The first time I served this homemade tartar sauce at a dinner party, my best friend paused mid-bite and asked, “Did you get this from Red Lobster?” When I revealed it was homemade, everyone at the table insisted on the recipe. That moment confirmed what I already suspected, this copycat version isn’t just close to the original, many people think it’s even better.
What makes a truly exceptional tartar sauce? It’s all about balance and unexpected elements. While most recipes stop at mayonnaise, pickles, and maybe some onion, Red Lobster’s version includes a secret ingredient that elevates it above the rest: finely minced carrots. This simple addition provides a subtle sweetness and delightful texture that transforms an ordinary condiment into something special.
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What makes Red Lobster Tartar Sauce so unique?
Red Lobster is known for its delicious tartar sauce that has won the hearts of many food enthusiasts. Some people even consider it to be the absolute best tartar sauce out there. However, it’s not always easy to get some extra to go, which can be a real bummer for the fans.
I think what makes this tartar sauce unique is the bits of carrot in the sauce. These aren’t big chunks of carrots, but finely minced ones so you get the sweetness from the carrots and a bit of crunch.
Armed with a copycat recipe you don’t need to worry anymore as you can now prepare the homemade rendition of Red Lobster-style tartar sauce, so you can enjoy the divine taste and satisfy your cravings anytime you want! Don’t worry, this is an easy tartar sauce to make!
What makes copycat Red Lobster Tartar Sauce so good
This copycat Red Lobster tartar sauce recipe takes a basic tartar sauce and raises it to the next level.
Rich, creamy mayo functions as the base of the sauce, and the onions add a more distinctive bite. Meanwhile, there are hints of sweetness from the carrots and sugar to soften the overall sharpness of the sauce.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance of ingredients, resulting in a complex and delicious flavor.
Why you’ll love this recipe
What’s not to like about tartar sauce? It’s the perfect accompaniment for everything from fried or baked fish to crab cakes, and its endless uses.
You’ll love this recipe because you can make it in record time, and it tastes much fresher than any premade tartar sauce you can get from the store. Why settle for less when you can recreate your favorite Red Lobster version?
The short time needed to chop the carrots and onions is assuredly worth it. The best part is that this sauce holds up well in the refrigerator, so you don’t have to consume it all on the day you make it! Enjoy it throughout the week, experimenting by trying it with new foods.
What’s in Red Lobster Tartar Sauce?
You might wonder what is in this recipe. It is effortless: you use mayonnaise, chopped white onion, pickle relish, and chopped carrots.
This combination together makes for a slightly sweet tartar sauce that has a nice crunch to it. The carrot adds a nice texture to the tartar sauce you will love.
Red Lobster Tartar Sauce recipe ingredients
Here’s a list of what you need: (get the exact quantities and instructions on the recipe card.)
- Mayonnaise – Provides the creamy, rich base for the sauce
- White onion – Adds sharp, aromatic flavor and subtle crunch
- Carrot – Contributes natural sweetness and distinctive texture
- Sweet pickle relish – Delivers tangy flavor and characteristic pickle taste
- Sugar – Balances acidity and enhances the natural sweetness
- Salt – Brings all flavors together and enhances overall taste
How to Make Red Lobster Tartar Sauce from scratch
- Drain the sweet relish juice and dice the onion and carrot.
- Put all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Stir until thoroughly combined.
- Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving.
That’s it! Easy to make and no cooking involved. Once you try this simple recipe, you won’t ever go back to premade tartar sauce from the store!
Extra tips for making and serving tartar sauce
- It is best to make this a couple of hours ahead of serving. This way, all of the flavors will mingle together. It is even better when you make it the day or evening before.
- Serving tartar sauce at room temperature will enhance its flavor. Take the tartar sauce out of the fridge 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
- Keep the flavor and reduce the sharpness of the onions by chopping them as per the recipe and then soaking them in ice water for 10 minutes. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before using them. Soaking onions helps to mellow them out while adding a bit of extra firmness.
Tartar sauce is so wonderfully diverse. It’s a delicious dipping sauce and sandwich spread. This tartar sauce tastes wonderful with fried fish, baked fish, on fish sandwiches, and it even tastes great on a hamburger.
What is a good substitute for tartar sauce?
- Greek Yogurt: If you want a sauce without mayonnaise, you can substitute nonfat Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt has a similar appearance and texture to mayonnaise. It also provides a milder tart taste than mayonnaise’s acidic tang.
