This Ina Garten tartar sauce is a creamy and zesty recipe, which uses mayonnaise and capers for a tangy bite. It’s a no-cook condiment, perfect for pairing with fried fish or seafood, ready in just 5 minutes.
Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup good mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp diced pickles or cornichons
- 1 tbsp Champagne or white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp capers
- 1 tsp coarse-grain mustard
- Pinch kosher salt
- Pinch black pepper
How To Make Ina Garten Tartar Sauce
- Combine ingredients: Add mayonnaise, pickles, vinegar, capers, mustard, salt, and pepper to a mini food processor.
- Pulse to mix: Pulse 3–5 times until ingredients are combined but still have some texture.
- Adjust and chill: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill before serving for best flavor.

Recipe Tips
- Can I make this without a food processor? Yes, finely chop ingredients and stir together by hand.
- Best pickles for tartar sauce? Cornichons or dill pickles add the right tang without overpowering.
- How long does tartar sauce last? Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Can I substitute the vinegar? Lemon juice works well for a brighter flavor.
- How to thicken tartar sauce? Add more mayonnaise if the sauce is too thin.
What To Serve With Ina Garten Tartar Sauce
This sauce pairs well with seafood and fried dishes:
- Fried fish fillets or fish sticks
- Crab cakes or shrimp
- Fish sandwiches or burgers
- French fries or roasted potatoes
- Grilled vegetables
How To Store Ina Garten Tartar Sauce
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.
Do not freeze: Freezing changes the texture of mayonnaise-based sauces.
Ina Garten Tartar Sauce Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 63 kcal
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make tartar sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for an hour to let flavors meld.
Can I use regular mustard instead of coarse-grain?
Yes, but coarse-grain adds texture and deeper flavor.
Is this tartar sauce gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the mustard and vinegar you use are gluten-free.
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Ina Garten Tartar Sauce
Description
A creamy and tangy tartar sauce made with mayonnaise, capers, and pickles—perfect for seafood dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mini food processor.
- Pulse 3–5 times until mixed but still textured.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and chill before serving.
