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San Diego Style Fish Taco Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

This San Diego Style Fish Taco Sauce is a creamy, smoky, and tangy chipotle crema perfect for drizzling over fish tacos. Made with sour cream, Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, this versatile sauce adds a flavorful punch with a mild heat that can be adjusted to taste. It’s easy to prepare, blending all ingredients into a smooth, zesty condiment that enhances any taco or burger experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • ½ cup sour cream (or mayonnaise)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup packed fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic or garlic paste
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (start with ½ for mild, add more for heat)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt

Optional Spices

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Add sour cream (or mayonnaise), Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, minced garlic, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, kosher salt, and any optional spices such as dried oregano, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper into a bowl.
  2. Blend the Sauce: Use an immersion blender, food processor, or regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth. It’s fine if a few flecks of cilantro remain, as they add texture and color.
  3. Taste and Adjust: Sample the sauce and adjust the seasoning or heat level by adding more chipotle peppers, salt, or spices as desired to suit your preferences.
  4. Chill: Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
  5. Serve: Stir well before use and drizzle generously over fish tacos, or use as a dip or burger spread for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
  • Omit cilantro for a simpler smoky chipotle crema version.
  • This sauce works wonderfully as a dip or burger spread, not just for tacos.