Cinnamon Free Cilantro-Lime Turmeric Marinade
Bright, punchy, and deeply aromatic, this marinade brings together fresh lime, golden turmeric, and a generous handful of cilantro into something that makes plain chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables feel genuinely exciting. Every ingredient earns its place — the olive oil carries the fat-soluble spices beautifully, the lime juice tenderizes and brightens, and the garlic adds a savory backbone that rounds everything out. For anyone navigating a sensitivity to cinnamon, marinades and spice blends can be a minefield, since cinnamon hides in everything from store-bought rubs to pre-mixed curry powders. Here, you control every pinch, and the warm depth comes entirely from turmeric and cumin — no cinnamon, no surprises. A touch of honey and cayenne are both optional, so you can dial the flavor profile from mellow and herby to sweet-spicy depending on your mood. The marinade comes together in one bowl with just a whisk, and it actually gets better after a day in the fridge as the flavors meld. Whether you're using it as a quick weeknight marinade or spooning it over grilled vegetables, this is the kind of versatile, from-scratch recipe worth keeping on repeat.
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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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