Beef Free Cilantro-Lime Turmeric Marinade
Bright, herby, and deeply aromatic, this marinade is built around fresh lime, golden turmeric, and a generous handful of cilantro — the kind of combination that makes whatever it touches taste like it came from a serious kitchen. It works beautifully on chicken, fish, shrimp, tofu, or a tray of vegetables, making it an incredibly versatile staple to keep in your fridge. Every ingredient here is plant-based and naturally free from any animal proteins, so there's zero guesswork about what's in it. Whisking it together takes just a few minutes, and the flavors actually get better after a day or two in the refrigerator as the garlic and spices meld into the oil and citrus. The optional cayenne adds a gentle kick, and a touch of raw honey rounds out the acidity if you want a slightly more complex finish. Whether you're planning a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for a cookout, this is the kind of marinade that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
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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.
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