This zesty cilantro lime crema is a bright, creamy condiment made with sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, cilantro, and garlic. It adds tang and freshness to tacos, burritos, enchiladas, grilled meats, salads, or served as a dip for quesadillas.
Why You’ll Love This Lime Crema Recipe
This versatile crema elevates simple proteins and vegetables with fresh, tangy flavor. Made from common ingredients, it delivers a silky, bright sauce that complements Mexican dishes and everyday meals alike.
Growing up in California, access to traditional Mexican ingredients made this kind of sauce a staple. If you don’t have Mexican crema available, a mix of sour cream and mayonnaise gives a similar texture and flavor. A squeeze of lime, a hit of garlic, and a handful of cilantro transform that base into a lively crema that disappears quickly from the fridge.
It’s quick and easy to prepare—just chop the cilantro and garlic, combine the ingredients, season to taste, and serve. With only five main ingredients (not counting salt), it’s a go-to for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
What You’ll Need for Cilantro and Lime Crema
- Sour cream: Full-fat sour cream gives the richest texture and flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Use your preferred brand. If you have Mexican crema, you can substitute it for the sour cream and mayo.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is best; it adds brightness and bite. If needed, jarred garlic is an acceptable alternative.
- Fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides the herbaceous note that defines this crema. If unavailable, omit or replace with extra lime and garlic for a simple lime crema.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is ideal for brightness; bottled lime juice can be used if fresh limes aren’t available.
- Salt: Kosher salt is recommended because its texture and milder salinity make it easy to season as you go.
How to Make Cilantro Lime Crema
Step One: Mince or grate the garlic.
Step Two: Finely chop the cilantro.
Step Three: Add sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and salt to a bowl.
Step Four: Stir thoroughly to combine. Adjust salt and lime to taste.
Step Five: Serve immediately or chill briefly to let flavors meld.
Recommended Equipment
Basic kitchen tools make this simple: a sharp knife, cutting board, bowl, measuring spoons or cups, and a spoon or spatula for mixing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Traditional Mexican crema is a tangy, slightly thinner dairy sauce made from cream cultured with buttermilk. A sour cream and mayonnaise mix closely mimics its texture and flavor for home cooks.
Use a 2:1 combination of sour cream to mayonnaise to replicate Mexican crema’s creaminess and tang.
Thin it with a little extra lime juice or a splash of milk or buttermilk until you reach the desired consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
Mexican crema: Substitute 1 1/2 cups of Mexican crema for the sour cream and mayo if you have it.
Blended: For an ultra-smooth texture, pulse all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
Spicy: Add finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
Avocado: Blend in half an avocado for a richer, greener crema.
Storing Leftover Cilantro Crema
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended—texture will change when thawed.
Serving: Bring to room temperature or give it a stir before serving if it has chilled in the fridge.
Expert Tips
- Mix thoroughly so the garlic, cilantro, and salt are evenly distributed. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as you stir.
- Grating garlic with a Microplane creates a paste that disperses more evenly than larger minced pieces.
- If the flavor seems muted, add a pinch more salt and an extra squeeze of lime to brighten the sauce.
How to Serve this Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe
This crema works anywhere a creamy, tangy boost is welcome. Here are some ideas:
- Carne asada and grilled meats: Spoon over steaks, chicken, or skewers for a fresh finish.
- Enchiladas and burritos: Dollop on top or use as a sauce inside burritos and bowls.
- Quesadillas: Serve as a dip or spread inside before grilling.
- Tacos: Fish, shrimp, potato, or carne asada tacos all pair beautifully with cilantro lime crema.
- Salads: Thin with a little olive oil or more lime juice to use as a creamy dressing.
- Sandwiches: Use as a spread to brighten sandwiches or wraps.
- Dip: Serve with fresh vegetables, tortilla chips, or fries.
More Sauce Recipes to Try
-
Creamy Salsa Dressing
-
Chipotle Southwest Sauce
-
Pineapple Habanero Sauce
-
Honey Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette
📖 Recipe
Cilantro Lime Crema
This zesty cilantro lime crema is a tangy, creamy condiment made from sour cream, mayo, lime juice, cilantro, and garlic. It’s delicious on tacos, burritos, enchiladas, grilled meats, salads, or as a dip.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 to 2 limes
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Add the sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and salt to a bowl.
- Mix well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime if needed, then serve.
Notes
General:
- You can substitute 1 1/2 cups of Mexican crema for the sour cream and mayonnaise mixture.
- For a completely smooth crema, blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender.
Storage:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes when thawed.
- Reheating: Not necessary—bring to room temperature or stir before serving if chilled.
Nutrition
Calories: 104 kcal | Carbohydrates: 2 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 11 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Sodium: 66 mg