There’s no need to stock up on packets to get extra tartar sauce on your next fast-food trip; whip up this simple but mouthwateringly creamy and tangy condiment in your own kitchen in just minutes to enhance filets-o-fish and other fried foods.
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McDonald’s Tartar Sauce Copycat Recipe
The Filet-o-Fish is one of the most unique items on the McDonald’s menu, and one of the things that makes it so beloved by fans is the deliciously creamy tartar sauce that dresses it. It’s unlike many other tartar sauces, leaving some disappointed by store-bought varieties.
Fortunately, it could hardly be easier to craft a batch at home to complement any meal you’re craving.
What makes McDonald’s Tartar Sauce so good?
Tartar sauce shines as a condiment based on its contrasts: the creamy base, the tangy, sharp mix-ins, and a simple sweetener. These aspects create a sauce that perfectly cuts the rich taste of fried fish and other seafood.
Why you’ll love this recipe
The best sauce recipes develop big flavors from modest ingredients and relatively low amounts of work. That’s certainly the case here, where just four common, affordable, long-lasting ingredients are required to create a taste you’d swear came from the Golden Arches itself.
In addition, it lasts up to a week and is easily scalable for large parties and humble solo dinners alike.
Ingredients
All you’ll need to make a tasty, authentic batch of McDonald’s Tartar Sauce is:
- Mayonnaise: This creamy condiment forms the base for the sauce, providing a blank canvas to build upon. We recommend Dukes or Hellman’s, which are high-quality choices that work perfectly for this recipe.
- Dill pickle relish: One of the ingredients that gives tartar sauce its distinctive flavor and texture, this relish (made from chopped pickles, dill, and other flavorings) perfectly complements the taste of fish.
- White onion: Dice up an onion to add to the flavor and texture of your sauce. Make sure it’s a white onion, as others can be too “hot.”
- Sugar: Round out your tartar sauce with a touch of sweetness from everyday sugar to create an ideally balanced condiment.
How to make McDonald’s tartar sauce
There’s not much skill or cooking knowledge required to whip up this tasty McDonald’s tartar sauce recipe. Simply stir all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl until combined. Then, chill your tartar sauce in the fridge for 30 minutes or more to allow the flavors to meld.
What to serve McDonald’s Tartar Sauce with
For the most iconic pairing, spread some of the sauce on a bun and enjoy with a fried filet of fish (like cod or pollock) and a slice of American cheese as a McDonald’s copycat filet ‘o fish sandwich. However, this tartar sauce is delicious with all sorts of fried, grilled, or baked seafood.
It can also serve as a tasty dip, dipping sauce, or condiment for many other types of fast food, such as french fries, chicken nuggets, chicken fingers, fried shrimp, fresh veggies, and more.
How to store
Storing copycat McDonald’s tartar sauce is straightforward; just place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. Like all sauces, it’s best to store in a container similar in volume to the sauce, which can help it keep longer by exposing it to less air.
How long does it last?
When stored properly, McDonald’s tartar sauce can last for about a week before declining in quality. With such a simple recipe, it’s easy to make a fresh batch, so ensure you make only as much as needed to avoid waste.
Do you like McDonald’s recipes? Be sure to check out these copycat recipes
- McDonald’s Homestyle Hamburger
- McDonald’s Nugget Sauces – Hot Mustard
- What’s in Big Mac Sauce
- McSkillet Burrito Recipe
- Sweet Iced Tea
- More McDonalds Recipes
Great Sandwich and Dipping Sauce Recipes
- Chick-Fil-A Sauces – Honey Mustard
- Arbys Sauces – Classic Arby’s Sauce
- Dominos Garlic Sauce
- Best Sauce for Onion Rings
- Sub Oil Recipe
- Chicken George Restaurant Recipe – Jan Sauce
- Joe’s Crab Shack Copycat Recipes – Coconut Shrimp Dipping Sauce
Find even more of my famous restaurant copycat recipes and easy homemade sauces.
McDonalds Tartar Sauce – Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons dill pickle relish
- 3 teaspoons white onion finely chopped
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Cover and allow to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Aysegul Sanford
I’ve always wanted to get a hold of the recipe for this sauce. Can’t wait to put it to some good use. Thanks for sharing.
Lori
So easy, thanks!!
Toni | Boulder Locavore
My kids were so excited to try it and it didn’t disappoint! They really loved it!
Sheriaw3
I’m not a big fan of onions and I never notice it had onions in it. Do u think this recipe would be okay if I used onion powder instead???
Stephanie
It should work out ok. You could also grate the onion in mixture with a box grater.
