Nothing Beats Homemade Tartar Sauce
When fried fish was on the menu at my grandma’s house, there was always a bowl of homemade tartar sauce on the table.
This wasn’t the kind of tartar sauce that came from a jar. It was freshly made with mayonnaise, hard-boiled eggs, chopped gherkins, fresh tarragon, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Years later, this tartar sauce recipe is still the one I make most often. It’s creamy, tangy, packed with texture, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether I’m serving fish and chips, fish sticks, fried shrimp, or a platter of seafood, this homemade tartar sauce is always a welcome addition.
While many tartar sauce recipes rely on capers and fresh herbs, my grandma’s Belgian-style version is slightly different. The addition of chopped hard-boiled eggs gives the sauce extra richness and texture, while fresh tarragon brings a subtle herbal flavor. The result is a homemade tartar sauce that feels both comforting and unique.
Just for the record: my picture isn’t fancy or polished this time, just a quick snapshot I took before dinner. After all, that’s how the best family recipes are usually served, right!
If you’re looking for a tartar sauce recipe that’s simple, flavorful, and made with everyday ingredients, you’ve come to the right place.
Enjoy!
Grandma’s Tartar Sauce Recipe (Belgian Style)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 5½ oz pickled gherkins (155 g)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh tarragon finely chopped
- salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
1) The hard-boiled eggs should be completely cooled. Peel and roughly crumble them into a mixing bowl.
2) Add the gherkins to a food processor and blend briefly until finely chopped but still textured. Do not puree. You can also chop them finely.
3) Add the chopped gherkins to the bowl with the eggs.
4) Stir in the mayonnaise, lemon juice and chopped fresh tarragon.
5) Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
6) Mix everything together until well combined.
7) Refrigerate the tartar sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
8) Serve chilled with fish and chips, fish sticks, fried shrimp, crab cakes, deep fried calamari or Belgian fries.
- This is a Belgian-style tartar sauce recipe that’s slightly richer than many classic versions thanks to the addition of hard-boiled eggs.
- Fresh tarragon gives the sauce its distinctive flavor. If unavailable, fresh parsley can be used, although the taste will be different.
- For the best texture, finely chop the gherkins rather than blending them into a smooth paste.
- The tartar sauce can be made several hours in advance and often tastes even better after chilling.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe contains no capers, making it a milder, family-friendly alternative to many traditional tartar sauce recipes.
What Is Tartar Sauce?
Tartar sauce is a cold, mayonnaise-based condiment traditionally served with fish and seafood. A classic tartar sauce recipe typically combines mayonnaise with pickles or gherkins, herbs, and lemon juice to create a creamy sauce with a bright, tangy flavor.
Over the years, many regional variations of tartar sauce have emerged. Some recipes include capers, others add fresh dill or parsley, while mine uses fresh tarragon. Many family recipes have their own special twist. That’s exactly what makes homemade tartar sauce so appealing. No two versions are exactly alike.
This Belgian-inspired tartar sauce recipe has been passed down through my family for years and remains one of my favorite ways to serve fried fish.
Tartar Sauce vs. Remoulade
Although tartar sauce and remoulade are closely related, they aren’t exactly the same thing.
Traditional tartar sauce is usually fairly simple, relying on mayonnaise, pickles, herbs, and lemon juice for flavor. Remoulade often contains additional ingredients such as mustard, capers, shallots, and a wider variety of herbs and seasonings.
My grandma’s tartar sauce recipe falls somewhere between the two. The chopped eggs and fresh tarragon give it characteristics commonly found in Belgian remoulade, while the creamy texture and pickle-forward flavor remain unmistakably tartar sauce.
Whatever name you prefer, one thing is certain: it’s delicious with fried fish.
Why You’ll Love This Tartar Sauce Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to keep this homemade tartar sauce recipe on hand:
- Quick and easy to make
- Made with simple ingredients
- Rich, creamy, and full of texture
- Perfect for fish and chips
- Great with seafood and French fries
- Easy to prepare ahead of time
- A cherished Belgian family recipe
Once you’ve tried homemade tartar sauce, it’s hard to go back to the store-bought version.
Ingredients for Homemade Tartar Sauce
One of the best things about this tartar sauce recipe is that it uses a handful of everyday ingredients.
You’ll need:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Gherkins
- Mayonnaise
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh tarragon
- Salt
- Black pepper
Together, these ingredients create a tartar sauce that’s creamy, tangy, fresh, and wonderfully balanced.
The Secret to Grandma’s Tartar Sauce Recipe
What makes this tartar sauce recipe different from so many others?
The answer is simple: hard-boiled eggs.
Most tartar sauce recipes rely entirely on mayonnaise for richness. My grandma always added chopped eggs, creating a sauce that’s heartier, creamier, and more satisfying. Combined with crunchy gherkins and fragrant tarragon, the eggs help create a homemade tartar sauce with a distinctive texture and flavor.
It’s a small detail, but it makes all the difference.
What to Serve with Tartar Sauce
Homemade tartar sauce is incredibly versatile. While it’s most often associated with fish and chips, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it.
Serve this tartar sauce recipe with:
- Fish and chips
- Fish sticks
- Fried cod
- Fried haddock
- Fried shrimp
- Crab cakes
- Salmon patties
- Fried calamari
- Seafood platters
- French fries
- Potato wedges
The creamy, tangy flavor pairs beautifully with anything crispy and golden.
Tips for the Best Homemade Tartar Sauce
A few simple tips will help you make the best tartar sauce every time.
Use good-quality mayonnaise
Because mayonnaise is the base of the recipe, its quality has a big impact on the final result.
Don’t over-process the gherkins
A little texture makes homemade tartar sauce more interesting. Finely chopped is ideal, but avoid turning them into a smooth puree.
Use fresh tarragon whenever possible
Fresh tarragon gives this tartar sauce recipe its distinctive flavor and makes it stand out from more traditional versions.
Let the sauce chill
Like many homemade condiments, tartar sauce tastes even better after some time in the refrigerator. Chilling allows the flavors to blend together beautifully.
Can You Make Tartar Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely.
In fact, this homemade tartar sauce recipe often tastes even better a few hours after it’s made. Preparing it ahead of time allows the gherkins, herbs, lemon juice, and eggs to fully flavor the mayonnaise.
Store the tartar sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tartar sauce made of?
Most tartar sauce recipes include mayonnaise, pickles or gherkins, herbs, and lemon juice. This Belgian-style tartar sauce also contains hard-boiled eggs and fresh tarragon.
Can I make tartar sauce without capers?
Yes. This tartar sauce recipe contains no capers and still delivers plenty of flavor thanks to the combination of eggs, gherkins, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
Is homemade tartar sauce better than store-bought?
Many people prefer homemade tartar sauce because it tastes fresher and can be adjusted to suit personal preferences.
What’s the difference between tartar sauce and remoulade?
Both sauces start with a mayonnaise base, but remoulade typically includes additional seasonings and ingredients. This recipe combines elements of both traditions.
A Belgian Family Favorite
Some family recipes never leave your kitchen.
This homemade tartar sauce recipe has been part of family meals for generations. Inspired by my grandma’s Belgian recipe, it’s rich, creamy, flavorful, and remarkably easy to make.
Whether you’re serving fish and chips, fried seafood, or a plate of crispy French fries, this homemade tartar sauce proves that simple ingredients often create the most memorable dishes. Once you’ve tried it, you may never buy tartar sauce again.