Transform your fish tacos with this zesty and creamy sauce that adds a burst of flavor to every bite. Perfectly balanced with a hint of spice and a touch of citrus, this sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
While most of the ingredients for this fish taco sauce are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up sriracha and fresh cilantro if they aren't already in your kitchen. Sriracha is a type of hot sauce that adds a spicy kick, and fresh cilantro brings a refreshing, herbal note to the sauce.

Ingredients for Fish Taco Sauce Recipe
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce that adds richness and smooth texture.
Lime juice: Freshly squeezed to add a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
Garlic powder: Provides a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that complements the other ingredients.
Sriracha: A spicy hot sauce that gives the sauce a bit of heat and complexity.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped finely to add a fresh, herbal element that brightens the sauce.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the sauce, ensure that the lime juice is freshly squeezed for the best flavor. Bottled lime juice can sometimes have a slightly bitter or metallic taste that can affect the overall profile of your fish taco sauce. Additionally, finely chop the cilantro to evenly distribute its fresh, herbaceous notes throughout the mixture. For a smoother consistency, use a whisk rather than a spoon to combine the ingredients, ensuring that the mayonnaise fully incorporates with the lime juice and spices.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tanginess while being lower in fat and calories.
mayonnaise - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream offers a rich and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor, though it is slightly less sweet.
freshly squeezed lime juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar offers a tangy and slightly fruity flavor that can mimic the acidity of lime juice.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar depth of flavor, though it will have a slightly different taste profile.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander offers a warm, citrusy flavor that can complement the other spices in the sauce.
cumin - Substitute with chili powder: Chili powder provides a similar earthy and slightly spicy flavor, though it may add more heat.
sriracha - Substitute with hot sauce: Hot sauce can provide a similar level of heat and tanginess, though the flavor profile may vary slightly.
sriracha - Substitute with chipotle in adobo: Chipotle in adobo offers a smoky and spicy flavor that can add depth to the sauce.
chopped fresh cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh and slightly peppery flavor, though it lacks the citrusy notes of cilantro.
chopped fresh cilantro - Substitute with mint: Mint offers a fresh and slightly sweet flavor that can add a unique twist to the sauce.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Sauce
How to Store or Freeze This Sauce
- To store your fish taco sauce, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
- Place the container in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep well for up to one week, allowing you to enjoy it over multiple meals.
- If you plan to freeze the sauce, pour it into a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the sauce will expand when frozen.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. Frozen fish taco sauce can be stored for up to three months.
- When you're ready to use the frozen sauce, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This gradual thawing process will help maintain the sauce's texture and flavor.
- Once thawed, give the sauce a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients. If needed, adjust the seasoning with a bit more lime juice or sriracha to refresh its vibrant taste.
- Avoid refreezing the sauce after it has been thawed, as this can affect its quality and safety.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Fish taco sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to reheat it, follow these methods to maintain its flavor and texture.
Microwave Method:
- Transfer the sauce to a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent splattering.
- Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
- Stir well and check the temperature. If needed, heat in additional 10-second intervals until warmed through.
- Be cautious not to overheat, as the mayonnaise base can separate.
Stovetop Method:
- Place the sauce in a small saucepan.
- Heat over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent the sauce from curdling.
- Warm until the desired temperature is reached, usually within 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir well before serving.
Room Temperature Method:
- Remove the sauce from the refrigerator.
- Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
- Stir well before serving to ensure even consistency.
Water Bath Method:
- Place the sauce in a heatproof bowl or jar.
- Fill a larger bowl or pot with warm water (not boiling).
- Submerge the sauce container in the warm water, ensuring the water level is below the rim.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once warmed, remove from the water bath and stir well before serving.
Best Tools for Making Fish Taco Sauce
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine all the ingredients together smoothly.
Whisk: A utensil used to blend the ingredients until they are smooth and well combined.
Measuring cups: Tools used to measure the precise amount of mayonnaise and lime juice.
Measuring spoons: Tools used to measure the exact amounts of garlic powder, cumin, and sriracha.
Chopping board: A surface used to chop the fresh cilantro finely.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife used to chop the cilantro efficiently.
Refrigerator: An appliance used to chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How to Save Time on Making This Sauce
Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic instead of peeling and mincing fresh cloves.
Pre-squeeze lime juice: Squeeze lime juice in advance and store it in the fridge for quick access.
Batch make sauce: Double or triple the sauce recipe and store it in the fridge for future use.
Pre-chop cilantro: Chop cilantro ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container.
Use a whisk: A whisk blends ingredients faster and more efficiently than a spoon.

Fish Taco Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha or to taste
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Cilantro chopped
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, and sriracha. Whisk until smooth.
- Stir in chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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