Copycat McDonald’s Tartar Sauce brings the classic fast-food flavor right to your kitchen. This homemade version tastes just like the original, but you control what goes in it.
You’ll need mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, chopped onion, capers, dried parsley, and sugar. That’s it. No mystery ingredients or hard-to-find items.
This sauce is tangy, creamy, and has that signature taste you remember from your favorite fish sandwich.
It takes about 10 minutes to throw together, then it sits in the fridge for a couple of hours to let the flavors blend. The waiting is worth it.
You can use this sauce with fish sticks, fried fish, chicken tenders, or even as a spread on sandwiches and burgers. It’s versatile and way cheaper than buying it pre-made.
A blender and a medium bowl are all you need to make this recipe.
Once you try it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought tartar sauce. It’s fresher, tastier, and you can adjust the ingredients to match your preferences.
Make a batch and keep it in the fridge for whenever you need a tangy dipping sauce that elevates any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat McDonald’s Tartar Sauce
Tastes Like the Original
This recipe recreates the tangy and creamy flavor of McDonald’s tartar sauce. You’ll get the same taste without leaving your house.
Quick and Simple
You only need 10 minutes of hands-on time. The blender does most of the work for you.
Budget-Friendly
Making this sauce at home costs less than buying it at a restaurant or store. You probably already have most of the ingredients.
Versatile Use
Serve it with fish sticks, fried fish, shrimp, chicken tenders, or use it as a spread on sandwiches. It works with almost anything.
Customizable
You can adjust the relish, onion, or capers to suit your taste. Make it exactly how you want it.
Ingredient Substitutions
Mayonnaise
Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version. The sauce will be tangier and less creamy.
Dill Pickle Relish
Swap with sweet pickle relish if you prefer a sweeter sauce. You can also use finely chopped dill pickles.
Capers
If you don’t have capers, leave them out or use a small amount of chopped green olives for a similar briny flavor.
Dried Parsley
Fresh parsley works well. Use about 1 teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley instead of dried.
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Copycat McDonald’s Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3½ tablespoon dill pickle relish divided
- 2 tablespoon chopped onion divided
- 1½ teaspoon capers
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Add mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons relish, 1 tablespoon chopped onion, capers, parsley, and sugar to a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Transfer the sauce to a medium bowl.
- Stir in the remaining 1½ tablespoons relish and 1 tablespoon chopped onion.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- If the mixture is too thick to blend, add a teaspoon of milk or cream.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Blend in Stages – If your blender struggles with the thick mixture, blend the mayonnaise and half the relish first, then add the rest of the ingredients. Adjust Thickness – Add milk or cream one teaspoon at a time if the sauce is too thick. This makes it easier to blend and creates a smoother texture. Chill Time Matters – Don’t skip the refrigeration step. The flavors develop and blend together while the sauce sits in the fridge. Customize the Texture – If you want a chunkier sauce, stir in extra relish and onion at the end without blending them. Make Ahead – This sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to one week. Make it a few days ahead for meal prep or parties.Storing
Refrigerate – Store the tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. Freeze – Freezing is not recommended. The mayonnaise base can separate and become watery when thawed, which affects the texture and taste.Nutrition
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