Luby’s Tartar Sauce is a creamy blend of mayonnaise, pickles, onions, capers, and herbs. It’s easy to make and adds a delightful twist to any meal.

I love making Tartar sauce, especially the restaurant-inspired versions. If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll notice that the last Tartar sauce recipe I shared was Captain D’s Tartar Sauce. To be honest, it was good, but I felt like trying something new today. That’s why I decided to make Luby’s Tartar Sauce Recipe. Its flavor is absolutely delightful, super easy to make, and just wow!

Personally, I’m addicted to this sauce. I love to pair it with crispy fish and chips on lazy weekends, and it’s also fantastic with grilled shrimp skewers during summer barbecues. The tangy creaminess of Luby’s Tartar Sauce really elevates any seafood dish to the next level, making it a staple in my kitchen repertoire.

What is Luby’s Tartar Sauce?

Luby’s Tartar Sauce is a homemade condiment known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor. It typically consists of mayonnaise as a base, mixed with chopped pickles, minced onions, lemon juice, capers, Dijon mustard, and fresh parsley.

Luby’s Tartar Sauce can be easily customized to suit individual taste preferences by adjusting the ingredients’ proportions or adding additional seasonings.

How to make Luby’s Tartar Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles
• 2 tablespoons finely minced onion
• 1-2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1-2 tablespoons chopped capers
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1:

Combine mayonnaise, chopped pickles, minced onion, lemon juice, chopped capers, Dijon mustard, and parsley in a medium bowl.

Step 2:

Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 3:

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 4:

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips

• For a chunkier tartar sauce, increase the amount of chopped pickles and capers. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the ingredients in a food processor before mixing with mayonnaise.

• Experiment with different types of pickles such as sweet gherkins or spicy dills to add unique flavor profiles to your tartar sauce.

• Substitute parsley with other fresh herbs like dill or chives for a different herbaceous twist.

• Balance the tartness of the sauce by adjusting the amount of lemon juice. Add a little at a time and taste before adding more.

What to pair with Luby’s Tartar Sauce

If you ask me about the best dish to pair with Luby’s Tartar Sauce, I will undoubtedly recommend fish and chips—it’s a classic combination that never fails to satisfy. You can also explore fried seafood options like shrimp or calamari, each benefiting from the sauce’s creamy texture and tangy flavor.

But you can get creative too; try it with grilled fish for a lighter, yet equally delicious experience, or use it as a dip for fresh vegetable sticks if you prefer something lighter. And if you like a bit of indulgence, consider pairing it with crab cakes for more robust flavors that complement each other perfectly.

How to store

To maintain freshness and flavor, store Luby’s Tartar Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent exposure to air, which can cause the sauce to spoil faster. Properly stored, the tartar sauce should keep well for about 3-5 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in color, texture, or odor, before consuming

FAQ

Can I freeze Luby’s Tartar Sauce?

It is not recommended to freeze tartar sauce as mayonnaise-based sauces can separate and change texture upon thawing.

Can I adjust the ingredients to suit my taste?

Yes, absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of pickles, onions, lemon juice, or other ingredients to achieve your desired flavor profile.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in Luby’s Tartar Sauce?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Is Luby’s Tartar Sauce gluten-free?

The recipe is typically gluten-free, but always check the ingredients of your mayonnaise and other components to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I make Luby’s Tartar Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Luby’s Tartar Sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it. It may even taste better as the flavors meld together.