Lime Juice

Citrus × aurantiifolia or Citrus latifolia Flavoring, Acid, Condiment

Lime Juice Flavoring, Acid, Condiment

At a Glance

  • Category Flavoring, Acid, Condiment

The Forktionary Angle

"The ultimate culinary brightener, cutting through richness and awakening flavors with its indispensable zest and acidity."

Definition

The tart, acidic liquid extracted from limes, offering a bright, zesty, and refreshing flavor essential for balancing richness and enhancing dishes.

Key Nutrient Vitamin C
pH Level ~2.0-2.3
Shelf Life (Fresh, Refrigerated) 3-4 days (best used fresh)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Lime Juice are:

Tart acidic zesty refreshing aromatic

Chef’s Secret

For maximum juice extraction from a lime, roll it firmly on a counter before cutting, then microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Best Substitutes

Lemon Juice

slightly sweeter
Ratio 1:1

Rice Vinegar

less aromatic
Ratio 1:1

White Wine Vinegar

for acidity in savory dishes
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Always prefer freshly squeezed lime juice for superior flavor. If bottled, look for 100% juice with no added sugar or preservatives.

Recipes Using Lime Juice

Equipment Low Carb Occasion 3 Steps Or Less

Agua Fresca

Beat the heat with this incredibly easy and refreshing Agua Fresca recipe! Made with your choice of sweet melon – cantaloupe, honeydew, or even exotic varieties like Santa Claus melon – this vibrant drink is perfect for summer. Discover the delightful flavors of Wisconsin's summer melon sale and create a cool, delicious beverage in just 15 minutes. This recipe highlights the simple process of blending juicy melon with a touch of sweetness, creating a thirst-quenching treat the whole family will love. Perfect for parties, picnics, or a refreshing midday pick-me-up!

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Peppers Tomatoes Condiments Etc Technique

Adela's Salsa

This incredibly flavorful salsa recipe comes from a cherished friend, Adela, a Mexican coworker. Adela's salsa is a workplace legend—a vibrant explosion of fresh ingredients that elevates any meal. While precise measurements are a mystery even to Adela, this recipe captures the magic after several experimental batches. Get ready for a simple yet sensational salsa, perfect for dipping tortilla chips or topping your favorite Mexican dish! It's the taste of authentic Mexican sunshine in every bite.

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Peppers Beginner Cook Course Dietary

Avocado Ahdi

Escape the heat with this vibrant Avocado Ahdi salad! Inspired by Moosewood Restaurant's Sunday specials, this no-cook recipe is bursting with fresh flavors. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or summer appetizer, the creamy avocado complements the crisp vegetables and zesty lime dressing beautifully. Get ready for a taste of sunshine!

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Dietary Quick Breads Time To Make Breads

500 Margarita Bread

This legendary Margarita Bread recipe, a top-ten favorite for many, won Harold Freeman of Phoenix $150 in a newspaper contest years ago – and it should have been $500! Its irresistible blend of savory bread and tangy margarita flavor has created countless lifelong friendships among its devoted fans. Perfect for parties, gifts (mini foil pans are ideal!), or simply satisfying your cravings, this recipe is a must-try. Don't miss the amazing cheese spread – it's the perfect finishing touch! Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more.

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Comfort Food Easy Taste Mood Spicy

Alice's Restaurant Pork Burritos

A Stockbridge, Massachusetts favorite! These flavorful pork burritos are packed with tender pork, crisp-tender veggies, and a zesty sauce. Easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Dietary Easy Dietary Fruit

Ambrosia Fruit Salad

This refreshing Ambrosia Fruit Salad recipe, passed down from my husband's cousin, is the perfect cool and creamy side dish for your next picnic or potluck! It's subtly sweet, not overly sugary, and bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh fruit. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this crowd-pleasing salad is guaranteed to be a hit.

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Dips Low Cholesterol Low Protein Cuisine

Award Winning Guacamole

This incredible guacamole recipe, straight from the pages of a renowned Mexican cookbook, took home first place at our annual Cinco de Mayo competition! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this vibrant, flavorful dip. The secret? Perfectly ripe avocados, a touch of heat, and a bright citrus finish. Make it right before serving to keep the vibrant green color.

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Easy 4 Hours Or Less Dietary Course

Around The World Marinade For Beef Or Chicken

This explosive marinade fuses the vibrant flavors of tandoori, Asian, and Mexican cuisines, creating a taste sensation that will leave you craving more! Perfect for skirt steak, chicken, or your favorite protein, this recipe is quick to prepare and delivers incredible results. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).

