There is no better Fish Taco Sauce than this Lime Crema recipe. All you need is 5 minutes, Mexican crema, or sour cream, limes, and fresh garlic for this easy and creamy topping for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, salads, or soup.

A spoon is used to serve this homemade lime crema.

Recently I made these Air Fryer Fish Tacos with this simple Fish Taco Slaw and needed the perfect accompaniment to take it over the top.

I needed a fish taco sauce recipe that was creamy, a bit tangy, but not too overpowering. After all, I still wanted the delicate fish to shine!

So I whipped up a simple Lime Crema to complement the fish tacos. And after a bit of tweaking… it was pure perfection. (My secreta hint of lime zest! It adds that citrus flavor without making it too bitter!)

Another pro of this recipe? It keeps great in the refrigerator for up to a week so you can use it on SO many other dishes. Try it as a dip with Corn Fritters, mixed into a Chicken Tortilla Soup, or add a dollop to your favorite Chicken Enchiladas or burritos!

Prefer something a little more spicy? Try this Bang Bang Sauce Recipe on tacos next!

Ingredient Notes

For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.

  • Mexican crema. This has a higher fat content than sour cream which pays off in flavor. You can also use sour cream or even a vegan or dairy-free substitute.
  • Limes. Both the juice and zest are used. Make sure to zest the lime before juicing. (Pro Tip: I like to use a microplane to get the zest super fine so it mixes really well in the sauce!)
  • Garlic. Fresh minced garlic is best (I use a garlic press for this!), but garlic powder can also be used.

How to Make Lime Crema

Follow these easy steps to make this Lime Crema recipe. Please see the recipe card for more detailed amounts.

A spoon is used to mix the ingredients together for a lime cream fish taco sauce recipe.

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients.
Roll the lime under your palm to release the juices, then zest and squeeze it into a large bowl. Add the Mexican crema (or substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt) and whisk everything together until smooth.

A bowl of lime crema is used as a taco sauce.

Step 2: Taste and Serve.
Adjust the flavors as needed—add more lime juice for extra tang or stir in cumin, chopped cilantro, or a pinch of chili powder for a kick. Use immediately on tacos and burritos, or store in the fridge until ready to serve!

Variations to Try

This simple sauce tastes great as it is, but here are some other fun additions and substitutions you can play with:

  • Make it spicy: Like your taco sauces with a bit more heat? Try adding in a hint of Sriracha or even Gochujang to spice things up.
  • Freshen it up: Mix in some finely chopped fresh cilantro for a burst or herby goodness.
  • Go Dairy-free: There are days when dairy doesn’t quite agree with me, and that’s when I like to use Tofutti’s plant-based sour cream. The flavor is slightly different, but still delicious!

Meal Prep and Storage Directions

  • To Prep-Ahead: Make this sauce 24 hours in advance for the best flavor. You will need to give it a good stir as the crema might separate.
  • To Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • To Freeze: Refrain from freezing as it will separate upon thawing.
A spoonful of lime crema is served as a keto fish taco sauce.

FAQs

What’s the difference in Mexican crema and sour cream?

Mexican crema has a higher fat content than sour cream. Additionally, sour cream is thicker and has a more acidic taste than crema.

What is the best substitute for Mexican crema?

Either crème fraîche or sour cream can be used in place of Mexican crema.

What is the best sauce to use for fish tacos?

The classic sauce for fish tacos is Mexican crema. You can liven it up with lime juice or even cilantro for extra flavor.

A hand is used to lift a fish taco with lime crema sauce from a plate.

How to Use Lime Crema

Now that your fish taco sauce is mixed up, serve it along with these delicious recipes next:

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5 from 4 votes

Lime Crema (Fish Taco Sauce)

There is no better Fish Taco Sauce than this Lime Crema recipe. All you need is 5 minutes, Mexican crema, lime juice and zest, garlic, and salt for a quick and easy delight.
A spoon is used to serve this homemade lime crema recipe as a fish taco sauce.
Yield 16 servings
Prep 5 minutes
Total 5 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream (see note)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice from 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon lime zest
  • 1 garlic clove finely minced
  • ¼ teaspoon salt to taste

Instructions 

  • Whisk together ingredients in a medium-sized bowl until well combined.
    1 cup Mexican crema, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, 1 garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Last step! If you make this, please leave a review letting us know how it was!

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 4 votes

Video

Notes

  • Mexican Crema: If you can’t find Mexican crema, sour cream or Greek yogurt work well. Just note that Greek yogurt is thicker and tangier, so you may need to add a splash of water or milk to thin it out.
  • Zest: Use a microplane to get finer pieces of zest so it will easily mix into the sauce.
  • Limes: Make sure you roll the lime before juicing to extract the most juice.
  • Best Flavor: Make this sauce 24 hours in advance for the best flavor. You will need to give it a good stir as the crema might separate.
  • To Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Do not freeze as the sauce will separate upon thawing.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 28kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 91mg, Potassium: 5mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 69IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 25mg, Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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      1. Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Sue! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!