15 Mexican Crema Recipe Alton Brown Get Cooking And Enjoy!
Published on: Apr 22, 2024
Mexican crema is a popular condiment in Mexican cuisine, often used in dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. This creamy and tangy sauce is similar to sour cream, but with a slightly thinner consistency and a milder flavor. While it may seem like a simple ingredient, making Mexican crema from scratch can be a game-changer in your cooking, and who better to learn from than the master of food science himself, Alton Brown. In this article, we'll break down Alton Brown's Mexican crema recipe and show you how to make this delicious condiment in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Jasmine Rice, Water, Beans, Tomatoes, Red Onion
If you're a fan of bold and spicy flavors, this Mexican chicken bowl with jalapeño crema is the perfect recipe for you. Marinated chicken thighs are grilled to perfection and served on a bed of rice and beans, topped with a creamy and tangy jalapeño crema. This dish is packed with protein and flavor, making it a great option for a filling and delicious meal.
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Blackened Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema
Main Ingredients: Shrimp, Blackening Seasoning, Olive Oil, Paprika
Tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and this recipe takes them to the next level. The shrimp is seasoned with a spicy blackening rub and cooked to perfection, then topped with a refreshing and zesty lime crema. Serve them on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
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Sweet Potato Tacos With Avocado Crema
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Chili Powder
For a unique twist on traditional tacos, try these sweet potato tacos with avocado crema. The sweet potatoes are roasted to perfection and combined with black beans, corn, and spices, then topped with a creamy avocado crema. These tacos are vegetarian-friendly and bursting with flavors.
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Mexican-Inspired Tofu Tacos with Chili-Lime Slaw and...
Main Ingredients: Firm Tofu, Coconut Oil, Purple Onion, Green Bell
Tofu may not be a traditional ingredient in Mexican cuisine, but these tacos will change your mind. The tofu is marinated in a flavorful mixture of chili and lime, then grilled to perfection and served with a tangy and creamy cilantro crema. Top it off with a crunchy and refreshing slaw for a delicious and healthy meal.
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Cuban Fish Tacos with Citrus Mango Slaw + Chipotle...
Main Ingredients: Mahi Mahi, Olive Oil, Lime, Freshly Squeezed Orange
Transport yourself to the Caribbean with these Cuban fish tacos. The fish is seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, then topped with a bright and refreshing citrus mango slaw. The finishing touch is a creamy and smoky chipotle crema, making these tacos a burst of tropical flavors in every bite.
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Quinoa & Black Bean Tacos (with Cilantro Lime Crema!)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Yellow Onion, Garlic, Chili Powder
For a healthier twist on traditional tacos, try these quinoa and black bean tacos. The quinoa adds a protein and fiber boost, while the black beans add a hearty and satisfying element. Top it off with a zesty cilantro lime crema for a burst of fresh flavors.
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Mexican Eggrolls
Main Ingredients: Egg Roll Wrappers, Refried Beans, Chorizo, Onion
Who says eggrolls have to be Asian-inspired? These Mexican eggrolls are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, beans, and spices, then fried to a crispy perfection. Serve them with a creamy and spicy dipping sauce for a fun and unique twist on a classic appetizer.
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Poblano “crema” Enchiladas
Main Ingredients: Tomatillos, Jalapeno, Onion, Garlic Clove, Water
Enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish, and this recipe puts a spin on the traditional version. Instead of a red or green sauce, these enchiladas are topped with a creamy and tangy poblano crema. The roasted poblanos add a smoky and delicious flavor to this dish, making it a crowd-pleaser.
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Vegetarian Tacos with Spicy Crema
Main Ingredients: Taco Shells, Taco Seasoning, Yellow Bell Peppers
Vegetarians can still enjoy the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with these vegetarian tacos. The filling is a delicious combination of bell peppers, onions, and black beans, seasoned with a blend of spices. Top it off with a spicy crema for an extra kick of flavor.
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Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Crema
Main Ingredients: Large Shrimp, Olive Oil, Seasoned Salt, Pepper, Corn
Grilled shrimp is a delicious and healthy protein option for tacos, and this recipe takes it up a notch with a creamy avocado crema. The shrimp is seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, then topped with a tangy and creamy sauce. Serve it on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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Grilled Chicken Tacos with Roasted Poblano Crema
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Breast, Limes, Oil, Chili Powder
These grilled chicken tacos are a perfect weeknight meal option. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, then topped with a creamy and smoky roasted poblano crema. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a delicious and easy meal.
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Roasted Poblanos in Cream Sauce (Rajas con Crema)
Main Ingredients: Poblano Chiles, Butter, White Onion, Salt, Crema, Milk
This dish may not be a traditional taco recipe, but it's a delicious and comforting option for any Mexican food lover. Roasted poblanos are cooked in a creamy and tangy sauce, resulting in a dish that is perfect for dipping tortillas or topping on tacos. The flavors are rich and decadent, making it a perfect dish for a cozy night in.
