Arthur Treacher’s tartar sauce recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest things are the most delicious. Whip up a batch, pair it with your favorite seafood, and enjoy a taste of nostalgic comfort right at home.

If you grew up eating at Arthur Treacher’s, you know the tartar sauce was just as memorable as the crispy fried fish.
Creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced, it’s the ultimate dipping sauce for fish and chips. The good news? You can make Arthur Treacher’s tartar sauce recipe at home in minutes—and it tastes just like the real thing.
Whether you’re serving up fish fillets, crispy fries, or shrimp, this copycat recipe will bring back all the nostalgia of your favorite seafood joint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Restaurant flavor at home – This recipe nails that iconic Arthur Treacher’s taste.
- Quick & easy – No cooking required—just mix and chill.
- Perfect with anything fried – Fish, fries, hush puppies… you name it.
- Make ahead friendly – The flavor gets even better after a few hours in the fridge.
Arthur Treachers Tartar Sauce Ingredients
To make your own copycat Arthur Treacher’s tartar sauce, you’ll need:

- Mayonnaise – The creamy base
- Sweet pickle relish – Adds tangy sweetness
- Minced onion – For a little bite
- Lemon juice – Brightens everything up
- Salt & pepper – To taste
How to Make Arthur Treacher’s Tartar Sauce
Step One: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, relish, and minced onion. Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
Step Two: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend. That’s it! You’ve got the perfect seafood dipping sauce.

Arthur Treachers Tartar Sauce Recipe Tips
- Chill before serving – This lets the flavors develop.
- Adjust the lemon – Add more or less depending on how tangy you like it.
- Go fresh – Freshly minced onion (or shallot) makes a big difference.
How To Serve Arthur Treachers Tartar Sauce
Arthur Treacher’s tartar sauce isn’t just for fish—try it with:
Storing Instructions
Keep your tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.

Arthur Treachers Tartar Sauce Recipe Faqs
What makes Arthur Treacher’s tartar sauce different from other tartar sauces? Arthur Treacher’s version is a little sweeter and creamier than most, thanks to the use of sweet pickle relish and just the right amount of lemon for balance.
Can I use dill relish instead of sweet pickle relish? Yes, but it will change the flavor. Dill relish will make the sauce tangier and less sweet, so you may want to add a pinch of sugar to keep it balanced.
How long does homemade tartar sauce last in the fridge? Stored in an airtight container, it will last up to 5 days. Give it a quick stir before serving.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time? Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, which lets the flavors blend together.
Is this recipe the exact same as the original restaurant version? It’s a close copycat made for home kitchens. While the exact restaurant formula is a secret, this recipe delivers a nearly identical flavor.
Can I use light mayonnaise instead of regular? Yes, light mayo works fine, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.
More Copycat Arthur Treachers Recipes
Arthur Treacher’s Fish Batter Copycat Recipe
Arthur Treacher’s Po Boy Sandwich
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!

Arthur Treacher’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise ,
- 2 tablespoons Sweet pickle relish,
- 1 tablespoon Minced onion , finely minced
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Stir everything together in a bowl, taste, then cover and chill at least 30–60 minutes so the flavors settle.
- Give it a final stir before serving.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!