McDonald's Tartar Sauce Recipe

This McDonald's tartar sauce copycat turns basic mayonnaise into the exact dipping sauce that comes with a Filet-O-Fish. A handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes is all it takes. No trip to McDonald's required.

Why McDonald's Tartar Sauce Is So Good

McDonald's tartar sauce is hard to beat. It hits that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, savory, and tart, and it is a big part of why the classic Filet-O-Fish has stuck around on the menu for decades.

The best part about making it at home is that you can make as much as you want and use it on everything. I love it on my fried salmon and this fried mahi mahi. It completes the meal in a way that a plain squeeze of lemon just cannot.

This copycat is also easy to make. A few simple ingredients, a little mixing, and you have tartar sauce ready for fish sandwiches in just a few minutes. It also keeps well in the fridge, so making a bigger batch means you always have it on hand whenever you need it.

Readers love it too. One reader left this comment after making it:

Way better than the one from the store. -Jen

That is exactly the reaction I hope for every time someone tries it.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp. White onion, minced
• 2 tsp. Dill Pickle Relish
• 1 tbsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp. Sugar
• 1 tsp. Salt
• ½ tsp. Pepper

If you like the flavor combination that these ingredients make, you'll want to check out this dill dip next!

How To Make McDonald's Tartar Sauce

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

Add all of the tartar sauce ingredients to a small bowl and stir until everything comes together into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 2: Transfer to a jar

Move the tartar sauce into a glass jar with a sealable lid for easy storing. This also makes it easy to grab straight from the fridge whenever you need it.

Step 3: Chill or serve

Use it right away or let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes first. Chilling gives the flavors a little extra time to come together, which makes it taste even closer to the real thing.

How to Use This McDonald's Tartar Sauce

There are plenty of ways to put this tartar sauce to use, and most of them start with fried fish.

With fried fish. This is the classic pairing for a reason. Fish and chips, a fish sandwich, or simple fried cod or haddock all work well since the combination of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and sweet dill pickle relish complements fried food perfectly, especially seafood.

With other seafood. It is not limited to fried fish either. Try it with beer battered shrimp or alongside these salmon bites for a sauce that pairs just as well with any seafood on your plate.

Beyond seafood. Just because fried fish is the traditional pairing does not mean you have to stop there. This tartar sauce makes a great dip for french fries, fried polenta, jalapeno poppers, chicken cutlets. Once you have a jar on hand you will find plenty of reasons to reach for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McDonald's tartar sauce made of?

McDonald's tartar sauce is built on a base of mayonnaise mixed with lemon juice and sweet dill pickle relish, which gives it that signature creamy, tangy, slightly sweet flavor. This copycat uses the same simple combination to recreate the exact taste you would get on a Filet-O-Fish.

What does tartar sauce taste like?

It tastes creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet with a noticeable pop of pickle in every bite. The mayonnaise gives it a smooth rich base, the lemon juice adds brightness, and the relish brings both sweetness and a little crunch. It's mild enough to pair with delicate fish but flavorful enough to stand on its own as a dip.

What is the difference between tartar sauce and remoulade?

They share a similar mayonnaise base but remoulade typically includes mustard, hot sauce, and a wider blend of seasonings, which gives it a spicier, more complex flavor. Tartar sauce is simpler and sweeter, leaning on relish and lemon juice rather than heat. Tartar sauce is the better match for a classic fish sandwich, while remoulade tends to show up more with fried seafood and Cajun dishes.

Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill pickle relish?

Yes. Sweet pickle relish makes the sauce slightly sweeter and milder, while dill relish gives it more of a tangy bite. Both work well, so it really comes down to personal preference. If you want to split the difference, use half of each.

Is McDonald's tartar sauce gluten free?

As written, this recipe is gluten free since mayonnaise, lemon juice, and pickle relish do not contain gluten. Always double check the label on your specific brand of mayonnaise and relish, since ingredients can vary by brand.

How long does this tartar sauce last in the fridge?

Stored in a sealed glass jar or airtight container, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 1 week. Give it a quick stir before using since it can settle slightly as it sits.

Can I make this tartar sauce ahead of time?

Yes, and it is actually a good idea to. Letting it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving gives the flavors time to come together, so it tastes even closer to the real thing than if you serve it immediately after mixing.

Can I freeze tartar sauce?

Freezing is not recommended. Mayonnaise based sauces tend to separate and turn watery once thawed, which ruins the smooth creamy texture that makes tartar sauce good in the first place. It is best made fresh and used within a week.

Final Thoughts on This McDonald's Tartar Sauce Recipe

This homemade tartar sauce comes together in minutes and genuinely tastes like the real thing, no drive-thru required. Whether you're making the perfect Filet-O-Fish at home or just need a quick dip for fries, this is the recipe to keep on hand.

If you give it a try, leave a comment below and let me know how it went. I love hearing how these recipes turn out for you.

More Copycat McDonald's Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed making this copycat McDonald's sauce, you'll love all of our other McDonald's recipes! 

Give all of these a try next: 

• Breakfast sauce
• Big mac sauce
• McGriddle
• Egg McMuffin
• Breakfast burrito
• Chicken nuggets
• McDonald's smoothie
• McDonald's sweet and sour sauce
• Szechuan sauce