If you’ve ever enjoyed a Filet-O-Fish sandwich at McDonald’s, you know that the tartar sauce is a key part of the experience. You can easily make a delicious McDonald’s tartar sauce recipe at home using simple ingredients you likely already have.
Whether you’re dipping fried fish or chicken nuggets, this creamy sauce adds the perfect tangy flavor that elevates any meal.
I remember the first time I tried to recreate this sauce. I was determined to find the right balance of flavors, so I experimented with mayonnaise, dill pickles, and a few other ingredients until I got it just right. It was exciting to see how a few tweaks could make such a big difference in taste. With this easy recipe, you can impress your family and friends just like I did.
Making your own version means you can adjust it to your preferences, whether you like it a bit sweeter or more tangy. You’ll find that it’s just as satisfying as the fast-food original. So, let’s dive into the recipe and get started on bringing that iconic taste to your kitchen!
Why You Will Love McDonald’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
McDonald’s tartar sauce is a creamy condiment that pairs perfectly with seafood. Its smooth texture and tangy flavor make it a great addition to many dishes.
Making a copycat recipe at home is simple. You only need a few ingredients like mayonnaise, pickle relish, and onions. This means you can enjoy the taste of McDonald’s tartar sauce anytime.
This best tartar sauce recipe is versatile. You can use it as a dip for fries, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for burgers. The possibilities are endless!
One of the keys to loving this sauce is its balance of flavors. The combination of salty, sweet, and tangy elements makes it enjoyable for many palates. With a bit of lemon juice, you can adjust the tartness to your liking.
Chilling the sauce before serving allows the flavors to meld together. This step enhances the creamy tartar sauce experience, giving you the taste you crave.
When you make this copycat tartar sauce, you can customize it. Add more pickles for crunch, or use fresh ingredients for better flavor. You’ll find that homemade sauces can compete with your favorite fast food options.
How To Make McDonald’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
Making McDonald’s tartar sauce at home is easy and rewarding. With a few ingredients, you can create a tasty sauce perfect for your meals.
Ingredients
To make this copycat tartar sauce, you will need:
- 1 cup mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base.
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish: For a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped onion: Use white onion for a sharper flavor.
- 1 teaspoon capers: These add acidity and a unique taste.
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar: To balance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice: For brightness.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes: For a hint of herbal flavor.
Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste preferences. For a stronger flavor, add a bit more onion or lemon juice.
Instruments
Gather these tools to help you make the sauce:
- Mixing bowl: A medium-sized bowl works well for combining ingredients.
- Whisk or fork: Use this to mix all components thoroughly.
- Measuring spoons: To measure out your ingredients accurately.
- Blender (optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the ingredients.
Having everything ready will make the process smoother and faster.
Step By Step Instruction
- Combine Ingredients: In your mixing bowl, add 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish, and 1 tablespoon of chopped onion.
- Add Flavor: Stir in 1 teaspoon of capers, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley flakes.
- Mix Well: Use your whisk or fork to mix until all ingredients are combined evenly. Ensure there are no visible lumps.
- Taste and Adjust: Take a small taste of your sauce. Adjust seasoning by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed.
- Chill: For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Once done, you can enjoy your homemade tartar sauce with fish, fries, or any of your favorite dishes.
Tips & Tricks
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients can greatly enhance the flavor of your tartar sauce. Whenever possible, select fresh herbs and vegetables.
- Get the Right Relish: Opt for dill relish instead of sweet relish. This will give your sauce the right tangy flavor.
- Adjusting Thickness: If your sauce is too thick, add a teaspoon of cream or milk to thin it out. Stir well to combine.
- Chill Time: Refrigerate your tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend together.
- Storage: Keep the sauce in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. It usually lasts for about a week.
- Customizing Flavors: You can experiment with variations by adding ingredients like lemon juice or chopped capers to change the taste.
- Onions and Relish: For a stronger flavor, mix in an extra tablespoon of chopped onion or additional relish before chilling.
- Serving Size: This recipe can easily be scaled. Simply adjust the quantities of the ingredients based on how much sauce you need.
Ingredient Substitute
When making McDonald’s tartar sauce, you may want to try some substitutes for certain ingredients.
Mayonnaise: If you’re out of mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt. It adds a tangy flavor and a creamy texture similar to mayonnaise.
Dill Pickle Relish: If you don’t have dill pickle relish, chopped dill pickles work well. You can also use sweet relish but note that it will change the flavor profile.
Onions: If you want a milder taste, consider using green onions instead of regular onions. They provide a fresh taste.
Milk or Cream: If your tartar sauce turns out too thick, adding a teaspoon of milk or cream can help. Both will thin the sauce without changing the flavor too much.
American Cheese: While not traditional, you can blend a small amount of American cheese for a creamy twist. This will give a unique taste but change the classic flavor of the tartar sauce.
Keep these substitutes in mind when making your sauce. They can help you adjust the texture and taste to your liking.
What To Serve With McDonald’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
McDonald’s tartar sauce is a tasty addition to many dishes. It pairs well with several types of seafood.
Here are some great options:
- Fish Sandwich: Spread the tartar sauce on a bun with a fried fish filet for a delicious fish sandwich. The sauce enhances the flavors of the fish.
- Filet-O-Fish: You can recreate the classic Filet-O-Fish sandwich using your homemade tartar sauce. Just add a slice of cheese for a perfect touch.
- Fried Shrimp: Serve your tartar sauce with crispy fried shrimp. The sauce complements the shrimp’s crunchiness.
- Fried Fish: Use the sauce as a dip for any fried fish, like cod or pollock. It adds a zesty flavor that balances the richness of the fish.
- Chicken Fingers: Tartar sauce can even work with chicken fingers for those who enjoy a unique twist on dipping sauces.
- Potato Wedges: For a fun side, try serving tartar sauce with baked or fried potato wedges. The creamy sauce adds a nice flavor contrast.
Enjoy experimenting with these pairings to find your favorite way to use tartar sauce!
Nutrition Fact In List Form
When making McDonald’s tartar sauce, here are the nutrition facts to consider:
- Calories: 140 per serving (28g)
- Total Fat: 15g (19% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 2g (11% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 7mg (2% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 202mg (9% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g (1% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 1.9g
- Protein: 0g
The main source of calories in this sauce comes from fat. The breakdown shows that it is low in carbohydrates and protein.
Since it is meant to complement dishes like nuggets and fish, consider how these numbers will fit into your diet.
McDonald’s Tartar Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- measuring spoons
- Airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, chopped dill pickles, and chopped onion.
- Add lemon juice, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled with fish fillets, fries, or sandwiches.
Notes
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 110mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 0g
