McDonald’s Tartar Sauce

Recreate the creamy, tangy goodness of McDonald’s tartar sauce at home! Perfect for pairing with fish dishes or as a dip for your favorite snacks.

McDonald’s Tartar Sauce is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet condiment that pairs perfectly with crispy fish fillets or as a flavorful dip for fries and snacks.

Made with a blend of mayonnaise, pickles, capers, and a touch of lemon juice, it’s known for its smooth texture and bold flavor that complements seafood dishes beautifully.

Whether you’re recreating a McDonald’s-inspired fish sandwich at home or looking for a versatile sauce to elevate your meals, this tartar sauce delivers the familiar taste you love. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s a go-to recipe for a quick and delicious addition to any meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

• Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and is quick to prepare, saving you time in the kitchen.
• Authentic Flavor: It captures the classic McDonald’s tartar sauce taste you know and love.
• Versatile Use: Perfect as a dip, spread, or sauce for seafood, sandwiches, and more.
• Customizable: You can adjust the tanginess, sweetness, or texture to suit your personal taste.
• Budget-Friendly: Skip the store-bought versions and make this delicious sauce at home for less.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A hit with family and friends, it’s sure to elevate any dish you serve it with!

Ingredients Needed

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base that gives tartar sauce its rich and smooth texture.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet crunch to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Brings a refreshing citrusy zing to balance the flavors.
• White Vinegar: Enhances the tanginess with a slight acidic kick.
• Sugar: Provides a hint of sweetness to round out the taste.
• Minced Onion: Contributes a subtle savory depth to the sauce.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.

How To Make McDonald’s Tartar Sauce

Step One: In a medium-sized bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, white vinegar, granulated sugar, and minced onion.

Step Two: Stir all ingredients together until well combined. Add a pinch of salt and mix again to taste. For best results, cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step Three: Serve with your favorite seafood or fries, and enjoy!

McDonald’s Tartar Sauce Recipe Tips

• Adjust the consistency – If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a little more pickle juice or lemon juice to achieve the desired texture.
• Chill before serving – Let the sauce sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together for a more authentic taste.
• Use fresh ingredients – For the best flavor, opt for freshly chopped pickles and high-quality mayonnaise.
• Customize the tang – You can increase or decrease the amount of lemon juice or pickle relish based on your personal preference for sweetness or tartness.
• Make ahead – This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, making it a great make-ahead condiment.

Storing

• Storing McDonald’s Tartar Sauce: Store the homemade tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure to seal it tightly to prevent contamination and preserve freshness.
• Freezing McDonald’s Tartar Sauce: While it’s not ideal to freeze tartar sauce due to its mayonnaise base.
• Reheating McDonald’s Tartar Sauce:
  Tartar sauce is typically served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. If you prefer, allow it to come to room temperature before serving, but avoid heating it as it may alter the consistency.

What To Serve With Copycat McDonald’s Tartar Sauce

McDonald’s tartar sauce is the perfect complement to a variety of dishes, especially fried foods. It pairs wonderfully with crispy fish fillets, like fish and chips or battered cod, adding a creamy and tangy kick. It also enhances the flavor of seafood favorites like shrimp or crab cakes. For a lighter option, try it as a dip for fresh vegetables or as a topping for sandwiches and wraps. You can even serve it alongside crispy French fries or as a dip for onion rings for an extra burst of flavor!

Copycat McDonald’s Tartar Sauce Recipe Faqs

Can I make McDonald’s Tartar Sauce ahead of time? Yes, McDonald’s tartar sauce can be made ahead of time. It’s best to let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

How long does McDonald’s Tartar Sauce last in the fridge? When stored in an airtight container, McDonald’s tartar sauce should last for about 1-2 weeks in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in the tartar sauce? Yes, you can substitute ingredients. For example, use plain yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version, or switch dill pickles for sweet pickles depending on your preference.

Can I freeze McDonald’s Tartar Sauce? Freezing tartar sauce is not recommended as it may change the texture of the sauce when thawed. The mayonnaise may separate, making it less creamy.

What other dishes can I use McDonald’s Tartar Sauce with? Besides the classic pairing with fish and chips, you can use McDonald’s tartar sauce as a dip for fried foods like onion rings, potato wedges, or even grilled chicken sandwiches for added flavor.

More Copycat Sauce Recipes

• Air Fryer McDonald’s Breakfast Burritos
• Air Fryer Sausage Burrito
• Copycat Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Copycat Air Fryer McDonald’s French Fries
• Air Fryer McDonald’s Steak Bagels