Cilantro Crema (Mexican Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce)

mexican-cilantrolimecrema Whip up the ultimate Cilantro Lime Crema in just 2 minutes. Full of fresh flavour, it's the perfect cream sauce for tacos and Mexican dishes. Cilantro Lime Crema is made of sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh cilantro and the zest and juice of a lime, all combined and mixed together to create a tangy, creamy sauce. A touch of salt is often added to enhance the flavours. This Cilantro Lime Crema is creamy and zesty cilantro lime dressing and sauce with double lime flavour from both the zest and juice. Fresh, fragrant and creamy, this cilantro cream sauce can be used as a topping, salad dressing or dipping sauce for dishes such as tacos, burritos, salads and grilled meats. It’s a versatile condiment that can enhance the flavours of a variety of spicy dishes. It adds a bright, creamy touch that’s simply irresistible. Not just that, you can also use it as a dip for tortilla chips, raw vegetables or roasted potatoes.

1 cup Mexican crema, full-fat Greek yogurt, sour cream or mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 tsp. lime zest, freshly grated
2 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, finely minced
¼ tsp. sea salt

In a small bowl, add the crema, lime juice, lime zest, minced cilantro and salt.

Mix all ingredients together until well combined.

Let the crema sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.

Use your crema as a drizzle on your favourite dishes.

Makes 8 servings.

Cook's Notes:

Fresh is Best: Fresh lime juice and zest make all the difference, so ditch the bottled stuff if you can.
Chill Out: Give your crema some fridge time (at least 30 minutes) before serving to let the flavours really come together.
Can I use sour cream instead of Mexican crema? Mexican crema is a type of Mexican cultured cream that has a slightly tangy flavour. You can use sour cream as a substitute for Mexican crema in most recipes. While the flavours and textures might be slightly different, sour cream will still provide a creamy and tangy element to your dish. If you want to make it more similar to Mexican crema, try thinning the sour cream with a little milk or lime juice and adding a pinch of salt.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips:

Wondering how to store this delectable sauce? We’ve got you covered.
This sauce is perfect for meal prep as it can be made in advance and stored. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best used within 5 days, although the flavours develop even more over time. And remember, always give it a good stir before using it.

Variations and Substitutions:

Feel free to tweak the lime juice, cilantro and salt amounts to suit your taste buds - this recipe is all about flexibility:

Lighten It Up: Swap out the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter twist that still packs a creamy, tangy punch.
Bring the Heat: Add some fire to your dish with minced jalapenos, finely-chopped serrano peppers or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Herb Swaps: Not a fan of cilantro? No worries, just leave it out and enjoy a delicious Lime Crema instead.
Make It Vegan: Go plant-based by trading dairy ingredients for vegan alternatives like vegan sour cream or unsweetened dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayo. Plus, it’ll be gluten-free too (just watch out for cross-contamination with the mayo jar).
Spice It Up: Toss in finely minced serrano peppers (start with ¼ of a pepper and adjust to your desired heat level).
Garlic: Add a minced clove of garlic for a different flavour profile.