Frisch’s Tartar Sauce
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see our disclosure policy.
Frisch’s Tartar Sauce is beloved in Cincinnati – it’s also creamy, tangy and delicious! Frisch’s famous Tartar Sauce is the perfect compliment to any fish – and also perfect on a cheeseburger!!! (I promise!)
What’s the Big Deal about Frisch’s Tartar Sauce
Frisch’s is a Cincinnati-area offshoot of Big Boy and in the 1940s – David Frisch started using tartar sauce to differentiate his cheeseburger from others! In 1946, Frisch met the founder of Big Boy and was introduced to the double-decker hamburger. He put the tartar sauce on the Big Boy double-decker and the rest is history!
Is Frisch’s Tartar Sauce Being Discontinued?
No! In 2025, it’s been announced that many of the Cincinnati, Ohio area Frisch’s Big Boy restaurants are closing. Jars of Frisch’s Tartar Sauce are still available in local grocery stores – but that’s where I come in! You can make it at home and the taste is identical!!
The rest of the Big Boy franchises use a mixture of ketchup and relish on their Big Boy. It’s not near as good! 😉
Frisch’s Tartar Sauce Ingredients
Tartar Sauce dates back to French and British cookbooks and is a classic, zingy creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with all types of fried fish. It goes perfectly with fish & chips! Here’s what you’ll need to make this secret recipe:
- Mayonnaise – I’m a strong believer in Duke’s Mayo but Hellmans would also work. Do not use Miracle Whip!
- Dill Relish – you can use either Dill or Sweet but if you want your Tartar Sauce like Frisch’s – it has to be Dill Relish
- Lemon Juice – if the pickle relish wasn’t enough – we need more of that tangy after bite that comes from Lemon Juice!
- Dehydrated Minced Onions – lastly we need some onions – but dicing fresh onion is too much texture. Rehydrating dried minced onions is the perfect flavoring!
- You could also use onion powder but this best matches Frisch’s flavor and texture.
- Optional: If you like it spicy – add some hot sauce for a spicy tartar sauce!
Uses for Tartar Sauce
Obviously it’s good with fish – but it’s good for more than just crispy breaded fish! Check it out and TRY IT OUT!
- Fish & Chips – this is 100% standard when ordering fish & chips at a restaurant
- Cheeseburger – Frisch’s has made millions off their double-decker Big Boy burger and the Frisch’s restaurants load it up with tartar sauce. Similar to a Big Mac – it’s saucy perfection with lettuce, pickle & cheese.
- French Fries – dip your hot salty fries in tartar sauce instead of ketchup or ranch!
- Pizza – yes!!! Instead of pizza sauce – use tartar sauce and top it like a big boy – hamburger, pickles, American cheese and topped with lettuce!
- Egg or Chicken Salad – mayo & relish are main ingredients in egg salad & chicken salad – so if you have extra tartar sauce – add that and tweak from there! (Try my 2 Ingredient Egg Salad!)
How to make homemade Tartar Sauce just like Frisch’s
This homemade Tartar Sauce recipe takes just 10 minutes to make – and most of that is rehydrating the onions. Just stir together and serve this simple recipe with fish or on a cheeseburger!
- In a small bowl, add onions & lemon juice. Mix together and let sit for 5-10 minutes until onions are soft.
- In a small mixing bowl, stir together mayonnaise, relish & onion mixture.
- Refrigerate and serve with fish or on a cheeseburger like Frisch’s!
This post contains affiliate links which I make a little money on purchases. Thanks in advance! I am an Amazon associate as well as a member of other affiliate programs.
Tips, Tricks & FAQs
Store leftovers in an airtight container (I like these glass ones) in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks. I would not recommend freezing.
You could use Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream but it will have a very different flavor profile.
Yes – if possible – it’s delicious any time but extra time in the refrigerator is best so the flavors can meld together.
Get Heather’s NEW cookbook – Air Fryer Cooking for One today!
More Frisch’s Recipes
Fish Dishes
Frisch’s Tartar Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup Duke’s mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp dill relish
- 1 tsp minced dehydrated onions
- 1.5 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add onions & lemon juice. Mix together and let sit for 5-10 minutes until onions are soft.
- In a medium bowl, stir together mayonnaise, relish & onion mixture.
- Refrigerate and serve with fish or on a cheeseburger like Frisch’s!
