An easy Lime Crema recipe perfect for any savory Mexican dish made with heavy cream and tangy sour cream, making it ideal for topping various dishes!
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What is Lime Crema?
Lime Crema is a tangy and creamy sauce commonly used in Mexican cuisine as a topping or dip. It combines sour cream, heavy cream, lime zest, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. The result is a smooth and flavorful sauce with a bright citrus taste that complements savory dishes like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Lime Crema is similar to other Mexican sauces, like sour cream-based Crema Mexicana, but with the added citrus kick of lime.
It's easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Lime Crema can also be customized by adjusting the amount of lime juice or salt to taste. It's a versatile and delicious sauce that adds a fresh and creamy element to any Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Sour cream: This dairy product ferments regular cream with lactic acid bacteria. It has a tangy flavor and a creamy texture, which makes it a great base for sauces and dips.
- Heavy cream: Also known as whipping cream, this high-fat dairy product thickens and adds richness to sauces and desserts.
- Lime zest: The outer, colorful part of the lime peel, rich in essential oils, adds a fragrant citrus flavor to the sauce.
- Lime juice: The acidic juice of lime provides a bright, tangy flavor to the sauce.
- Salt: A mineral that enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and balances out the acidity of the lime juice.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Lime Crema
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
In a small mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and whisk until well blended and creamy. Use at once or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Substitutions
- Sour cream: If you don't have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute. Remember that Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency and a tangy flavor similar to sour cream.
- Heavy cream: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used in place of heavy cream to reduce the fat content of the sauce. However, remember that the sauce will be thinner and less creamy.
- Lime zest and juice: If you don't have fresh limes, you can use bottled lime juice and skip the lime zest. However, fresh lime juice and zest will provide a brighter and more vibrant flavor.
- Salt: You can substitute table or sea salt for kosher or Pink Himalayan salt. The amount of salt needed may vary depending on the type of salt used and personal preference.
Variations
- Avocado Lime Crema: Add half a ripe avocado to the Lime Crema recipe and blend until smooth for a creamy and flavorful variation. This can be used as a dip or topping for Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Chipotle Lime Crema: Add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the Lime Crema recipe for a smoky and spicy flavor. This can be used as a topping for tacos, burritos, or grilled meats.
- Cilantro Lime Crema: Add chopped fresh cilantro to the Lime Crema recipe for a fresh and herbaceous flavor. This can be used as a topping for grilled fish, shrimp, or chicken.
- Mango Lime Crema: Add diced fresh mango to the Lime Crema recipe for a sweet and tangy flavor. This can be used as a dip or topping for fruit skewers or grilled meats.
- Roasted Garlic Lime Crema: Add roasted garlic to the Lime Crema recipe for a rich and savory flavor. This can be used as a dip or topping for roasted vegetables, potatoes, or grilled meats.
How to Serve
- Topping for Tacos: Add a dollop of Lime Crema to your favorite tacos, whether grilled fish, shrimp, chicken, or beef. The tangy and creamy sauce pairs well with the savory and spicy flavors of the taco fillings.
- Dip for Chips: Serve Lime Crema for tortilla chips, pita chips, or vegetable sticks. It's a refreshing and healthier alternative to store-bought dips and adds a zesty kick to your snack.
- Sauce for Burritos: Use Lime Crema as a sauce for your burritos, whether you prefer them filled with rice, beans, cheese, or meat. The sauce adds a creamy and citrusy flavor to the hearty burrito filling.
- Topping for Nachos: Drizzle Lime Crema on top of your favorite nachos, whether loaded with beans, cheese, tomatoes, or jalapeños. The sauce is cooling and refreshing to the spicy and cheesy nachos.
- Dressing for Salads: Use Lime Crema as a dressing for your salad, whether a simple lettuce salad or a Mexican-inspired salad with avocado, corn, and black beans. The sauce adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the salad greens.
How to Store
To store Lime Crema, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. The lime juice's acidic nature helps preserve the sauce, but it's best to use it within this timeframe to maintain its freshness and flavor. Before refrigerating, cover the Lime Crema with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge. When ready to use, give the sauce a good stir to re-incorporate any separated liquid and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Make-Ahead
To make Lime Crema ahead of time, simply follow the recipe as instructed, mixing all the ingredients until creamy. Once prepared, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. The Lime Crema can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it convenient for advance preparation before your meal or event.
Tips for Making The Best Lime Crema
- Use fresh ingredients: Sour cream, lime juice, and zest for the best flavor. Old or expired ingredients can affect the taste and texture of the sauce.
- Use a whisk: Mix the ingredients, ensuring the sauce is well-blended and creamy. A fork or spoon may not be able to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the Lime Crema and adjust the seasoning if needed. If it's too tangy, add a pinch of sugar to balance it. If it's too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- Chill before serving: Let the Lime Crema chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Customize to your liking: Add different ingredients to the Lime Crema to customize it. Some examples include avocado, chipotle peppers, cilantro, mango, or roasted garlic.
FAQ
Can I use light sour cream or milk instead of heavy cream?
You can use light sour cream or milk as a substitute for heavy cream to reduce the fat content of the sauce. However, remember that the sauce will be thinner and less creamy.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh lime juice?
You can use bottled lime juice as a substitute for fresh lime juice, but fresh lime juice will provide a brighter and more vibrant flavor.
Can I use Lime Crema as a dip?
Yes, Lime Crema can be used as a dip for tortilla chips, pita chips, or vegetable sticks.
Is Lime Crema spicy?
No, Lime Crema is not spicy by default, but you can add chopped chipotle peppers or jalapeños to make it spicy.
Can I customize Lime Crema with other ingredients?
To add flavor and texture, you can customize Lime Crema with other ingredients like avocado, cilantro, mango, or roasted garlic.
Related Recipes:
- Avocado Lime Crema
- Marinara Sauce
- Tomato Sauce
- Asian Dipping Sauce
- Spicy Sweet Chili Sauce
- Pesto Sauce
Recipe
Easy Make Lime Crema
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Grated zest and juice of 1 large lime
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients and whisk until well blended and creamy. Use at once or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.