Lime Crema

Lime Crema is a versatile and tangy condiment that adds a burst of flavor to a wide array of dishes. Its creamy texture and bright flavor make it a perfect topping for everything from tacos and quesadillas to grilled meats and seafood. Use it as a dipping sauce, a salad dressing, or a dollop on top of your favorite Mexican foods!

This creamy concoction is made with just a few simple ingredients and is easy to customize. Want more heat? Add some spices. Need more tang? Add more lime juice or zest. Lime crema is one of my favorite ways to spruce up a dish!

Sour Cream vs Mexican Crema

I use sour cream in this recipe because it’s readily available in grocery stores here in the US, but you could substitute Mexican crema instead. So what’s the difference?

Traditional Mexican crema is thinner than sour cream so you can drizzle it, rather than spoon it. It is also slightly sweeter and has a milder taste than American sour cream, with a similar flavor to French crème fraîche.

Sour cream is often incorporated into dips, dressings, and other dishes. Crema, on the other hand, is most often used as a topping to provide a tasty finish in Mexican cuisine.

Ingredients for Lime Crema

You only need a handful of ingredients for this creamy sauce. Here’s what you need:

• Plain sour cream (or you can substitute plain Greek yogurt)
• Fresh lime juice and zest
• Minced garlic
• Kosher salt
• Chili paste or sriracha sauce
• Ground black pepper
• Water

Use the recipe card below for the exact amounts of each ingredient.

How to make Lime Crema

This is so easy to make, you really don’t need instructions!  To make this version of Mexican crema, just add a container of sour cream to all the fresh ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until combined! Add water by the teaspoon until you reach the perfect drizzling consistency.

Use the Lime Crema sauce to top your favorite meal.

How to store Garlic Lime Crema

Lime crema can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. It’s important to keep it tightly sealed to prevent air exposure, which can cause the crema to oxidize and lose its fresh taste.

Can you freeze Lime Crema?

 I don’t recommend freezing this crema as the texture just isn’t the same when it thaws. It’s so easy to make that it’s best made and served fresh!

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can make a big batch of this and store it in the refrigerator to use as needed. It will only last about a week though, so keep that in mind.

What can I serve Lime Crema with?

• Dip tortilla chips in the crema.
• Drizzle it over these Beer Battered Fish Tacos!
• Use it as a topping for Burrito Bowls or Taco Salad.
• This crema is the perfect sauce for these Spicy Tequila Shrimp Tacos.
• Add a bright citrus flavor to these Mexican Street Corn and Chorizo Tacos, or any of your favorite tacos!

Variations on traditional Lime Crema

• Add some fresh cilantro to make a Cilantro Lime Crema recipe.
• Mash ½ an avocado in the sour cream mixture to make an Avocado Lime Crema recipe.
• Adjust the amount of lime zest or juice you use to suit your taste.
• While this crema isn’t overly spicy, you can omit the spice if you don’t want any heat. Likewise, you can add a bit more to heat up your crema!

Try a Lime-infused Drink with Dinner!

Make a Pomegranate Lime Martini with pomegranate and lime juice, vodka, and chilled champagne.

This recipe for Classic Mojitos will make you feel like you’re on vacation! Made with fresh mint leaves and a homemade lime simple syrup, this sweet rum cocktail will perk you up on warm summer days!

What are your favorite Mexican dishes? Share in the comments below!