Skippers Tartar Sauce

If you grew up dunking crispy fish into that cool, tangy sauce from Skippers, you already know the appeal. This copycat Skippers tartar sauce is quick to mix, made with simple ingredients, and tastes like the classic bottled version, creamy, bright, and packed with pickle flavor. It takes just a few minutes to stir together, then the refrigerator does the rest, giving the flavors time to meld into that familiar, craveable dip you want with fried seafood.

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What makes this copycat Skippers Tartar sauce so good?

This Skippers Tartar Sauce brings the flavor of fish shacks to your home with a quick, simple recipe that uses fresh ingredients. The richness of the mayonnaise is lightened by the brightness of a splash of white vinegar and plenty of dill pickle relish, creating that classic tartar sauce texture. A touch of sugar tames the acidity, while the chopped onions balance the sauce with just the right amount of sharpness.

And since the Skippers Tartar Sauce recipe comes together in minutes and improves when chilled, you can prep this sauce ahead of time and keep any extra in your fridge, so you’ll never need to repurchase tartar sauce.

Tartar sauce ingredients and their roles in the recipe

To prepare this Skippers Tartar Sauce recipe, you’ll need:

• Mayonnaise – provides the creamy base for the tartar sauce.
• White granulated sugar – brings sweetness to balance the acidity of the other ingredients.
• White vinegar – adds a tang that pairs well with fried foods and helps to thin out the mayo.
• Salt – enhances the flavor of the other ingredients in the sauce.
• Dill pickle relish – pumps up the acidity, adds bursts of flavor, and helps to create the classic tartar texture and taste.
• White onions – sharpen the sauce, prevent it from tasting flat, and add even more crunch.

How to make Tartar Sauce like Skippers

For homemade Skippers Tartar Sauce:

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, vinegar, salt, and dill pickle relish.
2. Finely chop the white onion and add it to the mixing bowl along with the other ingredients.
3. Stir the sauce until all the ingredients are well mixed. Then cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least an hour before using.

What to serve with Skippers Tartar Sauce

Tartar sauce pairs well with any seafood, especially when it is fried.  Below you can find three recipes that can significantly benefit from a dollop or two.

Long John Silver’s Fish – These fried fish sticks are America’s answer to British Fish and Chips and typically come with hush puppies. There is nothing fancy here, just fillets of white fish coated in seasoned flour and fried until crunchy and golden brown. But it’s that simplicity that allows the flavor of the fish to shine through; a true classic.

Classic Beer Battered Fish and Chips – For those who want something a little more traditional, Beer Battered Fish and Chips is a pub classic you will find everywhere in the UK. The beer in the batter adds a unique flavor that elevates the taste without overpowering the fish. The fries are a simple addition that helps round out the meal.  

Maryland Crab Cake – These crab cakes are a favorite of guests dining at ocean-side restaurants in Maryland. The lump crabmeat lends a mild sweetness to these golden-brown and crispy patties, making them a wonderful starter or even a main course.

Storage instructions for the tartar sauce, and how long will it last?

Although it is best to discard any tartar sauce that is not served, you can keep the extra unserved sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The sauce will actually taste better after a day or two in the refrigerator, but the onions may start to release their liquid and lose their crunch. Give the sauce a good stir before using.

More copycat recipes for dips and dressings

• Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
• Cocktail Sauce
• Garlic Aioli
• H-E-B Brisket Queso
• Hollandaise Sauce
• Sabrett’s Hot Dog Onion Sauce

Check out more of my easy recipes for dips and sauces, and the best DIY recipes right here on CopyKat!