Home → Recipes → Copycat Popeyes Tartar Sauce

Copycat Popeyes Tartar Sauce

Jump to recipe

Copycat Popeyes Tartar Sauce is amazing! If you have been looking for a great copycat recipe to get the same flavors, this is one of my favorites!

It is easy to make and delicious. This copycat version only has seven ingredients, but it packs a punch. Thanks to the horseradish, it has a nice sharp taste, and it’s amazing. You can use it on anything from Air Fryer Fish to Air Fryer Fish Sticks!

If you are looking for even more homemade pantry items, some of my favorite ones that are super simple are OUTBACK BLOOMIN ONION SAUCE, HOMEMADE HONEY MUSTARD SAUCE, CHICK-FIL-A SAUCE COPYCAT, and ZAXBY’S CHICKEN FINGERS DIPPING-ZAX SAUCE.

What Is Popeyes Tartar Sauce

Popeyes Tartar Sauce is a creamy and tangy condiment typically served at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, a popular fast-food restaurant chain. It’s often a dipping sauce for seafood, chicken tenders, or fries. The sauce is known for its signature flavor profile, combining mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and various seasonings to create a zesty and slightly sweet condiment that complements fried and savory dishes.

If you have ever gone to Popeyes, you probably got a side of the Tartar Sauce, or it lathered on the Cajun Fish Sandwich.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

You’ll love this Copycat Popeyes Tartar Sauce recipe because it captures the signature flavor of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen’s famous condiment. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with pickle and caper goodness, making it the perfect accompaniment to your homemade fried seafood or chicken dishes. Plus, making it at home allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking, ensuring a delightful dipping sauce that’s just right for your taste buds. It’s easy to prepare and elevates your meals to a new level of deliciousness!

Ingredients Needed For Copycat Popeyes Tartar Sauce

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, mayonnaise forms the base of this tartar sauce, providing a smooth and velvety texture.
Dill Pickle Relish: Dill pickle relish adds a tangy and salty flavor to the sauce and a pleasant crunch.
Granulated Sugar: Add some sweetness to the tartar sauce.
Horseradish: Add a unique salty and slightly tangy flavor and a delightful texture pop.
Salt: Bring balance to the sauce by adding the right amount of saltiness and warmth.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a zesty and citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise.
Cayenne Pepper: Imparts a mild smokiness and a hint of earthy flavor to the sauce, enhancing its complexity.

How To Make Copycat Popeyes Tartar Sauce

Making your own Copycat Popeyes Tartar Sauce at home is a breeze, and you’ll be delighted by the results. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to creating this delicious sauce:

Mix the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, sugar, horseradish, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.

Mix well until smooth.

Recipe Variations

While the classic Copycat Popeyes Tartar Sauce is already delicious, you can add variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few creative ideas to customize your tartar sauce:

Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives to give your tartar sauce a refreshing herbal twist. Finely chop the herbs and mix them in.
Creamy Garlic: Add minced garlic or garlic powder to the sauce for a garlicky twist. This variation will give your tartar sauce a rich and aromatic flavor.
Sweet Relish: Swap the dill pickle relish for sweet pickle relish to create a sweeter and tangier tartar sauce that pairs exceptionally well with fried chicken.
Honey Mustard: Combine honey and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy twist on the classic recipe. Start with a teaspoon of honey and adjust to your taste.
Horseradish Heat: Add a horseradish kick for a spicy and pungent flavor. Horseradish tartar sauce is a great match for fried seafood.
Smoked Paprika: Enhance the smokiness using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. Smoked paprika adds a deeper and more intense flavor.
Lime Zest: Replace lemon juice with lime zest and juice for a zesty and tropical flair. Lime gives a unique twist to your tartar sauce.
Greek Yogurt: For a healthier alternative, substitute a portion of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This will make the sauce lighter and tangier.
Pickled Jalapeños: Add some finely diced pickled jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy and tangy kick. Adjust the amount to your desired heat level.

Feel free to experiment with these variations to create your own signature tartar sauce. Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings to achieve the perfect flavor balance. Enjoy your customized tartar sauce with your favorite fried dishes!

Pro Tips

To make the perfect Copycat Popeyes Tartar Sauce, consider these pro tips for an exceptional sauce:

Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients for the best results. Fresh lemon juice, good-quality mayonnaise, and dill pickle relish will significantly impact flavor.
Adjust to Taste: Start with the basic recipe and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Some people prefer a tangier sauce with more lemon juice, while others may like it sweeter with extra relish.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright and vibrant citrus flavor. It enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the tartar sauce to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and improve the taste.
Storage: Store any leftover tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for several days and can be a delicious dish condiment.
Customize: As mentioned earlier, don’t hesitate to customize the sauce with your favorite herbs, spices, or additional ingredients to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.
Serve It Right: Copycat Popeyes Tartar Sauce pairs exceptionally well with fried seafood, chicken tenders, or as a dip for french fries. It’s a versatile condiment that can elevate your meal.
Texture Matters: If you prefer a smoother tartar sauce, use a food processor to blend the ingredients until the desired consistency is reached. For a chunkier texture, chop the pickles finely and mix them in.

By following these pro tips, you can ensure that your Copycat Popeyes Tartar Sauce is flavorful, well-balanced, and a perfect complement to your favorite fried dishes. Enjoy!

Faq’s

What is Popeyes Tartar Sauce made of? Popeyes Tartar Sauce typically consists of mayonnaise, dill pickle relish, lemon juice, and various seasonings to create its unique flavor profile.

Is Popeyes Tartar Sauce spicy? No, Popeyes Tartar Sauce is not known for being spicy. It has a creamy and tangy flavor with a hint of sweetness from the relish.

Can I buy Popeyes Tartar Sauce separately from the restaurant? Some Popeyes locations may offer their tartar sauce for sale separately, but availability may vary. You can also make your own copycat version using the provided recipe.

Is Popeyes Tartar Sauce gluten-free? Popeyes Tartar Sauce is typically gluten-free, but it’s essential to check the specific ingredients and any potential cross-contamination if you have gluten allergies or sensitivities.

What dishes can I pair Popeyes Tartar Sauce with? Popeyes Tartar Sauce is commonly served with fried seafood, such as fish fillets, shrimp, or fried chicken tenders. It also makes a delicious dip for french fries or onion rings.

How long can I store Popeyes Tartar Sauce in the refrigerator? Homemade tartar sauce or store-bought Popeyes Tartar Sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can typically be kept for up to a week or as per the expiration date on the package.

Can I make Popeyes Tartar Sauce without mayonnaise? While mayonnaise is a primary ingredient in traditional tartar sauce recipes, you can explore alternative options like Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise if you have dietary preferences or restrictions.

What is the difference between tartar sauce and remoulade sauce? Tartar sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, pickles, and various seasonings, resulting in a creamy and tangy condiment. Remoulade sauce, on the other hand, includes additional ingredients like mustard, horseradish, capers, and herbs, which give it a spicier and more complex flavor profile.

More Easy Recipes

Don’t Forget To Pin!