Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe

If you love the creamy, tangy flavor served with seafood at Captain D’s, then you’re going to enjoy making this easy homemade version at home. This Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe is rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced with dill pickles, lemon juice, and a touch of mustard.

The best part? It takes only 12 minutes to prepare and requires no cooking at all. With simple pantry ingredients and one mixing bowl, you can recreate that classic restaurant-style tartar sauce anytime.

This recipe is perfect for fish fry nights, seafood dinners, sandwiches, and even as a dipping sauce for fries. Let’s get started!

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What Is Captain D’s Tartar Sauce?

Captain D’s Tartar Sauce is a creamy seafood condiment made primarily with mayonnaise, dill pickles, lemon juice, and seasonings. It has a smooth texture with small crunchy pickle bits that give it extra flavor and character.

Unlike overly sweet tartar sauces, this version has a bright, tangy taste from lemon juice and mustard paste. The chopped dill weed adds freshness, while black pepper and salt balance everything perfectly.

It’s especially popular as a dipping sauce for fried fish, shrimp, and other seafood dishes.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this homemade Captain D’s tartar sauce will become your favorite:

• ✔ Ready in just 12 minutes
• ✔ No cooking required
• ✔ Simple and affordable ingredients
• ✔ Creamy, tangy, and flavorful
• ✔ Tastes like the restaurant version
• ✔ Perfect for seafood, sandwiches, and fries
• ✔ Easy to customize

Once you try it, you may never buy store-bought tartar sauce again.

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Equipment’s

You only need basic kitchen tools:

• Medium mixing bowl
• Spoon
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

That’s it! No blender or mixer required.

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Ingredients with Amounts

Here’s everything you need to make Captain D’s Tartar Sauce:

• 1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 4 tablespoons Whole Zesty Dill Pickles, Recommended
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 teaspoons chopped dill weed
• 1 teaspoon Colman’s Mustard Paste, Recommended
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Ingredient Notes

Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayonnaise for the best creamy texture and rich flavor.

Zesty Dill Pickles: These give the sauce its signature tangy crunch. Chop them finely for smooth consistency.

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice works best, but bottled lemon juice can also be used.

Dill Weed: Adds fresh herbal flavor that pairs perfectly with seafood.

Colman’s Mustard Paste: Adds a mild sharpness. If unavailable, regular yellow mustard works too.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Finely chop the dill pickles using a sharp knife on a chopping board. Measure all other ingredients accurately.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, add:

• Mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Chopped dill pickles
• Dill weed
• Mustard paste
• Black pepper
• Salt

Step 3: Mix Well

Using a spoon, mix all ingredients together until well combined. Make sure everything is evenly blended.

Step 4: Chill

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

For best results, refrigerate overnight. This allows the flavors to blend and become richer.

Step 5: Stir and Serve

Before serving, stir the tartar sauce well and enjoy!

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Notes

• The sauce thickens slightly after chilling.
• If it becomes too thick, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to loosen it.
• Always taste and adjust salt or lemon before serving.
• Fresh dill gives stronger flavor than dried dill.

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Variations

You can easily customize this Captain D’s tartar sauce recipe:

Sweet Version

Add 1 teaspoon sugar for a slightly sweet flavor.

Spicy Version

Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.

Extra Tangy

Add 1 teaspoon white vinegar for more sharpness.

Creamier Version

Add 1 tablespoon sour cream for extra richness.

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Tips

• Finely chop pickles for smooth texture.
• Use cold mayonnaise for better consistency.
• Do not skip chilling time — it improves flavor.
• Store in an airtight container.
• Always stir before serving.

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What to Serve With Captain D’s Tartar Sauce?

This sauce pairs perfectly with:

• Fried fish fillets
• Fish sticks
• Fried shrimp
• Crab cakes
• Grilled salmon
• Fish sandwiches
• French fries
• Onion rings

It also works great as a spread for burgers and wraps.

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How to Store Captain D’s Tartar Sauce?

Proper storage keeps your tartar sauce fresh and safe.

• Store in an airtight container
• Keep refrigerated at all times
• Use within 5–7 days
• Do not freeze (mayonnaise separates when frozen)

If it smells sour or changes texture, discard it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Tartar Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes better when made a day in advance.

Can I Use Sweet Pickles Instead of Dill Pickles?

Yes, but the flavor will be sweeter and less tangy.

Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, as long as your mustard and mayonnaise are gluten-free.

Can I Use Dried Dill Instead of Fresh?

Yes. Use about 1 teaspoon dried dill instead of fresh.

How Long Does Homemade Tartar Sauce Last?

It lasts up to 7 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.

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Conclusion

This easy Captain D’s Tartar Sauce Recipe is creamy, tangy, and full of fresh dill flavor. It’s quick to prepare, requires no cooking, and tastes just like the restaurant version from Captain D’s.

Whether you’re serving fried fish, shrimp, or making a seafood sandwich, this homemade tartar sauce adds the perfect finishing touch. Make it once, and it will become your go-to seafood sauce recipe.

Try it today and enjoy fresh, homemade flavor at home!