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.

Copycat McDonald's tartar sauce and a fish sandwich.

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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. 
Copycat McDonald's tartar sauce ingredients in bowls.

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.

Copycat McDonald's tartar sauce and fried fish sandwiches.
Copycat McDonald's tartar sauce and three fish sandwiches.

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. 

Copycat McDonald's tartar sauce and a fish sandwich.

4-Ingredient Copycat McDonald’s Tartar Sauce

The perfect recreation of McDonald's iconic tartar sauce—creamy, tangy, and ready in just 5 minutes. Ideal for fish sandwiches and much more.
5 from 31 votes
Print Pin Rate Add to Collection
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: McDonald’s Recipes, Tartar Sauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: 129kcal

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

Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 0g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 3mg | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 10IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0mg

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

Great Sandwich and Dipping Sauce Recipes

Find even more of my famous restaurant copycat recipes and easy homemade sauces.

About Stephanie Manley

Stephanie Manley is the creator of CopyKat.com. She has been recreating copycat recipes since 1995. Learn more about Stephanie Manley.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Aysegul Sanford

    5 stars
    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.

  2. 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!

  3. 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.

  4. 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

  5. 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 🙂

  6. 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.

  7. pansylu

    Hello Stephanie,

    I truly enjoy reading your recipes. The ones I have made are delicious!

    Thank you

    Keep up the good work

5 from 31 votes (19 ratings without comment)

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