If you're looking for a delicious and creamy topping to elevate your Mexican dishes, look no further than this recipe for Avocado Lime Crema. Made with ripe avocados, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, sour cream, lime zest, and juice, this flavorful and tangy crema is the perfect complement to tacos and burritos, quesadillas, and more.
The creamy avocado, spicy jalapeno, and fresh cilantro make this crema irresistible, while the lime adds a zesty finish that brings all the flavors together. Plus, it's easy to make and can be whipped up quickly, so it's perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. So let's get started and make this mouth-watering Avocado Lime Crema!
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What is Avocado Lime Crema?
Avocado Lime Crema is a creamy and tangy sauce or dip made from ripe avocados, sour cream, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, lime zest, and juice. It's a popular condiment in Mexican cuisine that adds flavor and richness to various dishes, such as tacos, burritos, tostadas, and quesadillas. The combination of avocado, sour cream, and lime gives this crema a smooth and silky texture, while the jalapeno and cilantro add a zesty kick that balances the richness of the avocado.
It's a simple and easy-to-make recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the amount of jalapeno, cilantro, or lime juice. Avocado Lime Crema is a versatile and delicious sauce that adds flavor to any Mexican-inspired dish!
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Avocado: This crema's main ingredient is a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent and savory taste to the crema.
- Jalapeno: Adds a spicy kick and a hint of smokiness to the crema.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the crema.
- Sour Cream: Adds a tangy and slightly sour taste to the crema and helps balance the avocado's richness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and adds a hint of saltiness.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complements the different flavors in the crema.
- Lime zest and juice: Adds a bright and zesty flavor to the crema and helps balance out the avocado's richness.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Avocado Lime Crema
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Combine the avocado, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, zest, jalapeno, ground black pepper, and Kosher salt in a blender, food processor, or immersion blender cup and puree until smooth and creamy, stopping and scraping down the sides of the blending container with a rubber spatula as needed. Transfer the Avocado Lime Crema to a small bowl, use it at once, or cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Enjoy! Pair with our Most Delicious Egg Breakfast Burritos
Substitutions
- Avocado: If you're allergic to avocado or don't have it on hand, you can try substituting it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. Remember that this will change the flavor and texture of the crema.
- Garlic: You can substitute it with garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic. Use ¼ to ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic called for in the recipe.
- Jalapeno: If you don't have fresh jalapeno, you can substitute it with other chili peppers, such as serrano or poblano peppers. Alternatively, you can use canned or pickled jalapenos for a milder flavor.
- Cilantro: If you don't like cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or basil. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor of the crema.
- Lime: If you don't have fresh limes, use bottled lime juice or substitute it with lemon juice. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor of the crema.
Variations
- Spicy Avocado Lime Crema: Increase the amount of jalapeno or add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicier version of the crema.
- Chipotle Avocado Lime Crema: Replace the jalapeno with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy flavor.
- Mango Avocado Lime Crema: Add ½ cup of diced mango to the crema for a sweet and fruity twist.
- Roasted Garlic Avocado Lime Crema: Roast the garlic cloves in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 400°F until they are soft and golden brown, then mash them into the crema for a richer and nuttier flavor.
- Vegan Avocado Lime Crema: Replace the sour cream with vegan sour cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free and vegan-friendly version of the crema.
How to Serve
Avocado Lime Crema is a versatile and delicious condiment that can be served in many ways. It pairs well with Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and grilled meats and vegetables. To serve, transfer the crema to a small bowl or ramekin and garnish with additional cilantro or lime zest if desired. You can also drizzle it over your favorite dishes or use it as a dipping sauce for chips or vegetables. Avocado Lime Crema can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Store
Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3 days. Make sure to press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the crema to prevent it from oxidizing and turning brown. When ready to use it, stir it to recombine any separated liquids. It's important to note that avocado-based sauces like this crema don't freeze well, as the texture and flavor can be altered.
Make-Ahead
Avocado Lime Crema is a perfect make-ahead recipe since it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This means you can prepare it in advance and have it ready whenever needed. To make it ahead of time, follow the recipe instructions and store the crema in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it. One tip for making Avocado Lime Crema ahead is to wait to add the lime juice until just before serving.
This will help prevent the crema from becoming too acidic and losing its fresh flavor. You can also prepare and store all the ingredients separately, then mix them when ready to serve. Having Avocado Lime Crema on hand can be a time-saver and a great way to add flavor to any meal.
How to Freeze
While Avocado Lime Crema can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, freezing it is not recommended. Freezing can affect the texture and flavor of the crema, making it grainy and watery when thawed. The high water content of the avocado and sour cream can cause separation and make the mixture difficult to re-emulsify.
Tips for Making The Best Avocado lime crema
- Use ripe avocados: For the best flavor and texture, use ripe avocados that are slightly soft but not overly mushy or brown.
- Mince the garlic finely: Finely mincing it will help blend well with the other ingredients and prevent large chunks from overpowering the crema.
- Adjust the spiciness: The level of spiciness in the crema can be adjusted to your taste by adding or reducing the amount of jalapeno used.
- Use fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the crema. If you don't like cilantro, you can substitute it with parsley or basil.
- Whisk or blend until smooth: To achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, whisk or blend the ingredients until they are well combined and no lumps or chunks remain.
- Add lime juice and zest just before serving: Adding the lime juice and zest will help the crema maintain its fresh and zesty flavor.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning: Taste the crema and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice to your liking.
FAQ
What can I use Avocado Lime Crema for?
Avocado Lime Crema can be used as a topping for tacos, burritos, tostadas, and quesadillas and as a dipping sauce for chips or vegetables.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness in Avocado Lime Crema?
You can adjust the level of spiciness in Avocado Lime Crema by adding or reducing the amount of jalapeno used.
Can I make Avocado Lime Crema vegan?
You can make Avocado Lime Crema vegan using dairy-free alternatives, such as coconut or cashew cream, instead of sour cream.
Can I make Avocado Lime Crema without cilantro?
You can make Avocado Lime Crema without cilantro by substituting it with parsley or basil.
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Recipe
Easy Avocado Lime Crema
Ingredients
- 2 avocado
- 2 garlic , minced
- 1 fresh jalapeno , unseeded or seeded, chopped
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro , chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Zest and juice of 2 limes
Instructions
- Combine the avocado, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice and zest, jalapeno, ground black pepper, and Kosher salt in a blender, food processor, or immersion blender cup and puree until smooth and creamy, stopping and scraping down the sides of the blending container with a rubber spatula as needed.
- Transfer the Avocado Lime Crema to a small bowl, use at once or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Enjoy! Pair with our Most Delicious Egg Breakfast Burritos
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.