Honey Free Cilantro-Lime Turmeric Marinade
This bright, punchy marinade layers fresh lime juice, golden turmeric, toasted cumin, and a generous handful of cilantro into something that genuinely transforms whatever protein or vegetables you throw it on. The base is completely free of honey — and since the recipe lists it only as a fully optional add-in, you can skip it without losing any depth or balance. Olive oil, citrus, and aromatics do all the heavy lifting here, so the result is vibrant and satisfying on its own terms. A quick whisk is all it takes to bring everything together, and the mixture actually gets better after a day or two in the fridge as the garlic and spices meld. It works beautifully on chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even thick-cut vegetables before roasting or grilling. The cayenne is optional too, so you can dial the heat up or down depending on who's eating.
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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)
Can be omittedraw honey
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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