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    Recipes » Condiments and Spices » Mexican Condiments and Spices

    Lime Crema

    Published: Jan 18, 2023 by Marissa Stevens · 4 Comments

    Gluten FreeLow Carb

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Tangy, rich Lime Crema is made in just 5 minutes with 4 simple ingredients. It's the ideal sauce for your Mexican food favorites like tacos, nachos, burritos, quesadillas and grilled meats. It even makes a great salad dressing!

    Lime Crema served in a white bowl and photographed from above.

    Making this recipe at home means that you can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes. Not bright enough? Add more citrus flavor with fresh lime juice and zest. Not enough heat? Add more garlic. Use this basic formula as a starting point and adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes.

    Ingredients You Need to Make Lime Crema

    Lime Crema Ingredients on a white marble board.
    • Sour Cream: or Mexican crema or crème fraiche
    • Lime: juice and zest of a fresh lime
    • Garlic: fresh garlic clove
    • Kosher Salt: or half the amount of fine sea salt

    I've called for sour cream in this recipe, because it's so readily available in the United States. But this creamy sauce is also delicious made with Mexican crema, which you can find in many grocery stores in the refrigerated dairy section. (The same goes for my reader-favorites Chipotle Crema and Cilantro Lime Crema.)

    What is Mexican crema?

    A combination of heavy cream and buttermillk, Mexican crema is used as a topping to drizzle over all kinds of foods and to stir into sauces to add creaminess. It's similar to French crème fraiche in consistency and flavor, but thinner and tangier than American sour cream.

    Lime Crema served in a white bowl topped with lime zest.

    Recipe Options

    • Stir in chopped, fresh cilantro for added flavor depth.
    • Add a spicy kick with minced jalapeño peppers or several dashes of hot sauce.
    • Add a spoonful to my Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette to make a creamy, tangy dressing.

    What do you eat Lime Crema with?

    While you have endless options, here are some suggestions:

    • Pulled Pork Quesadillas
    • Carne Asada Nachos
    • Carne Asada Fries
    • Shrimp Tacos

    How to Make Lime Crema

    Whisk together sour cream, lime juice and zest, and garlic; season with salt to taste and serve.

    Lime Crema ingredients in a bowl.
    Lime Crema ready to garnish and serve.
    Lime Crema served in a white bowl and photographed from above.
    Lime Crema served in a white bowl and photographed from above.

    Lime Crema

    Marissa Stevens
    A tangy, creamy and versatile sauce to drizzle onto all of your favorite Mexican dishes!
    5 from 1 vote
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 16 tablespoons
    Calories 29 kcal
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    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup sour cream or Mexican crema
    • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 large lime)
    • 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest or more to taste
    • 1 small garlic clove minced
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium bowl, whisk all ingredients together until smooth: sour cream (or Mexican crema), lime juice and zest, garlic, and kosher salt. Set aside (refrigerate if making well ahead of time). Serve as desired.

    Notes

    1. Feel free to adjust amounts of lime juice and garlic to suit your taste.
    2. Makes about 8 2-tablespoon servings. Store refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 29kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.4gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 77mgPotassium: 21mgFiber: 0.01gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 91IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.02mg
    Keyword Cinco de Mayo, cravings, gluten free
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

    More Mexican Condiments and Spices

    • Cilantro Lime Crema served in a white bowl with a silver spoon.
      Cilantro Lime Crema
    • Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette in a clear glass container on a wooden board.
      Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
    • Spooning jalapeno Ranch Dressing out of a glass jar.
      Jalapeño Ranch Recipe
    • a grid of 6 Mexican food photos and text 50 Recipes for Cinco de Mayo
      50+ Recipes to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. David @ Spiced says

      January 27, 2023 at 5:09 am

      5 stars
      I made fresh crema a couple of times, and while it turned out well - it was a bit of a process. I love using sour cream as a quick starter here. And the lime addition would go so well with Mexican flavors, too!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 27, 2023 at 11:27 am

        I know what you mean, David! This version is quick and easy for sure.

        Reply
    2. angiesrecipes says

      January 18, 2023 at 8:14 pm

      I love to add herbs and lime zest to my creme fraiche or sour cream and of course with lots of GARLIC :-))

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 23, 2023 at 2:23 pm

        Such a delicious combo! Thanks, Angie.

        Reply

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