Zesty Chili Lime Sauce is a bold, flavor-packed condiment that brings a perfect balance of tangy lime, smoky chili, and a hint of sweetness.
Creamy yet vibrant, it adds a refreshing kick to everything from tacos and grilled seafood to salads and roasted veggies.
This versatile sauce instantly elevates any dish, making it a must-have for those who crave a lively burst of citrusy heat in every bite.
How To Make Zesty Chili Lime Sauce?
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Thai
Yield: About 2 cups (6 servings)
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Zester
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for balance)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
1: Prepare the Base
In a medium mixing bowl, add mayonnaise.
2: Add the Zesty
Add freshly squeezed lime juice and sprinkle with lime zest.
3: Sweeten for Balance
Whisk in honey or brown sugar. This step is optional, but a touch of sweetness enhances the chili-lime combination.
4: Introduce the Heat
Add chili powder, adjusting the amount to suit your preferred spice level.
5: Infuse Aromatic Flavor
Stir in minced garlic. Fresh garlic adds a warm, savory depth that complements the lime and chili perfectly.
6: Season to Taste
Add a pinch of salt, tasting as you go. Salt enhances all the flavors.
7: Fold in Fresh Cilantro
Finally, chop fresh cilantro and gently fold it into the sauce. Cilantro provides a refreshing herbal note.
Nutrition Facts Of Zesty Chili Lime Sauce
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Which Goes Best With Zesty Chili Lime Sauce?
◈ Enjoy with Fish: Drizzle the zesty chili lime sauce over grilled or baked fish fillets for a burst of tangy heat. It pairs especially well with the seafood.
◈ Try with Shrimp: Toss sautéed or grilled shrimp in the sauce to create a quick and flavorful appetizer or a vibrant topping for rice bowls.
◈ Add to Chicken: Brush the sauce over roasted, grilled, or air-fried chicken as a glaze. It creates a bright, spicy coating.
◈ Use on Tacos: Spoon the chili lime sauce over tacos filled with beef, chicken, or veggies for a creamy yet spicy topping.
Tips & Variations
✤ Adjust Spice and Sweetness: Balance the chili lime sauce by adjusting chili powder for heat and honey or sugar for sweetness.
✤ Swap Herbs: Experiment by swapping cilantro with parsley, basil, or mint to create fresh flavor profiles.
✤ Make It Vegan: Easily make a vegan-friendly chili lime sauce by replacing mayonnaise with vegan mayo or creamy avocado.
✤ Add Heat Twist: Turn up the heat by adding fresh jalapeños, smoky chipotle, or a splash of hot sauce.
If you want, place all of the ingredients in a blender and purée until very smooth. You’ll want to work your way up to the highest speed for a velvety smooth sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it vegan?
Sure! Swap mayonnaise for vegan mayo or cashew cream.
How long does chili lime sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it lasts about 5–7 days.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
How do I make it less spicy?
Use less chili powder or balance the heat with extra honey or sugar. Can I freeze chili lime sauce?
Can I make it without cilantro?
Yes, just leave it out or replace it with parsley or green onions.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours early allows flavors to blend beautifully.
Conclusion
I created this zesty chili lime sauce recipe so you get creamy, tangy, spicy goodness in minutes. It works as a chili lime sauce for fish, shrimp, chicken, or tacos.
It feels like Mexican chili lime sauce or Thai chili lime sauce, yet creamy. It turns ordinary meals into something memorable. I hope you try it and feel that bright, bold flavor in every bite.
Zesty Chili Lime Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Zester
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar optional, for balance
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, add mayonnaise.
Add freshly squeezed lime juice and sprinkle with lime zest.
Whisk in honey or brown sugar. This step is optional, but a touch of sweetness enhances the chili-lime combination.
Add chili powder, adjusting the amount to suit your preferred spice level.
Stir in minced garlic. Fresh garlic adds a warm, savory depth that complements the lime and chili perfectly.
Add a pinch of salt, tasting as you go. Salt enhances all the flavors.
Finally, chop fresh cilantro and gently fold it into the sauce. Cilantro provides a refreshing herbal note.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.