Listen up, avocado stans – this avocado crema recipe is about to be your go-to for Taco Tuesday (and, let’s be real, any day that ends in Y). Sure, guac is the OG, but this avocado cream sauce kicks it up a notch. It adds sour cream to balance out the richness of the avocado with a tangy zing. Plus it cools down the heat if your tacos are spicy. Win-win.
Blending it up takes, like, five minutes max. We’re talking minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff here, folks. Your weekly rotation just found its new fave – de nada!
How to make Avocado Crema
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Transfer your creamy avocado crema sauce to a small bowl. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
Avocado Crema Ingredients
– 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
– 1/3 cup plain sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
– 2 teaspoons lime juice
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
– 2-3 garlic cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Flavor Variations
You’ve got tons of options with this avocado crema recipe:
Chipotle – Add 1-2 teaspoons adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo. Garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Peppers – Add ½-1 jalapeno or serrano peppers (depending on spice level), one of my favorite additions.
Roasted Red Pepper – Add two tablespoons roasted red peppers. Garnish with fresh basil.
Lemon-Dill – Add one teaspoon lemon zest and one tablespoon chopped fresh dill.
Bacon & Scallion – Add two slices cooked, crumbled bacon and two tablespoons sliced scallions.
Use the flavored crema as a dipping sauce, spreads on sandwiches or burgers or as a topping for fish, chicken, steak or vegetables. Get creative with your own spice and herb combinations!
Avocado Crema Recipe Substitutions
Sour Cream / Greek Yogurt – The best substitutes would be traditional crema like traditional Mexican crema or crème fraîche. If you want a healthier and dairy-free option, use coconut cream or dairy-free vegan yogurt instead.
Lime Juice – for avocado lime crema. You can opt for lemon juice if you don’t have fresh limes on hand.
Cilantro – Feel free to omit cilantro if you do not want to include it in your crema.
Garlic – You can use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic in your kitchen.
Equipment
Mini Food Processor or Small Blender
Airtight Container
Spoon
How to Store and Reheat this Avocado Crema Recipe
Put the avocado crema in an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3-5 days. To delay oxidation and browning, make sure to cover it directly to the surface with a piece of plastic wrap first before adding the lid.
To reheat avocado crema, put it in a bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Stir often with a spoon while it warms up so it heats evenly. If the crema becomes thick, add a little water to achieve a thinner consistency. Remember, you shouldn’t let the crema get too hot or it might separate.
Top 3 Tips to Success
Use ripe avocado
Ripe avocados are soft and buttery, which allows it to blend into a velvety smooth texture and creamy consistency.
Blend to get the best texture
Blend or process the ingredients until completely smooth and velvety to get the best creamy texture.
No chunks. Add a little heavy cream you’d like it extra creamy.
Add fresh lime juice to prevent browning
Squeeze a little bit of lime or lemon juice into the avocado crema.
The acid from the citrus helps make the flavor taste better and prevents browning.
Avocado Crema Recipe FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers for avocado crema:
1. What is avocado crema?
Avocado crema, aka avocado cream sauce, is a creamy and flavorful sauce made with ripe avocados, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and various seasonings.
It’s often used as a condiment or topping for a variety of dishes, adding a rich and tangy avocado flavor.
2. How do I make avocado crema?
To make avocado crema, you’ll typically need ripe avocados, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend these ingredients until smooth.
You can customize it with additional herbs, spices, or hot sauce for extra flavor.
3. What can I use avocado crema for?
Avocado crema is a versatile sauce that can be used as a topping or dip for various dishes. Any of your favorite Mexican dishes would benefit from this creamy avocado sauce: fish tacos, shrimp tacos, burrito bowls, shrimp fajitas, quesadillas, nachos, etc.
I’ve spread it on veggie burgers, wraps, and even as a salad dressing (just thin it out with olive oil and water).
4. How can I adjust the consistency of avocado crema?
If your avocado crema is too thick, thin it out by adding a little water, lime juice, or extra sour cream or yogurt. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can thicken it by adding more avocado.
5. How long can I store avocado crema?
Avocado crema is best when used fresh, but if you need to store it, cover it with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap touches the surface of the crema to minimize air exposure.
Refrigerate it for up to 1-2 days. Over time, the avocado may oxidize and cause the crema to change color, so it’s best served immediately.
6. Can I make a vegan or dairy-free avocado crema?
Yes, you can make a vegan or dairy-free version of avocado crema by using non-dairy yogurt or mayonnaise in place of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
7. What are some variations of avocado crema?
You can customize your avocado crema by adding ingredients like cilantro, jalapenos, cumin, or even roasted red pepper to create different flavors and styles of the sauce.
8. Is avocado crema spicy?
Avocado crema is traditionally not spicy, but you can always add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even a jalapeno.
Avocado Crema Recipe Conclusion
In wrapping up this Avocado Crema recipe, it’s clear that this creamy, dreamy sauce is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Not only does it bring a lush, velvety texture to your favorite dishes, but the balance of flavors from the ripe avocados, tangy sour cream or Greek yogurt, and the zesty lime juice is nothing short of culinary perfection. Whether you’re drizzling it over fish tacos, dolloping it onto burrito bowls, or using it as a dipping sauce for tortilla chips, this avocado crema elevates any dish it accompanies.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The fresh cilantro and garlic lend an irresistible aroma and flavor that makes this sauce stand out. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the variations are endless – from a kick of cayenne pepper for spice lovers to a lemon juice twist for a different citrusy note. For those with dietary preferences, the vegan avocado crema option ensures everyone can enjoy this delicious sauce.
Remember, the key to the perfect avocado cream sauce is using ripe avocados for that super smooth, creamy texture. And don’t forget the plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface before storing to keep it looking fresh and vibrant. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a newbie in the kitchen, this avocado crema recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress.
So go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch it become the star of your next taco night or the secret sauce in your favorite recipes.
I hope you love this Mexican crema recipe!
Recipe:
PrintAvocado Crema
Sure, guac is the OG, but this avocado cream sauce kicks it up a notch. It adds sour cream to balance out the richness of the avocado with a tangy zing. Plus it cools down the heat if your tacos are spicy. Win-win.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
- 1/3 cup plain sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 2–3 garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Transfer your creamy avocado crema sauce to a small bowl. Keep in the fridge until ready to serve.
Made this twice in one week! Wow
The most delicious. So simple and such a crowd pleaser. We make it weekly!