This Costco Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe is a creamy and zesty recipe, which is a homemade copycat of the famous Don Pancho crema served with the Costco Chicken Street Tacos. It’s the perfect finishing touch for your favorite Mexican dishes, ready in just 10 minutes.
Jump to RecipeCostco Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream (regular or light)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (regular or light)
- ½ jalapeno (rib and seeds removed and cut into pieces)
- Juice of ½ lime
- ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup milk (optional, for thinning)
How To Make Costco Cilantro Lime Crema
- Prep the jalapeno: Place the jalapeno pieces into a small food processor or blender. Pulse a few times until they are finely chopped.
- Blend the crema: Add the sour cream, fresh cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, red wine vinegar, salt, and garlic powder to the food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thinner, more drizzling consistency, add the milk a little at a time, blending after each addition, until you reach your desired thickness.
- Taste and serve: Taste the crema and adjust the salt or lime juice if needed. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator.
Recipe Tips
- How to control the spice level? For a mild crema, make sure to remove all the seeds and the white ribs from the inside of the jalapeno, as that’s where most of the heat is. For a spicier version, you can leave a few seeds in.
- How do I get a brighter green color? The color of the crema comes from the cilantro. If you want a more vibrant green sauce, you can add more cilantro leaves.
- Can I make this without a food processor? Yes. Finely mince the jalapeno and cilantro by hand. In a bowl, whisk all the ingredients together until as smooth as possible. The texture may be slightly less uniform, but it will still be delicious.
- How to adjust the consistency? The sauce will naturally be a bit thick. Use milk to thin it out to your liking. Start with a tablespoon and add more as needed to create a perfect drizzling sauce.
What To Serve With Cilantro Lime Crema
This versatile crema is the perfect topping for a wide variety of Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes.
- Drizzled over Chicken Street Tacos
- As a dressing for a taco salad or burrito bowl
- As a dip for quesadillas, taquitos, or tortilla chips
- Dolloped onto a bowl of chili or tortilla soup
- As a sauce for grilled chicken or fish
How To Store Cilantro Lime Crema
Refrigerate: Store the crema in an airtight container, like a glass jar or squeeze bottle, in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week. The flavors will continue to meld, so it’s often even better the next day.
Costco Cilantro Lime Crema Nutrition Facts
- Serving: (approx.)
- Calories: 70kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
- Sodium: 78mg
- Potassium: 39mg
Nutritional information is only an estimate and will vary based on your ingredients and substitutions.
FAQs
This is a popular “copycat” recipe that aims to replicate the flavor and texture of the famous Don Pancho Cilantro Lime Crema sold with the Costco Chicken Street Tacos kit. While not the official recipe, it’s a beloved version that many enjoy making at home.
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. It will give the crema a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, with the added benefit of more protein.
The color depends entirely on the amount of cilantro you use. Don’t be afraid to pack the measuring cup with cilantro leaves for a more vibrant green color.
Try More Recipes:
Costco Cilantro Lime Crema Recipe
Course: SauceCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes70
kcalA quick and easy homemade copycat of the famous Costco cilantro lime crema, perfect for tacos, salads, and more.
Ingredients
½ cup sour cream
½ cup fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
½ jalapeno, seeded
Juice of ½ lime
½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
⅛ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ cup milk (optional, for thinning)
Directions
- In a small food processor or blender, pulse the jalapeno until finely chopped.
- Add the sour cream, cilantro, mayonnaise, lime juice, vinegar, salt, and garlic powder.
- Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
- If a thinner sauce is desired, add milk a tablespoon at a time and blend until you reach the perfect consistency.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- This recipe is easily customizable; adjust the amount of cilantro, lime, and salt to your personal taste.
- For a milder sauce, ensure all seeds and ribs are removed from the jalapeno.
- The crema will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- This sauce is naturally gluten-free.