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Beef Street Tacos
Main Ingredients: Chuck Roast, Lime Juice, Tomato Paste, Beef Broth
Street tacos are a popular option in Mexico, and this recipe brings the flavors of the streets to your kitchen. Thinly sliced beef is seasoned with a blend of spices and cooked to perfection, then served on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. These tacos are simple yet bursting with flavors.
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Fish Tacos with Chipotle Crema
Main Ingredients: Tilapia Filets, Olive Oil, Lime Juice, Shredded
Fish tacos are a staple in coastal regions of Mexico, and for good reason. This recipe features flaky white fish seasoned with a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, then topped with a creamy and smoky chipotle crema. Serve them with a refreshing slaw for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Grilled Steak Tacos With Cilantro Lime Crema
Main Ingredients: Top Sirloin Steak, Taco Seasoning, Lime Juice
Steak lovers will rejoice with this recipe for grilled steak tacos. The steak is marinated in a flavorful mixture of spices and grilled to perfection, then topped with a tangy and zesty cilantro lime crema. Serve it on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a delicious and hearty meal.
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Black Bean Enchiladas with Jalapeno Crema
Main Ingredients: Refried Black Beans, Medium Salsa, Cilantro, Black
For a vegetarian twist on traditional enchiladas, try this recipe for black bean enchiladas with jalapeno crema. The black beans are combined with a blend of spices and rolled in tortillas, then topped with a creamy and spicy jalapeno crema. This dish is packed with protein and flavor, making it a great meatless option for Mexican night.
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Taco Platter With Avocado Crema
Main Ingredients: Chicken Cutlets, Spice Blend, Olive Oil, Ground Beef
For a fun and interactive meal option, try this taco platter with avocado crema. The platter is filled with all the classic taco toppings, such as seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes. The star of the show is the creamy and tangy avocado crema, perfect for dipping or topping on tacos.
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Black Bean Soup with Chipotle Crema
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Beans, Olive Oil, Onion, Carrot, Celery
Soup may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Mexican food, but this recipe will change that. This black bean soup is hearty and flavorful, with a smoky and spicy kick from the chipotle crema. Serve it with a side of warm tortillas for a satisfying and comforting meal.
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Spicy Black Lentil Tacos with Ancho Crema
Main Ingredients: Black Lentils, Water, White Onion, Large Tomato
These spicy black lentil tacos are a great option for a meatless meal. The lentils are combined with a blend of spices and cooked until tender, then topped with a tangy and flavorful ancho crema. Serve them on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a delicious and healthy meal.
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Baja Fish Tacos With Chipotle, Cilantro & Lime Crema
Main Ingredients: Spanish Rice, Black Beans, Cilantro, Crema, Chipotle
Understanding the Difference Between Mexican Crema and Sour Cream
What is Mexican Crema?
Mexican crema, or crema Mexicana, is a type of table cream that is commonly used in Mexican cooking. It is made from heavy cream and a small amount of buttermilk, giving it a tangy flavor similar to sour cream. However, Mexican crema has a thinner consistency and is slightly sweeter than sour cream. This makes it perfect for drizzling over tacos or using as a dip for chips.
What is Sour Cream?
Sour cream, on the other hand, is made from cream that has been fermented with lactic acid bacteria. It has a thicker consistency and a stronger tangy flavor compared to Mexican crema. While sour cream can also be used in Mexican dishes, it may overpower the other flavors and change the overall taste of the dish.
The Importance of Using High-Quality Ingredients
One of the keys to making the perfect Mexican crema is using high-quality ingredients. This includes using heavy cream with a high-fat content and fresh buttermilk. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor and consistency of your crema.
Choosing the Right Type of Cream
When selecting your heavy cream, look for options with a fat content of 36% or higher. This will give your crema a rich and creamy texture. Avoid using half-and-half or light cream, as these have a lower fat content and will result in a thinner and less flavorful crema.
Fresh Buttermilk is Key
Fresh buttermilk is also crucial in making Mexican crema. The buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps to thicken the cream. Make sure to use buttermilk that is within the expiration date and has not been sitting in your fridge for too long.
Alton Brown's Mexican Crema Recipe
Now that you understand the difference between Mexican crema and sour cream and the importance of using high-quality ingredients, let's dive into Alton Brown's recipe. Here are the ingredients you'll need:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Step 1: Combine Heavy Cream and Buttermilk
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream and buttermilk. Whisk together until well combined.
Step 2: Add Salt and Lime Juice
Next, add in the kosher salt and fresh lime juice. Whisk again until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Let it Sit
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 8-12 hours. This will allow the mixture to thicken and develop a tangy flavor.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Serve
After letting the mixture sit, refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This will give the crema a chance to fully set and develop its flavor. Serve over your favorite Mexican dishes or use as a dip for chips.
In Conclusion
Making Mexican crema from scratch may seem intimidating, but with Alton Brown's recipe and some high-quality ingredients, you'll be whipping up a batch in no time. The slight tangy flavor and creamy texture of this condiment will elevate any Mexican dish and impress your family and friends. Give it a try and taste the difference for yourself.
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