Coconut Free Cilantro-Lime Turmeric Marinade
Bright, punchy, and deeply aromatic, this marinade layers fresh lime juice and zest with golden turmeric, cumin, and a generous handful of cilantro for a flavor combination that works on just about everything — chicken, shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables. Every ingredient is straightforward and plant-based (aside from the optional honey), so there's no need to scan labels for hidden coconut derivatives that sneak into so many bottled marinades and sauces. The olive oil acts as the fat base here, carrying all those spices and herbs beautifully without any tropical oils in the mix. Whisking it together takes only a few minutes, and the longer it sits in the fridge, the more the garlic and turmeric mellow into something genuinely complex. A 30-minute soak is enough to get great results, but an overnight marinade will reward you with deep, layered flavor all the way through. Keep a jar in the fridge and you've got a weeknight shortcut that makes even the simplest protein feel like something special.
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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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