Recreate Long John Silver’s famous tartar sauce at home with this easy recipe. Creamy, tangy, and perfect for pairing with seafood, it’s a must-try for sauce lovers!

Homemade Long John Silver’s tartar sauce in a bowl, ready to serve with seafood
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If you love a great tartar sauce, try my recipe for Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce, made with a few simple ingredients, it’s the perfect thing to serve alongside my recipe for Air Fryer Frozen Cod, Air Fryer Cajun Snapper, or Air Fryer Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels.

This copycat Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce is truly amazing, and you only need a few simple ingredients!

What is Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce?

Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce is a creamy and tangy condiment, perfect for complementing seafood dishes. Made with mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and zesty flavors, it’s a signature sauce loved for its balance of sweetness and acidity.

"Bowl of creamy homemade Long John Silver’s tartar sauce with a spoon, ready to serve"

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet taste complements seafood dishes perfectly.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to match your flavor preferences, like adding extra lemon juice for more zing.
  • Budget-Friendly: Skip the store-bought version and save money by making this delicious tartar sauce at home.
  • Tastes Just Like the Original: Enjoy the iconic flavor of Long John Silver’s tartar sauce without leaving your kitchen!

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients for Long John Silver’s tartar sauce, including mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, lemon, and onion, on a kitchen counter
  • Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce provides a rich and smooth texture.
  • Sweet Pickle Relish: Adds a touch of sweetness and tangy crunch to the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: Brings a zesty brightness that enhances the overall flavor.
  • Minced Onion: Adds a subtle savory depth and slight crunch to the sauce.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors of all the ingredients.

How to Make Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

Step One: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish until evenly mixed. Stir in the lemon juice for a tangy brightness.

Step Two: Add the minced onion and a pinch of salt, then mix well to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Enjoy your homemade tartar sauce as a dip or topping for your favorite seafood dishes!

Homemade Long John Silver’s tartar sauce in a bowl, served with a side of seafood

Recipe Tips

  • Use Full-Fat Mayonnaise: For the creamiest and most authentic flavor, opt for full-fat mayonnaise as the base.
  • Chill for Best Flavor: Let the tartar sauce sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of sweet pickle relish or swap it with dill relish for a tangier flavor.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best tangy and vibrant taste.
  • Customize to Taste: Add a pinch of garlic powder, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh dill to personalize your tartar sauce.

Storing

Store Long John Silver’s tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. It will stay good for up to one week, allowing you to enjoy it with multiple seafood meals.

"Homemade Long John Silver’s tartar sauce served in a bowl with seafood"

What to Eat with Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

Long John Silver’s tartar sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of seafood dishes, including battered fish fillets, shrimp, and crab cakes. It also makes a great dip for crispy fries, hushpuppies, or even as a spread for fish sandwiches and tacos.

Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different type of mayonnaise? Yes, you can use any mayonnaise, but for the creamiest texture and most authentic flavor, full-fat mayonnaise is recommended.

How long does this tartar sauce last in the fridge? The homemade tartar sauce will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can I make this tartar sauce ahead of time? Yes, making the tartar sauce ahead of time is actually recommended! Allowing it to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor.

Can I substitute the sweet pickle relish? If you prefer a tangier flavor, you can substitute sweet pickle relish with dill relish or even omit it for a more savory tartar sauce.

Can I add other seasonings to customize the flavor? Absolutely! You can add garlic powder, lemon zest, or even a dash of hot sauce to tailor the tartar sauce to your taste preferences.

"Homemade Long John Silver’s tartar sauce in a small bowl, ready to serve with seafood"

More Copycat Recipes

"Homemade Long John Silver’s tartar sauce in a bowl, ready to serve with seafood"

Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

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

Description

Create Long John Silver’s classic tartar sauce at home with this simple, creamy recipe. Perfectly balanced with sweet and tangy flavors, it’s the ideal accompaniment for all your favorite seafood dishes.

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish.
  • Add the lemon juice, minced onion, and salt. Stir until well combined.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more relish or lemon juice if desired.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve with fried fish, seafood, or your favorite dipping snacks.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Spoon

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 196kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.3gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 281mgPotassium: 10mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 64IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 3mgIron: 0.1mg

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