capers, and crushed garlic to a medium bowl. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined to create a smooth and flavorful sauce.
- Season Sauce: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, hot sauce (if using), granulated white sugar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, then taste the sauce and adjust any seasonings according to your preference to achieve the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.
- Chill the Sauce: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the tartar sauce to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and intensify before serving. This step enhances the overall taste and texture of the tartar sauce.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the tartar sauce to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- The hot sauce is optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your heat preference.
- Store leftover tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Fresh dill adds bright herbal notes; if unavailable, dried dill can be used but with less intensity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
