How Much Lime Juice to Substitute for Lemon Juice
Works for baking, sauteing, and slow cook. Lime Juice keeps a similar flavor profile to Lemon Juice.
How much lime juice equals one tbsp lemon juice?
Use 1 tbsp lime juice per tbsp lemon juice.
Health notes
Compared with Lemon Juice, Lime Juice has: more calories (25 vs 22 per 100g in Lemon Juice) and more carbs (8.4g vs 6.9g per 100g in Lemon Juice).
Using lime juice as a lemon juice substitute in baking
1:1 in batters, curds, and glazes; chemistry works, but lime reads sharper and more bitter—taste and consider a touch of zest.
Other cooking methods
- Sauteing
1:1 swap; adds a slightly sharper, more tropical tang to pan sauces.
- Slow Cook
1:1; works well in braises with cilantro, chili, or coconut flavors.
- Grilling
1:1; brush on marinated meats or fish for a sharper citrus note.
- Steaming
1:1; squeeze over steamed fish or vegetables after cooking.
- Raw Cold
1:1 in ceviche, guacamole, and dressings; slightly more bitter bite.
- Drinks
1:1 in cocktails and drinks; a natural fit for margaritas and mojitos.
Methods to avoid (1)
- Frying
Not recommended: juice won't crisp and heat kills the acidity anyway.
FAQ
- How much lime juice equals one tbsp lemon juice?
1 tbsp. For a typical recipe:
- 1 tbsp lemon juice → 1 tbsp
- 2 tbsp lemon juices → 2 tbsp
- 3 tbsp lemon juices → 3 tbsp
- Can I substitute lime juice for Lemon Juice in baking?
Yes. 1:1 in batters, curds, and glazes; chemistry works, but lime reads sharper and more bitter—taste and consider a touch of zest. Not recommended: juice won't crisp and heat kills the acidity anyway.
- How much lime juice to use as a lemon juice substitute?
Slightly more bitter and tropical than lemon; works best with cilantro or chili dishes.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Lime Juice for Lemon Juice?
Lime juice keeps a similar flavor profile to lemon juice.
- How does texture change when substituting Lime Juice for Lemon Juice?
Lime juice same thin, watery consistency with light pulp; behaves identically under heat or cold.
- What else should I know about substituting Lime Juice for Lemon Juice?
For marinades, ceviche, drinks, and most baking. Expect a sharper, slightly more bitter citrus note with the same thin texture. Skip frying. Best in dishes that already lean cilantro, chili, or coconut.
- What still works when substituting Lime Juice for Lemon Juice?
Lime juice still works as a acid and flavor carrier.
- What won't work when substituting Lime Juice for Lemon Juice?
Lime juice won't work as a tenderizer.
- How well does Lime Juice match Lemon Juice?
Lime juice is good on structure, good on heat, and good on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Lime Juice for Lemon Juice?
Lime juice is slightly higher in calories and protein, and has about x3 fewer fat and x5 fewer sat. fat.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Lime Juice for Lemon Juice?
The flavor shifts toward more bitter notes.