This easy Cilantro Lime Crema is a zesty Mexican-style sauce that blends fresh cilantro, lime juice and sour cream. Perfect for tacos, on a poke bowl or as a dip. Ready in minutes!

White bowl of crema sauce topped with lime zest with a wooden spoon dipped in on the left.

This creme fraiche is perfect for all of your favorite mexican dishes and also delicious on fish tacos, burrito bowls and salmon poke bowl. We use this tangy Mexican crema on all. the. things!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is crema?

A traditional Mexican crema is a creamy sauce made with a combination of heavy cream, sour cream and zesty lime. It pairs perfectly with spicy foods and is a must make for taco night!

White bowl of Mexican crema sauce topped with lime zest.

I love the tangy flavor of this cilantro crema fresca. While we enjoy creating spicy dishes around here, I can’t handle too much heat so this is the perfect sauce to not only add flavor but also take hot foods down a notch or two.

It’s not always easy to find in grocery stores so the next time you’re looking for this flavorful sauce, make this homemade crema Mexicana!

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Supplies

Mexican Crema Recipe

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients from the grocery store.

Heavy cream – half and half also works.
Sour cream – we use 14% regular sour cream, creme fraiche may be substituted in a pinch.
Fresh lime juice
Fresh cilantro, finely diced
Lime, zest
Salt to taste

Cream and sour cream in a pyrex mixing cup with a white spatula.

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients together in a small bowl.

Cilantro lime crema in a pyrex measuring cup with a hand blender in the sauce.

2. Stir and then use a hand blender to thicken the sauce (about 15 seconds).

Tip: do not over whip as the sauce will become too thick.

Creamy white crema sauce with green tint and green cilantro bits in a pyrex measuring cup with a white spatula in it.

3. For a finishing touch, add lime zest

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This recipe is the perfect topping for Mexican street corn , Mexican hot dogs or shrimp tacos.

Recipe Notes

If you don’t have a hand blender you can use a food processor or leave the mixture in a warm place at room temperature, loosely covered in plastic wrap for an hour or two until it starts to become a thick consistency.

Store leftover crema in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

You can also use plain greek yogurt instead of sour cream if needed.

More Must Try Sauces!

White bowl of crema sauce topped with lime zest with a wooden spoon dipped in on the left, surrounded by fresh lime and cilantro.

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