Copycat McDonald’s Tartar Sauce Recipe | Just 4 Ingredients, 5 Minutes
There’s something uniquely satisfying about the creamy, tangy tartar sauce that McDonald’s pairs with their iconic Filet-O-Fish sandwich. If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy that distinctive flavor at home without hoarding those tiny packets, you’re in the right place. As someone who’s recreated dozens of fast-food favorites, I can confidently say this four-ingredient wonder is one of the easiest—and most rewarding—copycat recipes you’ll ever make.
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Why This Tartar Sauce Will Change Your Fish Sandwich Game
What makes McDonald’s tartar sauce so special isn’t complexity—it’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory elements that create a condiment that elevates a simple fish sandwich into something craveable. The best part? You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
What Makes McDonald’s Tartar Sauce Different?
Unlike traditional tartar sauces that might include capers, herbs, lemon juice, or multiple pickle varieties, McDonald’s version keeps things remarkably simple. The secret lies in the balance rather than complexity. This minimalist approach creates a sauce that complements rather than competes with the flavor of the fish.
The McDonald’s version also has a smoother texture and slightly sweeter profile than many restaurant or store-bought versions, which makes it particularly appealing even to those who don’t typically enjoy tartar sauce. This copycat recipe captures that same approachable, crowd-pleasing quality that has made the original a fast-food legend for decades. You are going to love this easy copycat recipe.
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.
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4-Ingredient Copycat McDonald’s Tartar Sauce
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.
Video
Notes
Tips For Perfect Results Every Time
- Finely dice the onion: Large pieces of onion can overwhelm individual bites.
- Allow time for chilling: The flavor improves significantly after refrigeration.
- Taste before serving: Flavors can develop differently based on your specific brands of ingredients.
- Use fresh ingredients: Even though this is a simple recipe, the quality of each component matters.
- Consistent measuring: Use level rather than heaping measurements for predictable results.
Nutrition
Storage Instructions
- Signs of spoilage: Discard if you notice any off odors, discoloration, or mold.
- Container: Store in an airtight container—glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well.
- Temperature: Always keep refrigerated at 40°F or below.
- Duration: Properly stored, this sauce will maintain optimal quality for up to 7 days.
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.
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.
So easy, thanks!!
My kids were so excited to try it and it didn’t disappoint! They really loved it!
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???
It should work out ok. You could also grate the onion in mixture with a box grater.
My husband loves this!
YUM! This was perfect with my homemade crab cakes. It’s now my go-to tartar sauce.
I’ve always liked McDonald’s tartar sauce, thank you!!
This tarter sauce tastes very authentic. Thank you!
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.
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!
Do you have a recipe for Captain D’s tartar sauce? That is my favorite!
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.
How long do you recommend to set before using?
How long will recipe last if placed in a glass jar?
What about dried dill? How much should I use? Thank you!
I’m looking for copycat recipe for Golden Corral’s tartar sauce recipe. Can you help me?
I am sorry I do not have this recipe at this time.
I’m looking for Golden Corral’s tartar sauce recipe. Can you help me?
I will see what I can do.
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
di blogs are you could email me I would appreciate it Dian
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 🙂
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.
Thank you for dropping by. I hope you enjoy other recipes.
So gracious…
Here in Brazil we don’t have this brand, kraft, so is nice to have this recipe, thanks Stephanie
I just had some Kraft tartar sauce. It was nothing like McDonald’s.
McDonald’s tartar sauce is not kraft. I know. I have tried every tartar sauce out there!
Mcdonald’s tartar is not Kraft. There’s no tartar on the market like it. I hope this one is close!
I completely agree!
Thanks for recipe. Don’t want to buy whole bottle of sauce.
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.
It absolutely is not the same as Kraft tartar sauce! Kraft is MUCH sweeter.
Hello Stephanie,
I truly enjoy reading your recipes. The ones I have made are delicious!
Thank you
Keep up the good work
I agree 100%
Wayyy too much onion.
Not even close.
when you say mayonnaise- do you use Miracle Whip or Helman’s. I like both but not sure which will taste better.
I mean for you to use Mayonnaise.
Miracle Whip is not Mayo!
Here in the South we use Duke’s mayo. Best in the world.
Jeff you are so right about Duke’s. I’m a southern girl.
Looking for the copycat recipe for Outback’s Brunswick Stew … Hoping you can help me out ????
I haven’t tried that before.