Erin
My husband loves this!
Liz
YUM! This was perfect with my homemade crab cakes. It’s now my go-to tartar sauce.
Brenda
I’ve always liked McDonald’s tartar sauce, thank you!!
Melissa
This tarter sauce tastes very authentic. Thank you!
Jeanne Lewis
Tartar Sauce
1 c. mayo (use good brand)
1 TBS. red onion or (sweet onion)
1 TBS. capers salted rinse chop
1 TBS. dill pickle relish (no juice)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. lemon or (fake lemon juice)
1 tsp. sugar
This is the copycat recipe I’ve had for years. It’s great!
1/2 tsp. pepper
Mix all ingred. together.
Put in refer for 1 hour before
serving.
Karenina
I read that thyme is a good substitute for capers. How much thyme (fresh or dried) and would you recommend in lieu of the capers? Thank you!
Carol
Do you have a recipe for Captain D’s tartar sauce? That is my favorite!
Billy D
McDonalds Tartar sauce copycat
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sweet dill pickle relish
1 tablespoon of freeze dried shallots crushed but not to a fine powder
1/2 teaspoon of Dill extract.
1/2 teaspoon MSG (Accent)
sprinkle of Black pepper ground
This is much more like theirs and I have been using this recipe for last 30 years.
The secret is the Dill extract it really turns it into the same taste. You can leave out the msg but it really makes it more authentic tasting.
Denise Grissom
How long do you recommend to set before using?
How long will recipe last if placed in a glass jar?
Karenina
What about dried dill? How much should I use? Thank you!
Judy wagner
I’m looking for copycat recipe for Golden Corral’s tartar sauce recipe. Can you help me?
Stephanie
I am sorry I do not have this recipe at this time.
Judy wagner
I’m looking for Golden Corral’s tartar sauce recipe. Can you help me?
Stephanie Manley
I will see what I can do.
Marilyn Watt
Do you ever get to Seattle? We have a place called Dicks–who has the best tartar sauce and they use it and chopped lettuce (only) on their middle burger called the “Special”. There are probably 4 of these places, but none across the lake in Bellevue where we live. Every time we go to downtown Seattle–we try to bring back Dicks–great homemade fries, and Specials. We are now nomadic grandparents so spend some time in San Jose, CA and I’d really love to have this recipe so I can get a “Dick’s fix” there.
Seattle is a beautiful city–you’ll like our mountains after growing up in Montana–and Puget sound and the lakes are stunning–unless it’s winter and dark and raining. Please! Please!
Marilyn
Dian
di blogs are you could email me I would appreciate it Dian
Sylvieann
Stephanie, thanks for sharing this easy recipe. Don’t use tartar sauce often, so don’t always have it when I need it. Your recipe sounds tasty and easy to make! Sylvieann 🙂
C J Hyatt
Let me give you a clue. There is no recipe for McDonalds tarter sauce.
McDonalds tartar sauce is Kraft tartar sauce straight out of the bottle.
Stephanie
Thank you for dropping by. I hope you enjoy other recipes.
Jamie
So gracious…
juju
Here in Brazil we don’t have this brand, kraft, so is nice to have this recipe, thanks Stephanie
Tina
I just had some Kraft tartar sauce. It was nothing like McDonald’s.
Anita
McDonald’s tartar sauce is not kraft. I know. I have tried every tartar sauce out there!
Ginger
Mcdonald’s tartar is not Kraft. There’s no tartar on the market like it. I hope this one is close!
David Gonsalves
I completely agree!
Eileen
Thanks for recipe. Don’t want to buy whole bottle of sauce.
David Gonsalves
Ugh I’ve tried craft. It tastes nothing like McDonald’s. I’ve never found a store bought tartar sauce that taste like McDonald’s.
Sheri Edwards
It absolutely is not the same as Kraft tartar sauce! Kraft is MUCH sweeter.
pansylu
Hello Stephanie,
I truly enjoy reading your recipes. The ones I have made are delicious!
Thank you
Keep up the good work
Donny
I agree 100%
Kevswick
Wayyy too much onion.
Not even close.
Shannon H
when you say mayonnaise- do you use Miracle Whip or Helman’s. I like both but not sure which will taste better.
Stephanie
I mean for you to use Mayonnaise.
Kevswick
Miracle Whip is not Mayo!
Jeff
Here in the South we use Duke’s mayo. Best in the world.
Robin
Jeff you are so right about Duke’s. I’m a southern girl.
Linda Agneta
Looking for the copycat recipe for Outback’s Brunswick Stew … Hoping you can help me out ????
Stephanie
I haven’t tried that before.