Sour cream lime crema is a simple sauce made with sour cream, fresh lime juice and zest, cilantro, garlic, and salt. It comes together in about 5 minutes and adds a cool finish to tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, or fish.
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This creamy cilantro lime crema comes together in 5 minutes using sour cream, fresh cilantro, garlic, and lime. Spoon it over tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, fish, vegetables, or salads. Made with simple ingredients and easy to prep ahead.
What is Creamy Cilantro Sauce?
Creamy cilantro sauce is a smooth, tangy topping made with fresh cilantro, lime juice, sour cream, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Often called cilantro lime crema, it's an easy way to add fresh, all-natural flavor to everyday meals. Spoon it over tacos, burritos, grilled chicken, or fish, or serve it as a dip for raw vegetables.
This sauce also works well as a simple swap for ranch dressing. It has plenty of flavor without relying on packets or bottled dressings. It's made with real ingredients only.
Ingredients
- Sour Cream forms a creamy base for the sauce. Greek yogurt can be subbed for a different flavor.
- Fresh Cilantro: Always use fresh for the best taste. If needed, parsley can be used instead.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice the sauce bright flavor. Key lime juice is another great option.
- Garlic
- Salt
- Optional Add-Ins: Jalapeño, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce for heat. Honey for a touch of sweetness or a few tablespoons of grated onion for more flavor.
Recipe
- Rinse the cilantro under cold water or swish it in a big bowl of water to remove the sand. Pat dry with a paper towel. Remove the thick stems and chop the leaves. You'll need about one-half cup of loosely packed cilantro leaves.
- Zest one of the limes and set the zest aside. Cut the limes in half and squeeze out the juice.
- Peel and mince the garlic. Use one or two cloves of garlic, depending on your preference for garlic flavor.
- In a medium bowl, add the sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime zest and juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix well with a rubber spatula until smooth.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lime juice for extra tang or a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier sauce.
Serving and Storage
- Allow the cream sauce to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will let the flavors meld together.
- Use as a topping for grilled chicken, fajitas, baked fish fillets, or roasted vegetables.
- To store cilantro lime sauce, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Stir before serving.
- Freezing isn't recommended.
Variations and Tips
- Use Greek Yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to make a lighter version of the sauce. This also adds protein and an extra tangy flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a jalapeño or habanero pepper for heat.
- For Squeeze Bottles: If you want to put the crema in a squeeze bottle, add a splash of milk to make it more fluid.
- Honey for Sweetness: Add a teaspoon of honey or granulated sugar for spicy dishes.
How to Use Crema
Whether you're looking to elevate your Taco Tuesday or need a quick dip for tortilla chips, this cilantro lime sauce is a game-changer.
- Tacos: swordfish tacos, blackened chicken tacos, mahi mahi tacos, beef tacos, shrimp tacos, or tortilla wraps.
- Fried Fish & Sandwiches: Serve with mahi mahi fish sticks as a dip or spread on a crispy snapper sandwich.
- Burritos and Quesadillas: Use inside burritos or as a dipping sauce for quesadillas.
- Meats: Pair with chicken, steak, or turkey breast.
- Salad Dressing: It's the perfect salad dressing!
- Roasted Vegetables: Spoon over roasted red potatoes, carrots, cauliflower and asparagus, or broccoli for extra flavor.
- Egg Dishes: Drizzle on a fish omelet--the perfect way to start any day!
Takeaway
Creamy cilantro sauce is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in the fridge. Made with simple ingredients like cilantro, lime, and sour cream, it adds fresh Mexican flavor without any extra work.
Spoon it over tacos, burritos, grilled meats, or fish. Use it as a dip for vegetables or thin it out for a quick salad dressing.
Since it takes just a few minutes to make, it's an easy sauce to pull together and use for several meals.
FAQ
Cilantro lime crema is made with sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and seasonings. It's a tangy topping that balances the heat of spicy foods.
Sour cream lime crema stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I give it a stir before using, since it can separate a little over time.
Yes, you can make it a day or two in advance. The flavors blend together as it rests, making the sauce even better.
Yes, replace the sour cream or Greek yogurt with a plant-based item like coconut yogurt or a cashew-based cream.
Sour Cream Lime Crema
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
- Zest of 1 lime
- Juice of 2 limes
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the cilantro under cold water or swish it in a big bowl of water to remove the sand. Pat dry with a paper towel. Remove the thick stems and chop the leaves. You'll need about one-half cup of loosely packed cilantro leaves.
- Zest one of the limes and set the zest aside. Cut the limes in half and squeeze out the juice.
- Peel and mince the garlic. Use one or two cloves of garlic, depending on your preference for garlic flavor.
- In a medium bowl, add the sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime zest and juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Mix well with a rubber spatula until smooth.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more lime juice for extra tang or a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier sauce.
Bart says
Thank you for sharing!