How Much Lemon Juice to Substitute for Lime
Works for baking, sauteing, and slow cook. Lemon Juice keeps a similar flavor profile to Lime.
How much lemon juice equals one lime?
Use 2 tbsp lemon juice per lime.
Health notes
Compared with Lime, Lemon Juice has: less calories (22 vs 30 per 100g in Lime) and less carbs (6.9g vs 10.5g per 100g in Lime).
Using lemon juice as a lime substitute in baking
Use 2 tbsp lemon juice per lime; works fine in batters and glazes needing acid.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
2 tbsp per lime, added off heat to keep the tang from cooking away.
- Slow Cook
2 tbsp per lime, stirred in near the end of cooking.
- Grilling
Brush 2 tbsp juice per lime onto food before or after grilling.
- Steaming
Drizzle 2 tbsp per lime over food right after steaming.
- Raw Cold
2 tbsp per lime in dressings and dips; slightly softer tang.
- Drinks
2 tbsp per lime in cocktails and sodas; a touch sweeter finish.
Methods to avoid (1)
- Frying
Not recommended: juice causes spattering and adds unwanted moisture to hot oil.
FAQ
- How much lemon juice equals one lime?
2 tbsp. For a typical recipe:
- 1 lime → 2 tbsp
- 2 limes → 4 tbsp
- 3 limes → 6 tbsp
- Can I substitute lemon juice for Lime in baking?
Yes. Use 2 tbsp lemon juice per lime; works fine in batters and glazes needing acid. Not recommended: juice causes spattering and adds unwanted moisture to hot oil.
- How much lemon juice to use as a lime substitute?
A bit softer and sweeter than lime juice; add zest for more citrus edge if needed.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Lemon Juice for Lime?
Lemon juice keeps a similar flavor profile to lime.
- How does texture change when substituting Lemon Juice for Lime?
Lemon juice same thin, watery pour as lime juice, just missing the zest oils and slight bitterness lime brings.
- What else should I know about substituting Lemon Juice for Lime?
For dressings, marinades, drinks, and glazes. Expect a slightly sweeter, less sharp tartness with no lime zest aroma. Skip frying since juice doesn't belong in hot oil. Works well anywhere lime juice is used, just add a touch of zest if you miss the lime edge.
- What still works when substituting Lemon Juice for Lime?
Lemon juice still works as a acid and flavor carrier.
- What won't work when substituting Lemon Juice for Lime?
Lemon juice won't work as a color.
- How well does Lemon Juice match Lime?
Lemon juice is good on structure, good on heat, and good on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Lemon Juice for Lime?
Lemon juice is slightly higher in fat, is lower in calories, and has about x2 fewer protein, and about x2 more sat. fat.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Lemon Juice for Lime?
The flavor shifts toward more sweet and less bitter notes.