Let’s talk about sauces. They elevate dishes, bringing a balance of flavor that turns a regular meal into something special. Today, I’m excited to highlight Whataburger’s Cilantro Lime Sauce.
1tablespoonfreshly squeezed orange juicenew addition for a subtle sweetness
2clovesgarlicminced
½teaspoonsea salt
Juice of 1 fresh lime
1tablespoonfresh jalapeñofinely diced, new addition for heat
½cupfinely chopped green onions
¾cupfresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
To ensure you end up with a sauce that captures the delight of Whataburger’s original, follow these detailed steps.
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients for seamless preparation. Rinse your cilantro, chop your vegetables, and have everything ready to go. This initial prep helps things move swiftly.
Step 2: Blend the Base
In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado and Greek yogurt. This base will give your sauce that creamy mouthfeel.
Step 3: Add Flavor Makers
Next up, add in the lime juice, water, and olive oil. These ingredients will create the tangy aspect of the sauce.
Step 4: Incorporate the Herbs
It’s time to bring in the flavor. Toss in the cilantro, green onions, and minced garlic. Don’t forget the diced jalapeño for that kick! Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 5: Season to Taste
Now comes the fun part. Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning. Add salt, more lime, or even a dash of pepper if you want to spice it up.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Finally, pour the sauce into a bowl and cover it. Let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and develop.
Notes
Getting the most out of your cooking is all about those little details. Here are my top five tips to make your cilantro lime sauce sing:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice and cilantro will make the world of difference in flavor. Dried herbs just won’t cut it.
Adjust For Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the jalapeño or remove the seeds. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper!
Texture Preference: If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend longer. If you like texture, pulse a few times to keep some cilantro chunks intact.
Make Ahead: This sauce gets better as it sits. Make it a day in advance for maximum flavor infusion.
Stir Well Before Serving: The ingredients can separate. Stir well or shake in a sealed container before serving.