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Published on 04/28/23
Posted by Ari Laing | 3 Comments
Prep 5 minutes mins
Cook 0 minutes mins
Total 5 minutes mins
Cilantro Lime Crema is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used on tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or even as a dip for chips! It's made with just a few simple ingredients -- sour cream, fresh cilantro, garlic, fresh limes, and salt -- and comes together in 5 minutes. A great way to add cool, creamy flavor to a wide variety of dishes! Gluten-free.
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by Ari Laing 3 Comments
This 5 ingredient Cilantro Lime Crema is a cool, creamy condiment, perfect for all your favorite Mexican dishes, like tacos, burritos, salads, even roasted veggies and seafood! You’ll love it with our Grilled Fish Tacos or these robustly flavored Salmon Tacos. It takes just 5 minutes to make and adds a zesty, bright flavor to any dish.
Be sure to try our Avocado Crema next, which is super thick and creamy and delicious with all the same dishes!
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What Is Crema?
Mexican crema is a thick, slightly sour cream that is made from cultured heavy cream. It has a slightly tangy flavor and a smooth texture. Crema is often used as a condiment in Mexican cuisine, such as on tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. We also enjoy it as a dip for chips or veggies!
Ingredients Needed
- Sour cream: We recommend full fat sour cream, as it has the richest taste and thickest consistency.
- Cilantro: Not only does this add a bright, herbaceous flavor, but it gives the Mexican crema a light green hue.
- Garlic: This adds a little zest heat to the sauce.
- Fresh lime zest and juice: To thin out the consistency, but also to brighten and round out the flavors.
- Kosher salt: To season everything!
Mayonnaise is also sometimes added to crema depending on the recipe, but we prefer sour cream only. You can play around with it and add some mayo if you like!
How To Make Cilantro Lime Crema
If making in a blender or food processor, place all cilantro lime crema ingredients in the bowl of a blender, then process until very smooth.
Otherwise, whisk together all ingredients until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until needed. No matter how you make it, it’s incredibly quick and easy!
Expert Tips
- For a richer flavor, use whole fat sour cream.
- Use fresh lime juice! It’s so much brighter and more flavorful than the jarred variety. Plus, the fresh lime zest adds a ton of flavor too!
- For a spicier crema, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. For evenmore heat, add half or a whole jalapeño.
- To make a vegan version of cilantro lime crema, use vegan sour cream or a dairy-free, plant-based alternative.
- Thelonger it sits, the more flavors will have a chance to meld.
- Blend ingredients in a blender for smoothest texture.
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FAQs
Can I use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Sour cream is traditional, but yes, if you’d prefer to use Greek yogurt you can. It’ll give the crema a thicker texture and a tangier flavor.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
We don’t recommend that. Use fresh lime juice if you can.
How long will this lime crema recipe keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in a refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How can I thin out the sauce if it’s too thick?
Add an additional splash of lemon juice or even water, then whisk well.
Leftovers and Storage
This flavorful crema is a great sauce to have on hand during the week! It adds a lot of flavor to a variety of dishes. Be sure to store leftovers in an airtight container in a fridge. It’ll keep for up to 5 days.
If you have a little squeeze bottle, you can transfer it there to quickly add to all your fav dishes!
How To Use Cilantro Lime Crema
Cilantro crema is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used on tacos, inside burritos or enchiladas, or even as a dip for nachos or chips. Try it on our Salmon Tacos, 20 Minute Chorizo Tacos, or these Grilled Fish Tacos.
Here are a few other ways you can serve cilantro lime crema:
- Drizzle it over grilled fish or chicken.
- Use it as a creamy salad dressing. I’m thinking this would be amazing with an eloté-inspired salad or our Mexican Cobb Salad.
- Add it to soups or stews (the same way we sometimes drizzle in a little heavy cream). Try it with this Green Chicken Chili Soup!
- Spread it on sandwiches or wraps.
- Use it as a dip for vegetables or fruits.
- Serve alongside quesadillas. Our favorite vegetarian option are these Sheet Pan Black Bean Quesadillas!
If you make this Cilantro Lime Crema recipe, please let us know by leaving a review and rating below!
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5 from 1 review
Cilantro Lime Crema (Fish Taco Sauce)
Cilantro Lime Crema is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used on tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or even as a dip for chips! It's made with just a few simple ingredients — sour cream, fresh cilantro, garlic, fresh limes, and salt — and comes together in 5 minutes. A great way to add cool, creamy flavor to a wide variety of dishes! Gluten-free.
Prep5 minutes mins
Cook0 minutes mins
Total5 minutes mins
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free
Keyword: avocado sauce for tacos, mexican crema, sour cream sauce
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 41kcal
Author: Ari Laing
Equipment
Food blender fitted with blade attachment, alternate method below
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ½ cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
- 1 garlic clove finely chopped
- 1 lime zested and juiced
- Pinch of Kosher salt
Instructions
Make the cilantro lime crema. If making in a blender, place ⅔ cup sour cream, ½ cup loosely packed cilantro leaves, 1 garlic clove, lime zest and juice, and a pinch of Kosher salt in the bowl of a blender, then process until very smooth. Otherwise, whisk together all ingredients until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
Notes
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in a refrigerator for up to 5 days. We like to keep crema in a little squeeze bottle for easy serving!
- Use fresh lime juice: It has so much more flavor than bottled!
- Sour cream:You can substitute with Greek yogurt, but the sauce will be tangier and thicker than sour cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 41kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 191IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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Photography byJo Harding.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Nancy Ravault saysWould you be so kind as to let me know if the nutritional info is for one or two tablespoon?
Sorry, I know not everyone is concerned with calories, but I’m working very hard on attaining a healthy weight.
Thank you,
NancyReply
- Ari Laing says
Hi Nancy! It’s about ~2 tablespoons per serving. Enjoy! xo, Ari
Reply
- Nancy says
Thank you very much!
Reply
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
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about Ari
Seriously delicious food is my happy place, and that’s exactly what you can expect to find here! I’m a trained NYC chef who likes to cook elevated, yet unfussy recipes. Our hope is that you’ll come for the food, stay for a glass of wine, and leave feeling completely satisfied. At Well Seasoned, we’ll teach you about the importance of cooking with high quality ingredients, and help you become more efficient in the kitchen. We also pride ourselves on planning easy, cohesive menus, no matter the occasion. Grab an apron and get ready to look like the kitchen god(dess) that you are!
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