Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce is the perfect pairing for fried fish and crunchy seafood dishes. Its creamy, tangy flavor elevates every bite, making it a must-have for seafood lovers. If you’ve ever enjoyed their famous sauce at the restaurant, you’ll be thrilled to know you can recreate Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce at home. This easy recipe, made with just a few simple ingredients, delivers the same amazing taste that makes your seafood meals feel extra special, rivaling even Captain D’s tartar sauce.

To capture the essence of this tasty sauce, start with a mayonnaise-based mix, and include ingredients like pickle relish, lemon juice, and optional seasonings such as onion powder or dried dill weed. These elements mimic the flavors listed on their packets, creating a copycat recipe that’s incredibly close to the original. For those who love great tartar sauce, this is a must-try that works perfectly with dishes like Air Fryer Cajun Snapper, Frozen Cod, or even Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels.

If you’ve been planning to try a sauce that’s both delicious and easy to make, this is the one. Once you prepare it, you’ll never need to buy store-bought tartar sauce again. Save the recipe for later and enjoy dipping your favorite seafood into this creamy delight. Thank us later because this Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce recipe will soon become your go-to!

What is Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce?

Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce is a creamy, tangy sauce that’s delicious and perfect for fried seafood, like fish and shrimp. Made with mayonnaise, it’s mixed with sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, and spices like dill and garlic powder. This combination creates a smooth texture and a balance of sweetness and flavor that makes it stand out. Its special taste enhances seafood dishes, bringing out the best in every bite.

You can recreate this sauce at home with an easy cooking process that doesn’t require fancy ingredients. Whether you’re dipping fries, pairing it with sandwiches, or adding it to chicken tenders, this signature condiment complements every meal. If your main course includes fried seafood, make sure you’ve got Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce on hand for that zesty flavor and perfect balance of flavors. Its smooth and tangy profile is what makes it a favorite for many.

Key Ingredients Tartar Sauce

Here’s everything you need to recreate Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce at home:

1 cup mayonnaise – The creamy base of the sauce, giving it a rich, smooth texture.
2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish – Adds a touch of sweetness and a bit of crunch.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – Provides a zesty brightness to enhance the overall flavor.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional) – For an extra layer of freshness.
1 teaspoon dried dill weed – Infuses the sauce with its signature herbaceous taste.
1 teaspoon onion powder – Brings a subtle, savory depth.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a mild garlicky flavor to balance the mix.
Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Enhances and balances the overall flavors.

Optional variations:

1 tablespoon white vinegar – To increase tanginess if preferred.
1 tablespoon diced dill pickles – For added crunch and boldness.
Diced onions – Adds slight crunch and texture.

These simple ingredients come together to deliver the creamy, tangy sauce loved for its perfect pairing with seafood.

Kitchen Tools Needed

To prepare Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce, you’ll need these essential tools:

Medium mixing bowl – Perfect for combining all ingredients smoothly.
Measuring spoons – To get precise amounts for a balanced flavor.
Whisk or spoon – Ensures thorough mixing and a creamy texture.
Food processor (optional) – Great for blending ingredients finely, if desired.
Saucepan – Handy if you need to warm certain ingredients for a more blended taste.
Airtight container – Ideal for storing the sauce in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.
Spatula – Helps scrape every bit of the sauce from the bowl or saucepan.

These tools will simplify the process and ensure your sauce is perfectly prepared every time.

Steps to Make Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

Step 1:

Start by gathering ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, dried dill weed, onion powder, garlic powder, chopped parsley (optional), white vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Place everything in a medium mixing bowl.

Step 2:

Add the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, lemon juice, and white vinegar into the bowl. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. For a smoother texture, you can use a blender or food processor to blend the ingredients.

Step 3:

Sprinkle in dried dill weed, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Step 4:

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the mixture to chill and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5:

Take the bowl out of the fridge, stir the sauce again, and adjust the taste if needed by adding more salt or pepper. Enjoy this delightful homemade tartar sauce as a perfect dip or topping for your favorite seafood dishes!

