Cilantro Lime Crema (Fish Taco Sauce) Recipe

I recently whipped up a refreshing Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe using sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of garlic. The addition of lime zest and perfectly balanced seasoning creates a vibrant sauce that pairs remarkably well with fish tacos and adds a burst of flavor to any dish.

A photo of Cilantro Lime Crema (Fish Taco Sauce) Recipe

I love how a few simple ingredients can completely change the flavor of a dish. I came up with this fresh twist on Fish Taco Sauce by mixing 1 cup sour cream with 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro, a burst of zest from 1 teaspoon lime zest, and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.

I also toss in a minced garlic clove, and then season it with salt and fresh ground black pepper. When I first whipped up this Lime Crema recipe, I was surprised at how perfectly the citrus tang balanced with the creaminess.

It adds an exciting touch to fish tacos and even works great as a salad dressing. The bold flavor of cilantro combined with lime has really turned this into one of my favorite Crema recipes.

I find it fun and effortless to make and I always encourage you to give it a try to experience these amazing flavors yourself.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because its super simple and quick to make even when i’m in a rush. I really dig the way the sour cream and lime mix together, giving a fresh and tangy vibe thats perfect with tacos. I also like that i can easily adjust the salt and garlic to match my taste, which makes it feel special every time i whip it up. Plus, letting it chill in the fridge adds an extra burst of flavor that makes my fish tacos even better.

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Cilantro Lime Crema (Fish Taco Sauce) Recipe

  • Creamy sour cream adds smooth texture and a tangy, rich flavor that makes the sauce pop.
  • Fresh cilantro gives a burst of herby freshness and bright green color loaded with vitamins.
  • Lime juice delivers a sour zing that lifts all the flavors in the sauce perfectly.
  • The zest adds intense citrus aroma, boosting both flavor and visual appeal in every bite.
  • Minced garlic packs a punch of savory taste which nicely complements the tangy lime.
  • Salt and fresh ground black pepper season the sauce just right to balance all flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. In a medium bowl, add the sour cream.

2. Stir in the chopped cilantro leaves.

3. Pour in the fresh lime juice and add the lime zest.

4. Mix in the minced garlic clove.

5. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

7. Taste it and adjust the salt, lime, or garlic if needed.

8. Let the crema chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

9. Give it another stir and serve with your favorite fish tacos.

10. Enjoy the burst of flavor that the crema adds to your tacos!

Equipment Needed

1. Medium bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Knife for mincing garlic and chopping cilantro
4. Zester to grate the lime zest
5. Spoon for stirring the ingredients
6. Refrigerator to chill the crema for at least 15 minutes

FAQ

A: Yeah you can use greek yogurt if you dont mind a slightly tangier taste. It works good in the sauce.

A: Sure you can make it in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and give it a stir before using.

A: Fresh cilantro gives it a bright flavor but if you dont have any on hand you can use a smaller amount of dried cilantro instead, although the taste wont be as fresh.

A: If you dont have a zester you can use a grater or just add a little extra lime juice to get that citrus kick.

A: Absolutely if you like a bit of heat you can throw in a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper its totally up to your taste preferences.

Cilantro Lime Crema (Fish Taco Sauce) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

  • If you dont have sour cream, Greek yogurt works well. Some people even mix a bit of mayo with lemon for a richer option
  • Can’t find fresh cilantro? Try using chopped parsley as a substitute. It won’t give exactly the same flavor but it gets close
  • No lime juice or zest? Use lemon juice and zest instead. The tangy kick is a bit different but still tasty
  • If your garlic clove is missing, a small pinch of garlic powder can do the trick. Start with a little and adjust to your taste

Pro Tips

1. Let your crema chill for a bit longer than 15 minutes next time if you can, so the flavors have more time to get all mingled together and punch up your tacos even more
2. Don’t worry about being too strict with the salt or lime juice – just add a little at a time and taste it as you go so you dont end up with something too sour or too bland
3. Be careful when you chop the garlic and cilantro; if the pieces are too big, they might overpower the crema, so try to finely dice them for a smoother mix
4. If you like a bit of extra kick in your tacos, consider throwing in a tiny bit of chopped jalapeno or a dash of cayenne pepper; its not in the original recipe but can bring a cool twist to the flavor

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Cilantro Lime Crema (Fish Taco Sauce) Recipe

My favorite Cilantro Lime Crema (Fish Taco Sauce) Recipe

Equipment Needed:

1. Medium bowl
2. Measuring cups and spoons
3. Knife for mincing garlic and chopping cilantro
4. Zester to grate the lime zest
5. Spoon for stirring the ingredients
6. Refrigerator to chill the crema for at least 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, add the sour cream.

2. Stir in the chopped cilantro leaves.

3. Pour in the fresh lime juice and add the lime zest.

4. Mix in the minced garlic clove.

5. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

7. Taste it and adjust the salt, lime, or garlic if needed.

8. Let the crema chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.

9. Give it another stir and serve with your favorite fish tacos.

10. Enjoy the burst of flavor that the crema adds to your tacos!