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cilantro lime cream sauce

Cilantro Lime Crema

This versatile sauce transforms tacos into restaurant‐quality meals in minutes with its creamy, tangy flavor and fresh ingredients. Made with simple ingredients like sour cream, cilantro, and lime, the crema offers endless customization options for a range of dishes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (lightly packed)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • lime zest (optional, for extra zing)
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1-2 teaspoons water or milk (optional, for thinning)

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Food processor
  • Whisk
  • Refrigerator

Method
 

  1. Gather your ingredients: 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt), 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 small garlic clove, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and lime zest if using. If you prefer a thinner consistency, have 1-2 teaspoons of water or milk ready.
  2. Blend all the ingredients until you achieve a mostly smooth consistency with tiny flecks of cilantro remaining. You can use a food processor, blender, or simply whisk vigorously by hand.
  3. Taste the crema and adjust the seasoning as needed: add extra lime juice for more tang, a pinch more salt, or a bit of water/milk if you desire a thinner texture.
  4. Transfer the crema to a container and chill in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Give it a quick stir before serving to recombine any separation.
  5. Serve over tacos, burritos, quesadillas, grilled fish, or vegetables, or use it as a dip for tortilla chips and more.

Notes

For a lighter alternative, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. You can also experiment by adding avocado for extra creaminess or chipotle for a smoky twist. This recipe is very forgiving, allowing you to tweak the ingredients to match your taste, and it stores well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Stir well before serving if any separation occurs.