Craving that tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy touch that elevates your favorite Mexican dishes? Look no further than this Mexican Crema Recipe! Forget store-bought imitations; with just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep, you can whip up a batch of authentic Mexican crema that will transform your tacos, quesadillas, and more. This versatile condiment is not just easy to make, it’s also far more flavorful than sour cream or crème fraîche, adding a unique zest to your meals.
Mexican Crema for Pinterest 2
What is Mexican Crema?
Mexican crema is a delightful condiment that’s a staple in Mexican cuisine. Often compared to sour cream or French crème fraîche, mexican crema stands out with its distinct tangy flavor and a hint of spice. Its thinner consistency compared to American sour cream makes it perfect for drizzling over dishes, allowing its flavor to meld beautifully with every bite. This creamy sauce isn’t just a topping; it’s a flavor enhancer that brings a refreshing and zesty dimension to a wide range of foods.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mexican crema recipe is incredibly simple and quick, making it a go-to condiment for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Here’s why you’ll adore this homemade version:
- Unbelievably Easy: It’s a whisk-and-wait recipe! No special skills or equipment are needed.
- Authentic Flavor: Achieve that genuine Mexican taste right in your kitchen.
- Versatile Condiment: Perfect for tacos, enchiladas, soups, salads, grilled meats, and vegetables – the possibilities are endless.
- Customizable Spice Level: Control the heat to suit your preference, from a mild tang to a spicy kick.
- Fresher and Tastier: Homemade crema is significantly fresher and more flavorful than anything you can buy pre-made.
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Ingredients for Authentic Mexican Crema
This authentic mexican crema recipe uses just five basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your refrigerator and pantry. Let’s break down each component:
- Heavy Cream: The base of our crema, heavy cream is essential for achieving that rich, creamy texture. It’s important to use heavy cream, as lighter creams will result in a thinner crema.
- Sour Cream: A touch of sour cream adds tang and depth of flavor, creating that signature crema taste. Full-fat sour cream is recommended for the best flavor and texture, though low-fat can be used as a substitute.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the crucial acidity and brightness that balances the richness of the cream. Fresh lime juice is always preferred for its vibrant flavor.
- Chipotle Powder: This is the secret ingredient that gives Mexican crema its characteristic smoky and slightly spicy flavor. Chipotle powder, made from smoked and dried jalapeños, adds a delightful warmth. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount; for extra heat, increase it to your liking. If chipotle powder isn’t available, you can use regular chili powder, but the smoky note will be missing.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and brings them together.
Mexican Crema for Pinterest
Tips for Perfect Mexican Crema
To ensure your homemade mexican crema turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Lime Juice: Always opt for freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest and most authentic flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice, which can have a less vibrant taste.
- Adjust Spice to Your Taste: Start with the recommended amount of chipotle powder and adjust to your spice preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Patience is Key: The resting time at room temperature is crucial for the crema to thicken properly. Don’t rush this step!
- Proper Lime Washing: Always wash limes thoroughly before juicing to remove any potential residues. Use a mild soap and a vegetable brush, rinsing well under cold water.
- Storage: Store your crema mexicana recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavor may even deepen slightly over time.
Spoonful of crema over the jar. There is a tortilla covered with beans, onions and pesto in the background
Step-by-Step Mexican Crema Recipe
Ready to make your own delicious mexican crema? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:
Pre-step
Gather your equipment: a mixing bowl and a whisk.
Step one
Collect all the ingredients: heavy cream, sour cream, lime, chipotle powder, and salt.
Cream, lime, sour cream and chipotle powder for the crema
Step two
Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into your mixing bowl.
Cream poured in the bowl and a whisk in the background
Step three
Measure a heaping tablespoon of sour cream and add it to the bowl.
Sour cream measured out in front of the bowl of cream
Step four
Squeeze one lime and measure out 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice, adding it to the mixture.
Lime juice measured out with a whisk, bowl of cream and limes
Step five
Measure 1/4 teaspoon of chipotle powder and add it to the bowl.
Chipotle powder measured out
Step six
Add a pinch of salt to the ingredients in the bowl.
All the ingredients in the bowl for the crema
Step seven
Whisk all the ingredients together for about a minute, or until well combined.
The crema whisked in a clear bowl
Step eight
Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and let it rest on the counter at room temperature for four hours to thicken. After four hours, transfer the mexican crema to a jar and refrigerate until ready to use. It will continue to thicken slightly in the fridge.
Crema in a glass jar ready to be used
Serving Suggestions: Ways to Use Your Homemade Crema
Once you’ve made this easy mexican crema recipe, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy it! Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:
- Tacos and Burritos: Drizzle generously over your favorite tacos, burritos, and fajitas for added creaminess and flavor.
- Quesadillas and Enchiladas: A dollop of crema is the perfect finishing touch for quesadillas and enchiladas.
- Soups and Chili: Swirl a spoonful into tortilla soup, black bean soup, or chili for a cooling and tangy contrast.
- Salads: Use it as a creamy and flavorful dressing for Mexican-inspired salads.
- Grilled Meats and Vegetables: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or vegetables to add a zesty and refreshing element.
- Nachos: Drizzle over nachos for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Breakfast Dishes: Try it with huevos rancheros or breakfast burritos for a flavorful start to your day.
Crema on some beans and cheese in a flour tortilla with pesto, onions and a jar of crema in the background
Mexican Crema Recipe
This mexican crema recipe is your ticket to adding authentic Mexican flavor to countless dishes. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Resting Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (heaping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder
- Dash of salt
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, sour cream, lime juice, chipotle powder, and salt.
- Whisk for about a minute until all ingredients are well combined.
- Cover the bowl loosely with plastic wrap and let it rest on the counter for 4 hours to thicken.
- Transfer to a jar and store in the refrigerator.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Print Recipe
Conclusion
With this mexican crema recipe, you’re now equipped to elevate your Mexican cooking to the next level. Its ease of preparation and incredible versatility make it a must-have condiment in your kitchen. Try this recipe today and discover the magic of homemade crema mexicana! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how you enjoyed it!
