Whether it is tacos, chips or potatoes, no matter the occasion, everyone can agree that guacamole is the universal word for delicious. This creamy, avocado-based dip is most commonly associated with Mexican food. It is typically eaten with chips or as a topping on tacos or various other delicious meals. This legendary dip can be made to taste but it’s typically made with avocados, salt, lime juice, diced tomatoes, onion, and cilantro. But what makes guacamole fun is being able to spice it up to make it yours. There are some instances where you do not have lime but there are other alternatives you can consider when preparing your delicious dip.
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Lemon Juice
One of the best alternatives you can consider for lime in guacamole is lemon juice. In fact, lemon juice is a lot of people’s go-to substitute for lime juice since it is the most similar in flavour and acidity. You can also replace lime juice with lemon juice at a 1 to 1 ratio in practically any recipe that calls for lime juice. This includes margaritas and lime pie although your lime pie will become a lemon meringue. Lemon juice can be easily accessed in most grocery stores so it also very convenient. In addition, it can be a great substitute for lime in most savoury recipes as well. However, keep in mind that lime is a key flavour when it comes to Latin and Mexican cuisine. Lemon can work great as a stand-in, but nothing can fully replace the zing of a lime juice in your guacamole recipe.
Lemons
Another alternative you can consider in place of lime juice in guacamole are lemons. If you do not have lemons, you can also try using the freshly squeezed juice of another citrus fruit, such as orange or grapefruit. Keep in mind that oranges and lemons are much sweeter and less acidic than limes, so they will function differently depending on your recipe. If you are making other recipes that call for sugar, such as a salad dressing or a marinade, cut back on your sugar at first and add more to taste depending on how sweet the citrus fruit juice makes your mixture. When replacing lime juice in place of guacamole simply cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and take out the flesh out of their shells into a large bowl. You can use your hands for this process, immediately squeeze the lemon juice or orange juice from the citrus fruit, add some hot pepper sauce, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper and toss well.
Citrus Zest
You can consider using citrus zest in place of lime juice for guacamole. Citrus zest which can be from limes, lemons, or oranges can make a great alternative for lime juice in guacamole and other recipes, but that will depend on the function the lime juice is playing in your other recipes. If your lime juice is purely for flavour, use a 1:2 ratio to use citrus zest in place of lime juice. Keep in mind that the citrus zest is concentrated in flavour. In addition, citrus zest can be used as an alternative in baked goods that use lime for flavour and not for the acidity, for example in cooking cilantro lime rice.
White Wine
White wine can also be a decent alternative for lime juice in guacamole. Also, you can use it to replace lime juice in a lot of recipes. However, white wine is less acidic than lime juice and it also produces a different flavour which can alter your dish. To replace lime juice in your recipe with white wine you can use a 1:1 ratio for recipes such as dressings and marinades. It is important to note that when it comes to selecting the best substitute for lime juice white wine should be one of your last options if you need to prepare guacamole or other recipes.
Vinegar
Also, good substitute for lime juice in guacamole is vinegar. Vinegar is ideal if you want the acidity in lime juice but you have run out in your kitchen. You can use any type of vinegar including apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar to replace lime juice in your guacamole and other recipes. It is important to note that vinegar is normally more potent and it does not have the subtle sweetness that lime juice has. When you are substituting lime juice with vinegar consider starting with a 1:2 substitute of vinegar to lime juice and adjusting to your taste. Also, vinegar can make a great substitute for lime juice in recipes that include ceviche, salad dressing, salsa, in addition to guacamole.
Black Lime
Black lime can make a great substitute for lime juice in guacamole. Black limes are basically fresh limes that have been boiled in salt water and left to dry until they became rock hard, resulting in golf size, brown to black coloured balls with a brittle texture that easily yields itself to a grinder. Ground black lime, which is also known as dried lime or loomi, is normally used as a spice in Middle Eastern cooking. However, black limes lack the sweetness of fresh lime and this type of lime has an deep sour lime flavour with a slightly fermented, umami note. On the other hand, black lime is particularly good when it comes to savoury dishes.
There are a number of alternative options to choose from when it comes to substituting lime juice in guacamole or other recipes. As mentioned already nothing can really taste the same as lime in your guacamole or other recipe. However, if you do not have lime in your kitchen the best alternative for lime juice is either lemon or lemon juice. Other options to consider are citrus zest or other citrus fruits. Vinegar can be considered if you want to replace the acidity that lime juice can give you. Your last option for substituting lime juice in guacamole or other recipes is white wine.
