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Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe

Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe

Creamy Captain D’s–style tartar sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and onion. Perfect for fried fish, shrimp, and seafood.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Calories: 125
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced onion
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Spoon or small whisk
  • Measuring spoons
  • Airtight container for storage

Method
 

  1. How to Make Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
  1. Add the mayonnaise to a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps. This creates the foundation for the sauce.
    Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
Step 2: Add Relish and Onion
  1. Stir in the sweet pickle relish and finely minced onion. Make sure the onion is very finely chopped so it blends smoothly into the sauce.
    Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
Step 3: Season the Sauce
  1. Add white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly combined and the sauce looks uniform.
    Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
Step 4: Chill for Flavor Development
  1. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or cover the bowl. At least half an hour should be spent in the refrigerator. The flavors can combine during this rest period to create the distinctive Captain D’s flavor.
    Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe

Notes

  • Chill the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
  • Finely mince the onion to keep the sauce smooth and restaurant-style.
  • Use full-fat mayonnaise for the most authentic Captain D’s taste.
  • Taste after chilling and adjust the sweetness or salt if needed.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Do not freeze, as mayonnaise-based sauces may separate.