Homemade Old Bay Tartar Sauce

Old Bay Tartar Sauce combines the classic tang of traditional homemade tartar sauce with the distinctive spice blend of Old Bay Seasoning. Great for seafood, crab cakes, and more!

Why Add Old Bay?

We seasoned a lot of our food, especially seafood, with Old Bay at our family's restaurant. It elevates the traditional tartar sauce with a subtle kick and gives more complexity to the flavor. Think of it as the shortcut to getting that “just right” balance.

Both tartar sauce and this classic seasoning are made for seafood - so why not combine them into one?

What Is Old Bay Seasoning?

It is a classic spice blend known for its bold, savory, and slightly spicy flavor. It’s most famous for seasoning crab, shrimp, and fish, but it is incredibly versatile. We'd argue it works perfectly when used on fries, popcorn, and even deviled eggs.

Ingredient Notes

• Mayonnaise: Serves as the creamy base; we were a Hellmann’s mayo kind of family growing up, but since Melissa moved to the south, we prefer Duke’s mayo.
  
• Pickle Relish: Sweet pickle relish is traditional, but dill relish offers a tangier alternative, which we prefer. Feel free to go with the traditional though if that suits your taste buds better.
  
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is preferred for its vibrant flavor.
  
• Old Bay Seasoning: The star ingredient, delivering a distinctive spice blend that defines this sauce. If you want more of a kick, try the spicy version.
  
• Hot Sauce: This adds some mild heat; adjust the amount or skip it altogether depending on your spice tolerance.

Full ingredient list and measurements are provided in the recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Steps 1-2: Add everything to a mixing bowl and mix together with a whisk.

Steps 3-4: Whisk until completely smooth and refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Expert Tips

• Chill Before Serving: Allow the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.
  
• Adjust Consistency: For a thinner sauce, incorporate a small amount of pickle juice or lemon juice.
  
• Flavor Variations: Add finely chopped capers or fresh herbs like dill or parsley for additional layers of flavor.

Leftovers & Storage

Homemade Old Bay Tartar Sauce keeps really well in the fridge. Just store any leftovers in an airtight container—like a small mason jar or reusable plastic container—and it’ll be good for 3-4 days. 

Give it a quick stir before using, since some separation is normal. If you’re serving it to guests later in the week, you can even freshen it up with a squeeze of lemon juice or an extra pinch of seasoning.

How to Serve This Sauce

• Classic Pairing: Serve alongside fried fish, such as cod or haddock, for a traditional fish and chips experience.
  
• Seafood Tacos: Drizzle over shrimp or fish tacos to add a creamy, spicy kick.
  
• Sandwich Spread: Use as a zesty spread for seafood sandwiches or po'boys.
  
• Vegetable Dip: Offer as a dipping sauce for a veggie tray.
  
• Burger Topper: Enhance the flavor of burgers with a dollop of the sauce. This works especially well for seafood burgers.