High Fructose Corn Syrup Free Cilantro-Lime Turmeric Marinade
Bright, punchy, and deeply aromatic, this marinade layers fresh lime, golden turmeric, and fragrant cilantro into something that genuinely transforms whatever you pour it over. Every single ingredient is whole and recognizable — olive oil, fresh citrus, garlic, dried spices — so there's no guessing what's actually in your food. That matters more than people realize with bottled marinades, which routinely sneak in sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup to balance acidity and extend shelf life. Making it yourself takes about five minutes and a whisk, and the result is cleaner and more vibrant than anything from a squeeze bottle. The optional raw honey adds just a whisper of sweetness if you want it, and it plays beautifully against the heat from cayenne and the earthiness of cumin. It works on chicken, shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables — basically anything that benefits from a citrusy, herby kick. Make a batch at the start of the week and let it sit in the fridge; the flavors only get better as the garlic and spices settle in.
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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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