Artificial Flavors Free Cilantro-Lime Turmeric Marinade
This bright, punchy marinade is built entirely from real, whole ingredients — fresh lime juice, fragrant cilantro, warming turmeric, and good olive oil — so there's no mystery about what's going into your food. Store-bought marinades are notorious for hiding synthetic flavor enhancers and artificial additives behind vague ingredient labels, but everything here is exactly what it says it is. The combination of citrus, garlic, and earthy spices creates a layered, complex flavor that honestly tastes like it took way more effort than whisking a bowl together. Turmeric brings a gorgeous golden color and a subtle depth that plays beautifully against the sharp lime zest and fresh cilantro. A touch of raw honey and cayenne are optional, but both are natural additions that round out the heat and brightness without reaching for anything artificial. The marinade gets even better after a day in the fridge, making it a smart make-ahead move for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling. Whether you're coating chicken, fish, tofu, or vegetables, this is the kind of from-scratch staple that makes you wonder why you ever bought the bottled stuff.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp raw honey (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Zest and juice the limes directly into a small bowl, catching any seeds.
- 2
Add the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Add the cayenne and honey, if using. Whisk until the oil and lime juice are fully combined and the mixture looks uniform.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!