Culver’s Tartar Sauce Recipe (Easy Copycat Version)

This Copycat Easy Culver’s Tartar Sauce Recipe is creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, just like the original. Perfect for dipping fish, shrimp, fries, or spreading on sandwiches, it’s a simple homemade sauce that elevates any meal.

If you’ve ever dipped a crispy fish filet into Culver’s tartar sauce and thought, “I need this in my life at home”, you’re in the right place.

This copycat Culver’s tartar sauce recipe gives you that creamy, tangy, slightly sweet flavor in about 5 minutes flat — no drive-thru required.

It’s perfect for fish sandwiches, fish sticks, shrimp, fries, or honestly… just about anything that likes a good creamy dip.

Why This Tartar Sauce Tastes Like Culver’s

Culver’s tartar sauce is known for being extra creamy with tiny pickle bites and a mild tang. The balance is simple: mayo for richness, sweet relish for crunch, and lemon for a fresh pop. When you stir it all together, it tastes shockingly close to the real thing.

No fancy ingredients. No weird steps. Just fast, homemade goodness.

Culver’s Tartar Sauce Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that gives the sauce rich texture
• Sweet pickle relish: Adds crunchy bites with sweet, tangy pickle flavor
• Lemon juice: Brings fresh acidity that brightens the overall taste
• Sugar: Balances tanginess with a light touch of sweetness
• Onion powder: Adds mild savory onion flavor throughout the sauce
• Salt: Enhances all flavors and ties the sauce together
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle, subtle heat and depth of flavor

How to Make Culver’s Tartar Sauce

Step 1: Add the mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish to a medium bowl and stir until combined. Stir in lemon juice, sugar, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Mix until the sauce is smooth and everything is evenly distributed. Chill Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors come together. Use it as a dip for fish, a spread for sandwiches, or a sauce for seafood.

Culver’s Tartar Sauce Recipe Tips

• Use full-fat mayonnaise for a rich, creamy texture that mimics the restaurant version.
• Chop pickles finely if you want more consistent bites throughout the sauce.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar depending on your taste.
• Add lemon juice gradually to avoid overpowering the tangy flavor.
• Refrigerate before serving so the flavors meld and taste closer to Culver’s.
• Stir well before serving in case any ingredients settle while chilling.
• Pair with fried fish, shrimp, or fries for the classic experience.

Storing Instructions

Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 1 week. Always use a clean spoon when serving to maintain quality and prevent contamination.

Culver’s Tartar Sauce Recipe Faqs

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! In fact, letting it chill for a few hours in the refrigerator enhances the flavors.

How long does it last in the fridge? Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Can I make it less sweet? Absolutely. Reduce the sugar or use dill relish instead of sweet relish.

Can I use low-fat mayonnaise? You can, but the sauce may be less creamy and rich compared to the original.

Can I double the recipe? Yes, just mix everything in a larger bowl and taste for seasoning adjustments.

What should I serve it with? Perfect for fried fish, shrimp, crab cakes, fries, or as a sandwich spread.

Does it really taste like Culver’s? Yes! This copycat version closely mimics the creamy, tangy, slightly sweet original.

More Copycat Culver’s Recipes

Copycat Culvers Butter Burgers

Air Fryer Copycat Culver’s Cheese Curds

Culver’s Fish Sandwich Recipe

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