Cilantro Lime Crema (Fish Taco Sauce)

My Go-To Creamy Sauce For Mexican-Inspired Dishes

If you keep a container of Cilantro Lime Crema in the fridge, taco night basically plans itself. 🙌🏻 This zesty sauce stirs together in five minutes with just five everyday ingredients, yet its cool, citrusy punch instantly wakes up everything from crispy carnitas to a platter of roasted veggies. I’m especially fond of spooning it over our flaky grilled fish tacos for a Baja‑style finish or drizzling it onto chipotle‑spiced salmon tacos where the bright lime cuts through the rich, smoky fish.

While recipe testing, I tried chopping everything by hand and also pulsing everything in a food processor just to compare. I strongly prefer the latter for it’s smoother texture (it’s a creamy taco sauce, after all), but choose the method that feels right for you.

Pro tip: Make a double batch—one for dinner, one for tomorrow’s smoked salmon breakfast tacos (trust me).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Endlessly versatile. Think beyond Tex‑Mex: a dollop on black bean soup, a swipe on grain bowls, even a swirl into creamy coleslaw gives the dish an herby lift.
• Zero food waste. Fresh cilantro going bad? Blitz it into crema. You can also tuck in stray sprigs of parsley or dill without changing the flavor too much. (And if you have an almost too ripe avocado lying around, throw it in to make my creamy avocado crema!)
• Effortless elegance. Like spicy poblano crema, this sauce turns simple meals into restaurant-quality with almost no work.

Mexican crema is a thick, slightly sour cream that is made from cultured heavy cream. It has a slightly tangy flavor and a smooth texture. Crema is often used as a condiment in Mexican cuisine, such as on tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. We also enjoy it as a dip for chips or veggies!

If the crema is too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of water or milk. Too thin? Add a spoonful of sour cream (or Mexican crema, if using). Aim for a texture that drizzles off a spoon in a slow ribbon.

Storage Tip

Transfer homemade crema sauce to a squeeze bottle or jar, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and refrigerate up to 5 days. Minimal air contact keeps flavors vibrant.

Quick Ways to Put Cilantro Lime Crema to Work

1. Taco & Nacho Upgrade 🌮 – A speedy drizzle over everything from tacos and burritos to loaded sheet pan nachos or chicken taquitos. Take them over the top with fresh pico de gallo to tie them all together!
2. Bowl & Salad Booster 🥗 – Thin a spoonful with olive oil, then splash it onto grain bowls or a crunchy slaw alongside an instant, tangy dressing. It’s a fantastic dressing with my Mexican Cobb Salad.
3. Drizzle Over Meat, Poultry, & Seafood 🔥 – Spoon it over grilled chicken breasts or skirt steak straight off the grill; the zesty crema cuts through rich, charred bites like a squeeze of lime—only creamier.
4. Breakfast & Snack Spread 🍳 – Swap it for sour cream in breakfast burritos, burger buns, or as a dip for sweet‑potato fries.

Whip up a batch of this vibrant Cilantro Lime Crema, stash it in the fridge, and watch even the simplest meals turn restaurant‑worthy at a moment’s notice—taco night (or any night) will never be the same.

And make sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow along on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook for more Well Seasoned recipes! Don’t forget to tag us on social channels when you make a recipe at #wellseasonedstudio and upload your photos below! We love seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!