- Yogurt and Cottage Cheese: Combine 1/2 cup nonfat cottage cheese and 1/2 cup nonfat plain yogurt until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon each of minced red onion, sweet or dill pickle relish, lemon juice, and minced fresh parsley.
- Aioli: Traditional aioli uses a combination of oil and garlic. You can add seasonings to it (e.g., dill and lemon zest) and convert it to a garlicky type of tartar sauce.
- Cucumber Sauce: Try a cucumber sauce made with fat-free yogurt and light mayonnaise. Use 1/3 cup of yogurt and 1/4 cup of mayonnaise for every 1 cup of freshly chopped cucumber. Season with mustard, chopped onions, lemon juice, and salt, and chill thoroughly before serving.
What to serve with Red Lobster Tartar Sauce
It’s a great addition to your favorite seafood dish, ranging from shrimp to fish sandwiches. For example, some specific recipes to try it with are Maryland crab cakes, tuna patties, or beer-battered fish and chips.
Some people enjoy it with crispy chicken or fried foods like French fries, onion rings, tater tots, or cheese sticks. Don’t limit yourself. There are endless possibilities!
How to store this sauce
Place the sauce in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and quality. Keep it under refrigeration!
How long does copycat Red Lobster Tartar Sauce last?
Store this homemade tartar sauce in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped white onions
- 1 tablespoon carrot finely diced
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (do not use dill relish)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
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Notes
Nutrition
More Red Lobster copycat recipes
Go ahead and make a batch of our Red Lobster Tartar Sauce copycat recipe, then try out these:
- Bacon Wrapped Scallops Recipe
- Clam Chowder
- Crispy Brussel Sprouts
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits
- Red Lobster Copycat Recipes
- Seafood Nachos
- Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Popular restaurant sauce recipes
Be sure to check out more of my easy sauce recipes and the best Red Lobster recipes here on CopyKat!
Almost like being there. Excellent.
The Best Thanks!
Oh my word, no no no, this is not proper Tartar Sauce, it may be a good replica of the Red Lobster restaurant sauce (never heard of them) but this is NOT Tartar sauce, serve that in Europe and it would be thrown at you.
200ml/7fl oz mayonnaise
3 tbsp capers, drained and chopped
3 tbsp gherkins, drained and chopped
1 small shallot, finely chopped
squeeze of lemon juice
3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley/tarragon/dill
flaked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
But in the USA, Red Lobster was an American establishment that many appreciated for quality and consistency. Was, until Asian outsiders intruded. How dare you not understand that is the Red Lobster knockoff, not some European version from perhaps a quaint fish monger shack! Enjoy your chips.
You did read the title, Red Lobster Tartar Sauce Copycat Recipe? The author’s recipe is excellent. Did we search for the Edmonds or a European version, or did we intentionally seek out Red Lobster tartar? The author should remove your post as your comment and input are irrelevant. The audacity!
Thank you so much for this recipe….I absolutely love Red Lobsters tartar sauce.
In our home, commercial brand tarter sauces just don’t seem to be what we enjoy. I think we have tried them all. Since today is Friday and we do ‘Fish on Friday’ every week, you may have finally put an end to our search. Grating the onion is a good suggestion!
Red Lobster Tartar Sauce is the best Tartar Sauce ever. It makes any seafood taste great. I go to Red Lobster to buy the Tartar Sauce when I know I’m fixing seafood it makes me think I’m at Red Lobster. It’s the next best thing to being their. I wish Red Lobster would start selling their Tartar Sauce in the grocery stores like you can buy their Cheddar Bay Biscuits.
This sauce is amazingly like Red Lobsters! In fact, I like it even better! (I’m a tatar sauce snob) Five stars!
This sauce is amazingly like Red Lobsters! In fact, I like it even better! (I’m a tatar sauce snob) Five stars!
If you want a different taste that’s just as phrazle excellent, try grating your onion instead of slicing it (there’s less ‘crunch’ that way) and adding dill relish (leave off the sugar and sweet relish).
Try grating your onion instead of dicing (there is less ‘crunch’) and add dill relish (omit the sugar and sweet relish) for a different flavor which is still just as good…
I really appreciate this recipe – my “idea” of making tartar sauce is usually mixing mayo with some pickle relish and maybe a little mustard (if I remember that part)… thank you, Stephanie, I have saved so many of your recipes and they never let me down!