Some Tips

For the best results, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice to give the sauce a tangy, vibrant taste. Opt for full-fat mayonnaise as the base to achieve the creamiest, authentic flavor. If you prefer a sweeter profile, add a bit more sweet pickle relish, or reduce it for a milder sweetness. To make the sauce tangier, try swapping in dill pickle relish or adding more lemon juice or a dash of vinegar. A sprinkle of fresh dill or a pinch of garlic powder can personalize your tartar sauce, while a few chopped capers add a delightful salty, tangy taste similar to the traditional tartar sauce.

Allow the tartar sauce to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour before serving. This step helps the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste. You can even customize the flavor by adding a dash of hot sauce or mixing in extra fresh herbs for an elevated twist. Make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated and adjusted to your personal preference for the optimal taste. This simple approach ensures your homemade tartar sauce is balanced and perfect every time!

Storing Leftover

To store Long John Silver’s tartar sauce, transfer it to an airtight container with a tight lid and place it in the fridge. This will keep the sauce fresh and prevent it from absorbing fridge smells. The homemade tartar sauce, made with fresh ingredients, will last for up to a week if properly refrigerated. Before serving, give it a quick stir to ensure the ingredients are well mixed and the flavors are balanced. Unlike store-bought sauces, homemade versions may separate over time, but a stir will restore its smooth consistency. Always pick up the sauce and check its smells before use to ensure it’s still good for your next meal.

Perfect Pairings for Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

Long John Silver’s tartar sauce is a fantastic dip for all your favorite seafood dishes. It pairs wonderfully with fried fish like cod, tilapia, or other battered fillets, offering a creamier, tangier flavor. Try it with shrimp, crab cakes, or even grilled seafood for a delicious match. Its tangy flavor also complements crispy fries, hushpuppies, and onion rings, making it a must-have for sides and snacks.

This versatile sauce isn’t limited to seafood—it works great with crispy chicken tenders, Air Fry Chicken Sausages, or as a spread for sandwiches and tacos. If you want to get creative, use it as a dip for vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, or even pickles. Whether you’re dipping french fries or experimenting with new ideas, this tasty sauce is the perfect addition to make every bite better.

FAQs

Can I Use Low-Fat Mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use low-fat or even vegan mayonnaise for a lighter or plant-based tartar sauce. For the creamiest texture and most authentic flavor, full-fat mayonnaise is recommended.

What Can I Use Instead of Sweet Pickle Relish?

If you don’t have sweet pickle relish or prefer a tangier flavor, use dill pickle relish for a savory twist. You can also omit the relish for a more traditional, less sweet tartar sauce.

Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh Ones?

Yes, dried herbs work fine if fresh parsley or other fresh herbs aren’t available—just use smaller quantities since dried herbs are more concentrated. While fresh herbs add a brighter flavor, dried ones still give great taste to your tartar sauce.

What Does Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce Taste Like?

Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce is a creamy sauce with balanced tanginess and sweetness that enhances your favorite dishes. Many customers love how it complements seafood and delivers that special restaurant experience.

What Is Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce Made Of?

Tartar sauce is traditionally made with mayonnaise, shallots, and capers. Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce adds finely chopped pickles, cornichons, sweet pickle relish, and may include Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard for extra tangy flavor.

What’s the Difference Between Remoulade and Tartar Sauce?

Tartar sauce includes chopped pickles for a sour, salty flavor, perfect with seafood and fried foods. Remoulade sauce adds ketchup, mustard, and often fresh herbs, making it a spicier, more robust option.

Conclusion:

Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce is a great version of the classic tartar sauce, created to make your seafood dishes tastier. Its creamy texture and delicious taste make it a simple, flavorful recipe that anyone can make at home. Whether you’re frying fish, whipping up shrimp, or craving a versatile dip for fries, chicken, or veggies, this homemade version is sure to satisfy. You can adjust the flavors to your liking, making it as tangy or creamy as you prefer. Skip the restaurant and take your meals to the next level with this easy recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more tartar sauces and great cooking ideas!

Long John Silver’s Tartar Sauce

Recipe by Emily HarperCourse: SAUCESCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

300

kcal

Total time