Drizzle this fabulous Lime Crema on tacos, soup, veggies and so much more. It has a bright, creamy flavor, is made with simple ingredients and takes just minutes to make.
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While simple sour cream is a nice addition to many dishes, homemade crema takes it up a notch and adds a burst of bold, tangy flavor. It’s a versatile condiment that can be used as a drizzle, a dip or even a light salad dressing.
This is an easy way to dress up tacos stuffed with Homemade Carnitas or to top a cold summer soup like Green Gazpacho. I keep a squeeze bottle full in my fridge because it's my new favorite drizzle on everything sauce!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Delicious, creamy and tangy – it adds zesty brightness to anything it touches
- Quick and easy to make – all it takes is a few minutes, a bowl and a whisk
- Simple ingredients – just a handful of wholesome ingredients are all you need
- Special diet friendly – this creamy sauce is low-carb keto friendly and is low-FODMAP in small quantities (due to lactose). If avoiding lactose, consider using lactose-free sour cream.
What is crema?
Homemade crema has a rich, sour and tangy flavor that is slightly thinner than sour cream. Traditional Mexican crema is made from cultured heavy cream instead of sour cream and takes several hours to thicken. Because traditional crema is made from mostly heavy cream, it has a higher fat percentage than crema made with sour cream. Once cultured, it can be spooned on tacos, burritos, enchiladas and any other dish that could use a touch of acidity and creamy richness.
This version is a zesty twist from the authentic version, using sour cream, a touch of heavy cream and lime and can be enjoyed right away. I just love the creaminess and tanginess of this sauce and I hope you enjoy it, too!
Ingredients
Simple ingredients make one of the best, quick creamy sauce recipes:
- Sour cream – creates a silky, creamy base
- Heavy cream – adds richness and helps to loosen the sour cream
- Lime juice and optional zest – adds a bright, acidity. I like my crema to be smooth, so I opt to leave out the lime zest. If you want a more robust lime flavor, then add the zest of the lime.
- Salt – brings the flavors together
Instructions
- Zest the lime (if using the zest) and squeeze the lime juice into a small bowl
- Add the remaining ingredients
Whisk until thoroughly incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Expert tips
- If you find that your sauce is too thin, whisk it briskly and the heavy cream will thicken
- Do not use half and half as a heavy cream substitute! The acid in the lime juice will cause it to curdle. It won't affect the flavor and it will still be delicious, but it will look a bit grainy.
How to use
There are so many ways to use lime crema! Once you try it, you’ll probably want to add it to everything (like me) and it will become a kitchen staple. Here are a few ways I love using it:
- Top fried or baked fish – I drizzle crema on top of blackened tilapia and Indian Spiced Salmon
- On veggies – drizzling on roasted or grilled veggies is so good!
- Over tacos, quesadillas, burritos and sandwiches – it adds creaminess to anything made with Taco Seasoning. I also love to serve it alongside fresh guacamole, or drizzle on your morning Avocado Toast with Tomato.
- Garnish for soup – add a touch on top of Chicken Taco Soup, Cucumber Gazpacho or Broccoli Almond Soup
- Over salads and bowls – this makes a lovely light salad dressing and is perfect to top bowl meals
- As a dipping sauce – dip taquitos, flautas or even chicken wings made with Buffalo Seasoning
- On eggs – add creaminess to scrambled eggs or omelets
How to store
Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days. I keep mine in a squeeze bottle in the door of my fridge to have on hand at all times. Storing in a squeeze bottle is perfect for adding a drizzle to any dish.
Variations
- Cilantro Lime Crema – add about a half cup of fresh cilantro and process with all ingredients in a blender or food processor
- Add garlic or garlic infused olive oil – sometimes a little garlic flavor goes a long way
FAQ
Greek yogurt is a close substitute for sour cream. It has a bit more tang and isn’t as creamy but can often be used interchangeably. If making a low-fat cream sauce, try using low-fat sour cream.
The closest alternatives are sour cream, crème fraiche or plain Greek yogurt. Each of these options are quite thick, so adding a touch of heavy cream and lime juice will thin out the sauce and add a little bit of tang.
The two are similar, but not the same. They are both dairy-based, with a tangy flavor and creamy texture. Crema is thinner and more pourable, with a more pronounced tanginess, where sour cream is thicker and more acidic. They can sometimes be used interchangeably, but each are unique, with different culinary applications.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how you liked it by giving a star rating and leaving a comment!
📖 Recipe
Lime Crema Recipe (for tacos and more)
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream (use lactose-free for low-FODMAP if lactose sensitive)
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (juice of 1 lime)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 lime zest (zest of 1 lime, optional for extra lime flavor)
Instructions
- Zest the lime (if using) and squeeze lime juice into a small bowl.
- Add the sour cream, heavy whipping cream and salt to the bowl and whisk until thoroughly combined and sauce is smooth and creamy.
Notes
Expert tips
- If you find that your sauce is too thin, whisk it briskly and the heavy whipping cream will thicken
- Do not use half and half as a heavy cream substitute! The acid in the lime juice will cause it to curdle. It won't affect the flavor and it will still be delicious, but it will look a bit grainy.
Variations
- Cilantro Lime Crema – add about a half cup of fresh cilantro and process with all ingredients in a blender or food processor
- Add garlic or garlic infused olive oil – sometimes a little garlic flavor goes a long way
How to store
Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days. I keep mine in a squeeze bottle in the door of my fridge to have on hand at all times.Nutrition
*Net carbs = carbohydrates - fiber
Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.
travis trout says
tastes good. thank you.
Tracey Hatch-Rizzi says
Hi Travis,
I'm so glad you liked it - thanks for letting me know!
Best,
Tracey