How Much Lime Juice to Substitute for Lemon
Works for sauteing, slow cook, and grilling. Lime Juice keeps a similar flavor profile to Lemon.
How much lime juice equals one lemon?
Use 3 tbsp lime juice per lemon.
Health notes
Compared with Lemon, Lime Juice has: less calories (25 vs 29 per 100g in Lemon), less protein (0.4g vs 1.1g per 100g in Lemon), and less carbs (8.4g vs 9.3g per 100g in Lemon).
Using lime juice as a lemon substitute in pan-frying
Use 3 tbsp lime juice per lemon; add near the end so it doesn't cook flat.
Other cooking methods
- Slow Cook
Use 3 tbsp lime juice per lemon; stir in during the last half hour for brightness.
- Grilling
Use 3 tbsp lime juice per lemon in marinades; skips the citrus char lemon halves give.
- Steaming
Use 3 tbsp lime juice per lemon; drizzle on after steaming to keep the punch.
- Raw Cold
Use 3 tbsp lime juice per lemon in dressings, ceviche, and salads. Works well cold.
- Drinks
Use 3 tbsp lime juice per lemon in cocktails and sodas. Sharper, slightly greener taste.
Methods to avoid (2)
- Baking
Not recommended: juice thrown off by lack of zest, batters skew tarter and thinner.
- Frying
Not recommended: acid juice breaks down coatings and can splatter in hot oil.
FAQ
- How much lime juice equals one lemon?
3 tbsp. For a typical recipe:
- 1 lemon → 3 tbsp
- 2 lemons → 6 tbsp
- 3 lemons → 9 tbsp
- Can I substitute lime juice for Lemon in pan-frying?
Yes. Use 3 tbsp lime juice per lemon; add near the end so it doesn't cook flat. Not recommended: juice thrown off by lack of zest, batters skew tarter and thinner.
- How much lime juice to use as a lemon substitute?
Slightly sharper and greener than lemon; use a touch less if you want it milder.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Lime Juice for Lemon?
Lime juice keeps a similar flavor profile to lemon.
- How does texture change when substituting Lime Juice for Lemon?
Lime juice thin, watery liquid just like lemon juice, no pulp or body change in the dish.
- What else should I know about substituting Lime Juice for Lemon?
For dressings, marinades, ceviche, and drinks. Expect a similar tart, watery result with a greener edge instead of lemon's floral note. Skip baking recipes needing zest and skip frying, since raw acid juice doesn't hold up in hot oil. Add zest from another citrus if you miss the aroma.
- What still works when substituting Lime Juice for Lemon?
Lime juice still works as a acid and flavor carrier.
- What won't work when substituting Lime Juice for Lemon?
Lime juice won't work as a tenderizer.
- How well does Lime Juice match Lemon?
Lime juice is okay on structure, okay on heat, and good on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Lime Juice for Lemon?
Lime juice is slightly lower in calories, and has about x4 fewer fat, x5 fewer sat. fat, and x3 fewer protein.