Go Back
Captain D's Tartar Sauce Recipe

Captain D's Tartar Sauce Recipe

Livy Lane
Missing that perfect creamy seafood dip from Captain D's? This Captain D's Tartar Sauce Recipe recreates their famous tangy-creamy magic using simple pantry ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine Southern Seafood
Servings 8
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Duke's mayonnaise or Hellmann's
  • 3 Tbsp sweet pickle relish drained
  • 2 Tbsp finely minced white onion
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Tbsp dill pickle juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh dill optional

Instructions
 

Mince Onion Finely

  • Dice white onion into tiny 1/8-inch pieces. No large chunks allowed.

Drain Relish Well

  • Pat sweet pickle relish with paper towels. Remove excess liquid.

Mayo Foundation

  • Spoon mayonnaise into mixing bowl. Create smooth base layer.

Acid Balance

  • Add lemon juice and pickle juice. Stir until fully incorporated.

Tangy Mustard

  • Whisk in Dijon mustard and sugar until sugar completely dissolves.

Seasoning Blend

  • Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper evenly.

Mix Relish Gently

  • Fold in drained relish carefully. Preserve pickle texture.

Fresh Dill Finish

  • Stir in chopped fresh dill if using. Elevates flavor instantly.

Taste Perfection

  • Sample sauce. Adjust lemon juice for custom tang level.

Smooth Consistency

  • Whisk vigorously 30 seconds for silky restaurant texture.

Chill Essential

  • Cover tightly. Refrigerate minimum 1 hour for flavor marriage.

Jar Storage

  • Transfer to glass jar. Keeps 2 weeks refrigerated perfectly.

Notes

  • Duke's mayonnaise essential for authentic Southern restaurant tang everyone recognizes instantly.
  • Ultra-fine onion dice prevents chunky texture ruining creamy seafood dip perfection.
  • 1-hour chill minimum allows flavors to meld into restaurant-quality taste transformation.
  • Capers substitution for relish creates upscale briny seafood restaurant sophistication.
  • Greek yogurt half-and-half lightens calories while maintaining creamy mouthfeel perfectly.
  • Hot sauce dash transforms into spicy seafood boil dipping companion.
  • Fresh herbs elevate dried dill, parsley, chives to gourmet condiment status instantly.
Keyword Captain D's Tartar Sauce Recipe