3 Ingredient Tartar Sauce
This 3 ingredient tartar sauce is the perfect homemade condiment — quick, creamy, tangy, and ready in just 5 minutes! Perfect for fish, seafood, fries, or sandwiches.
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped pickles or sweet relish
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Optional: salt, pepper, mustard, or fresh herbs to taste
Instructions
Combine mayonnaise, chopped pickles (or relish), and lemon juice in a small bowl.
Stir well until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired (salt, pepper, extra lemon).
Chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes (optional) for best flavor.
Serve with fish, seafood, fries, or as a sandwich spread.
Notes
This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Feel free to personalize it with mustard, capers, or herbs!
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Sauce / Condiment
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
3 Ingredient Tartar Sauce
3 ingredient tartar sauce is the perfect solution when you need a quick, delicious, and homemade condiment for fish, seafood, fries, or sandwiches. In this article, you’ll discover how to make tartar sauce using just three simple ingredients you probably already have at home. This easy tartar sauce recipe is inspired by some of the best homemade versions and delivers a fresh, creamy, and tangy sauce that’s far better than store-bought.
Why Make Your Own 3 Ingredient Tartar Sauce?
Many people look for an easy tartar sauce or a quick tartar sauce recipe that still delivers big flavor. Making your own tartar sauce at home means you can control the ingredients, avoid unnecessary additives, and adjust the taste to your liking.
It’s a fast and budget-friendly way to elevate your meals. Whether you’re cooking fish and chips, serving shrimp, or preparing fish sandwiches, this 3 ingredient tartar sauce will take your dishes to the next level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this homemade tartar sauce, you only need three basic ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (good-quality or homemade for best results)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickles or sweet relish (for crunch and tang)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for brightness and balance)
👉 Optional: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, a dash of mustard, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chopped pickles (or relish), and lemon juice. Stir well with a spoon or small whisk until smooth and fully combined.
2. Taste and Adjust
Taste your sauce. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, or extra lemon juice if you like it more tangy. For a smoother texture, blend it briefly.
3. Let It Rest (Optional but Recommended)
For the best flavor, let the sauce chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Serve this creamy tartar sauce with fried fish, shrimp, fish sticks, fish burgers, fries, or even as a dip for crunchy veggies.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Tartar Sauce
Use High-Quality Ingredients
Because this is such a simple recipe, ingredient quality matters. Choose creamy mayonnaise, crunchy pickles, and fresh lemon juice for the best homemade tartar sauce.
Customize the Flavor
Want to personalize your best tartar sauce recipe? Try adding:
- A spoonful of chopped capers for extra saltiness
- A dash of mustard for a flavor boost
- Fresh dill, parsley, or chives for herbal notes
- A pinch of sugar if your pickles are very tangy
Make It Ahead
This 3 ingredient tartar sauce keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container. Stir before each use.
Popular Variations of 3 Ingredient Tartar Sauce
- Light version: Replace part of the mayo with Greek yogurt or light sour cream.
- Sweet version: Use sweet relish instead of pickles.
- Spicy version: Add a few drops of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Vegan version: Use vegan mayonnaise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is basic tartar sauce made of?
Basic tartar sauce typically includes mayonnaise, chopped pickles or relish, and lemon juice. Some recipes add capers, herbs, or mustard for extra flavor.
How do you make quick tartar sauce?
To make quick tartar sauce, mix mayonnaise, chopped pickles (or relish), and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir well, and it’s ready in under 5 minutes.
What is Gordon Ramsay’s tartar sauce made out of?
Gordon Ramsay’s tartar sauce usually includes mayonnaise, chopped capers, pickles or sweet pickles, shallots, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and sometimes mustard.
How do you make Paula Deen’s tartar sauce?
Paula Deen’s tartar sauce recipe typically uses mayonnaise, sweet relish, lemon juice, and sometimes grated onion or Worcestershire sauce for a rich, slightly sweet Southern-style flavor.
Conclusion
This 3 ingredient tartar sauce is the ultimate recipe for anyone who loves easy, homemade cooking. With just three ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, flavorful sauce in minutes — no need for store-bought jars full of preservatives. Make it fresh, adjust it to your taste, and impress your family and friends with this delicious homemade touch. For a fun pairing, try it with my homemade Buffalo Chicken Tenders the crispy chicken and creamy sauce are a perfect match! Ready to give it a try? Make this 3 ingredient tartar sauce today and let us know in the comments: what’s your favorite variation of this quick, easy tartar sauce recipe?