Easy Homemade Cilantro Lime Crema

Cilantro lime crema is a creamy sauce or condiment that typically consists of sour cream or Mexican crema blended with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and various seasonings.

5 from 6 votes

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Course: Condiment

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: cream sauce, Mexican sauce, Taco topping

Prep Time: 10

Total Time: 10

Servings: Servings

Calories: 54kcal

Author: Analida Braeger

Ingredients

1.25 Cups Mexican cream See notes for sour cream or Greek yogurt.
2 tbsp Lime juice fresh squeezed
1 clove Garlic minced
½ tsp Salt Kosher or Sea salt
½ Cup Cilantro minced
¼ tsp Onion powder

Instructions

Manual method:

Add the Mexican crema or sour cream to a bowl. The add the lime juice, minced garlic, salt, minced cilantro and onion powder.
Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.

Food processor or blender method:

Add the Mexican crema or sour cream to a food processor or blender. Add the lime juice, minced garlic, salt, cilantro and onion powder.
Pulse or blend slowly until just combined.

Notes

Hint: If you use Greek yogurt or sour cream then add a little heavy cream before adding in the other ingredients to get a pourable consistency. This will be very similar to Mexican crema.

Variations:

- Jalapeño or serrano pepper: For a bit of heat, you can add a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper. Remove the seeds for less heat, if desired.

- Avocado: To make the crema extra creamy, you can add half of a ripe avocado. This will also give the crema a light green color.

- Cumin: A pinch of ground cumin can add a subtle earthy flavor to the crema.

Storage:

Transfer the crema to an airtight container: Once you've made the cilantro lime crema, transfer it to a clean container with a tight-fitting lid. Glass or plastic containers with lids work well for storing crema.

Seal the container tightly: Make sure the lid is securely fastened to prevent air from entering the container. This helps maintain the freshness of the crema and prevents it from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator.

Refrigerate promptly: Place the sealed container of cilantro lime crema in the refrigerator as soon as possible after making it. Refrigeration slows down the growth of bacteria and helps preserve the quality of the crema.

Store in the refrigerator: Cilantro lime crema should be stored in the refrigerator at all times when not in use. It's best to store it on a shelf near the front or in the upper part of the refrigerator where the temperature is most consistent.

Use within a few days: Cilantro lime crema is best when consumed within 3 to 5 days of making it. As time passes, the flavor and texture may start to degrade, so it's best to use it while it's fresh.

Check for signs of spoilage: Before using the crema, check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, mold, or separation. If the crema appears or smells unusual, it's best to discard it to avoid foodborne illness.

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