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Spreads Low In Something Time To Make Low Sodium

Avocado Pate

Elevate your appetizer game with this dreamy Avocado Pâté! Unlike your typical guacamole, this mild yet flavorful spread boasts a creamy texture and subtle spice. Perfect for parties, buffets, or a sophisticated dinner party, this recipe is easily doubled. The secret? Perfectly ripe, yet firm avocados – key to achieving that ideal creamy texture. We guide you through the process, ensuring a delicious result every time. Serve with toasted baguette slices, herb bread, or homemade melba toast for an unforgettable culinary experience.

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Cuisine Seasonal Cuisine Brunch

Banana Colada Non Dairy Mocktail

Escape to the tropics with this creamy, dreamy Banana Colada Mocktail! Perfect for coconut lovers, this dairy-free, alcohol-free recipe is a refreshing twist on a classic. Made with ripe bananas (the riper, the sweeter!), creamy coconut milk, and a zing of lime, this vibrant drink is the ultimate tropical treat. Quick to blend and even quicker to enjoy – especially if you have frozen bananas on hand! This recipe is a delicious and healthy way to satisfy your tropical cravings.

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Soups Stews Low Carb Soups Stews Dietary

Azteca Soup Adopted

A vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional Azteca soup! This quick, low-calorie recipe uses fresh, New World ingredients like corn, tomatoes, jalapeños, and lime for an authentic taste. Imagine a fiesta in a bowl – perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying starter. Inspired by ancient Aztec flavors, this updated recipe is surprisingly easy to make and bursting with deliciousness. Get ready to transport your taste buds to a land of ancient culinary delights!

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North American Main Ingredient Course Preparation

Beef Hash With A Spicy Kick

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant Beef Hash! Marinated sirloin, perfectly crisp potatoes, and a fiery kick of chipotle peppers create a flavor explosion. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress.

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Easy Southern United States Beverages 15 Minutes Or Less

Bananas Foster Cocktail

Indulge in the creamy, caramelized delight of this Bananas Foster Cocktail! Inspired by Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade recipe, this easy cocktail is perfect for a romantic night in or a fun gathering with friends. Sweet banana flavor meets a boozy kick – get ready for a taste of paradise.

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Course Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Pancakes And Waffles

Ban Pan O La With Caf Navarro Mango Syrup

Experience a taste of the Caribbean with these delightful Ban Pan O La pancakes! Inspired by a treasured, out-of-print cookbook, this recipe features the magic of ripe bananas and a vibrant mango syrup – a recipe perfected by Peter Dilcher of the famed Café Navarro in Eugene, Oregon. Fluffy pancakes, bursting with banana flavor, are perfectly complemented by the sweet and tangy mango syrup. A truly unforgettable brunch experience awaits!

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Low Sodium Equipment Chicken High In Something

Barbecued Chicken Kuku Wa Kuchoma

Experience the vibrant flavors of East Africa with this authentic Swahili Barbecued Chicken Kuku Wa Kuchoma recipe! This grilling recipe, originating from Kenya and Tanzania, features tender chicken marinated in a fragrant blend of spices and herbs, then cooked to perfection over a charcoal fire. Serve this sizzling dish hot with a refreshing salad and your choice of fluffy rice or roasted potatoes. Get ready for a culinary adventure!

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Low Fat Occasion Garnishes Time To Make

Peach Tomato Salsa

Fire up your taste buds with this vibrant Peach Tomato Salsa! Sweet, spicy, and surprisingly easy to make, this recipe uses fresh yellow peaches and canned shortcuts for ultimate convenience. Perfect with tortilla chips, grilled chicken, or as a zesty topping for your favorite dishes. Learn how to can this delicious salsa for long-lasting flavor. This recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced canners.

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Free Of Something One Dish Meal Time To Make Dietary

Asian Chili Chicken Noodle Soup

Spice up your weeknight with this vibrant Asian Chili Chicken Noodle Soup! A flavorful one-pot wonder, this recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference. Swap noodles for rice noodles, cilantro for basil (use less!), but never skip the zesty lime juice! Adapted from a food and wine cookbook, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Ready in under an hour!

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Occasion Vegetarian Holiday Event 30 Minutes Or Less

Baked Potatoes With Shallot Corn Butter

Elevate your simple baked potato into a culinary masterpiece with this vibrant and flavorful Shallot Corn Butter recipe! This easy recipe from Marcia Kiesel's "Quick Flavor Fixes" adds a burst of fresh corn and tangy shallot to create a visually stunning and incredibly delicious side dish or light meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is adaptable – use the corn butter on roasted baby potatoes, pasta, or even grilled seafood! While fresh corn is recommended for the best flavor, thawed frozen corn works in a pinch. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish!

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