Discover the secret to Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe! This creamy, tangy, and easy-to-make sauce is perfect for pairing with fish, fries, and more.

Discover the secret to Captain D's:
A bowl of homemade Captain D’s tartar sauce served with a side of crispy fish and fries.
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Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe is a creamy and tangy delight that’s easy to whip up at home.

Made with simple ingredients, it’s the perfect companion to fish, shrimp, or your favorite seafood dishes. This homemade version captures the signature flavor fans love from the restaurant.

Serve it with fries, use it as a sandwich spread, or enjoy it as a dip for a versatile condiment everyone will adore!

Try this Copycat Captain Ds Tartar Sauce Recipe, you will not be disappointed.

A bowl of homemade Captain D’s Tartar Sauce served alongside crispy fried fish and lemon wedges.

What is Captain D’s Tartar Sauce

Captain D’s Tartar Sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment known for its rich and flavorful taste, making it a perfect pairing for seafood dishes.

It combines mayonnaise, dill pickles, and lemon juice for a refreshing balance of creamy and zesty flavors. Loved for its smooth texture and classic flavor, it enhances dishes like fried fish, shrimp, or fish sandwiches. This sauce is a signature staple of Captain D’s restaurants and a favorite among seafood enthusiasts.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Authentic Flavor: This recipe recreates the iconic, creamy, tangy taste of Captain D’s Tartar Sauce right in your own kitchen.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like mayonnaise, dill pickles, and lemon juice, it’s easy to whip up anytime.
  • Versatile Use: Perfect for pairing with seafood, sandwiches, or even as a dip for fries and veggies.
  • Quick to Make: Ready in just minutes, making it ideal for last-minute meals or gatherings.
  • Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences, from extra tangy to a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe on kitchen table.
  • Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce, providing rich and smooth texture.
  • Finely chopped dill pickles: Adds tangy and slightly salty crunch to the tartar sauce.
  • Lemon juice: Brings a bright, zesty flavor to balance the richness.
  • Dill weed: Infuses the sauce with a fresh, herby aroma.
  • Sugar: A touch of sweetness to enhance the overall flavor balance.
  • Onion powder: Contributes a mild, savory depth to the sauce.
  • Salt and pepper: Seasonings to enhance and round out all the flavors.

How to Make Captain D’s Tartar Sauce

  • Step One: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, dill pickles, lemon juice, dill weed, sugar, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Step Two: Stir all the ingredients together until fully combined and smooth. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Pair with your favorite seafood dishes, like fried fish, shrimp, or crab cakes, for a tangy and creamy dip.
Close-up of a bowl of creamy Captain D’s Tartar Sauce surrounded by fresh dill, lemon slices, and chopped pickles.

Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly chopped dill pickles for the best flavor.
  • Chill for maximum flavor: Let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Adjust sweetness: Taste and tweak the sugar amount to your preference for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
  • Experiment with textures: For a chunkier sauce, leave the pickles coarsely chopped; for a smoother texture, dice them finely or use a food processor.
  • Make it your own: Add a pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a slight kick if desired.

Storing

Store Captain D’s Tartar Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months, but note that the texture may change slightly after thawing.

"Homemade Captain D's Tartar Sauce in a bowl with ingredients like pickles, lemon, and mayo"

What to Eat with this Captain D’s Tartar Sauce

Captain D’s Tartar Sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment that perfectly complements fried fish and seafood dishes.

Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe Faqs

What makes Captain D’s Tartar Sauce different from regular tartar sauce? Captain D’s Tartar Sauce has a creamy base with a tangy kick from dill pickles and lemon juice, making it uniquely flavorful compared to typical tartar sauces.

Can I make Captain D’s Tartar Sauce ahead of time? Yes! In fact, the flavors often deepen and meld together when the sauce is refrigerated for a few hours or overnight.

Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill pickles? While dill pickles give the tartar sauce its signature tang, you can substitute with sweet pickles for a milder, sweeter flavor.

Can I adjust the seasoning for a spicier version? Absolutely! You can add a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to give the sauce a spicy kick, if desired.

How long will Captain D’s Tartar Sauce last in the fridge? The sauce will typically last for up to 1-2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I use light mayo or Greek yogurt instead of regular mayonnaise? Yes, you can use light mayo or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative, though it may alter the texture slightly.

What can I serve Captain D’s Tartar Sauce with? This tartar sauce pairs perfectly with fried seafood, fish sticks, fried chicken, or even as a dip for fries or onion rings.

"Homemade Captain D's Tartar Sauce served with crispy fried fish and fries."

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A bowl of homemade Captain D’s tartar sauce served with a side of crispy fish and fries.

Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe

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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Learn how to make Captain D's Tartar Sauce at home with this easy and delicious recipe! Enjoy a creamy, tangy, and flavorful sauce perfect for seafood, fries, and more.

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dill pickles, Finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, dill pickles, lemon juice, dill weed, sugar, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir all the ingredients together until fully combined and smooth.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  • Pair with your favorite seafood dishes, like fried fish, shrimp, or crab cakes, for a tangy and creamy dip.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon, or Whisk

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 193kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.3gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 353mgPotassium: 12mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 26IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.1mg

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