Capers are pickled flower buds. Tiny capers are picked from a shrub-like bush (Capparis spinosa), before the buds flower. Capers are then dried in the sun and later brined or packed in salt. They come in small jars and are usually found in stores by the olives, pickles, and relishes. They are also inexpensive and last for a long time in the fridge. If you're worried about leftover capers you can use them in this amazing u003ca href=u0022https://mindeescookingobsession.com/salmon-piccata/u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan style=u0022color:#2e0459u0022 class=u0022has-inline-coloru0022u003eSalmon Piccatau003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e or in my u003ca href=u0022https://mindeescookingobsession.com/salmon-piccata-salad/u0022u003eu003cstrongu003eu003cspan style=u0022color:#2e0459u0022 class=u0022has-inline-coloru0022u003eSalmon Piccata Saladu003c/spanu003eu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e!

4 Ingredient Tartar Sauce with Capers

Name: 4 Ingredient Tartar Sauce with Capers Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: A Heaping Cup
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Cup Mayo; 1/3 Cup Dill Pickles, minced (Seriously. Minced, not diced.); 1 Tbs. Capers, minced; 1/4 tsp Worcestershire Sauce

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Craving a traditional sauce to go with your fish? No worries, you can make your own with this DIY recipe! It's so easy! Capers give this sauce an authentic taste that you just can't get from a bottle. With only 4 ingredients this homemade recipe is ready in 5 minutes!

A dipping bowl filled with tartar sauce placed on a plate next to some fish fillets.

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Why choose this recipe
Ingredient Notes
Step by Step Instructions.
Recipe FAQs and Expert Tips
4 Ingredient Tartar Sauce with Capers Recipe

Why choose this recipe

Only needs 4 ingredients including capers!
Ready in 5 minutes.
You can make a little or make a lot depending on what you need to minimize waste and expense.
Homemade sauces taste better than pre-made, bottled sauces and this one is the best!

Ingredient Notes

Capers - these are what gives this sauce it's flavor. Don't substitute them or leave them out. You can usually find them next to the pickles, pickled jars of peppers, olives, and such in the store.
No Cream of Tartar? - It's a misconception that this sauce has cream of tartar in it. The "tartar" part of the name is from the Tatar tribe in Russia/Ukraine who introduced finely minced meat eaten raw which became known as hamburg steak. The sauce used on Steak Tartare became known as Tartar sauce
Dill Pickles - do not substitute relish.
Mayo - you can substitute miracle whip but it will alter the final flavor and make it sweeter.

Capers held in the palm of a hand. — Here's a close up of some capers!

Step by Step Instructions.

Measure and add mayo and Worcestershire sauce to a small mixing bowl.
Mince the dill pickles and capers. You want to make sure you mince them instead of just chopping them. You definitely want fine pieces of the pickles and capers.
Stir the pickles and capers into the mayo and Worcestershire sauce.
Scoop into dipping cups and serve with fish or seafood recipes.

The four ingredients needed to make tartar sauce. — Mix these four ingredients together for this quick and simple sauce!

Recipe FAQs and Expert Tips

What is tartar sauce and what does it taste like?

It's a tangy dipping sauce that's typically served with fried fish or fish dishes to enhance the flavor of the fish.

What are capers?

Capers are pickled flower buds. Tiny capers are picked from a shrub-like bush (Capparis spinosa), before the buds flower. Capers are then dried in the sun and later brined or packed in salt. They come in small jars and are usually found in stores by the olives, pickles, and relishes. They are also inexpensive and last for a long time in the fridge. If you're worried about leftover capers you can use them in this amazing Salmon Piccata or in my Salmon Piccata Salad!

Can I made this ahead of time?

Yes, I actually prefer to make this easy tartar sauce an hour or two before we plan to eat it because it gives the flavors time to blend. You can make it a day or two in advance as well.

What kind of fish or seafood do I serve this with?

Fried fish like this Beer Battered Fish is probably the most common fish dish to serve tartar sauce with. It can also be served along side of fish or seafood cakes like these Crispy Cod Fish Cakes. Or some people serve it with baked, or pan fried fish recipes like this Blackened Cod.

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