MSG Free Cilantro-Lime Turmeric Marinade
Bright, citrusy, and deeply aromatic, this marinade layers fresh lime, golden turmeric, and fragrant cilantro into something that makes whatever it touches taste genuinely special. Every single ingredient is whole and recognizable — olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, ground spices — so there's no guesswork about what's actually going into your food. That matters a lot when you're trying to avoid the hidden additives and flavor enhancers that sneak into so many bottled marinades and spice blends at the store. The turmeric and cumin bring an earthy warmth that plays beautifully against the sharp brightness of fresh lime juice and zest, while the optional honey rounds out any bitterness without tipping the whole thing sweet. It comes together in one bowl with a whisk, and the flavors only get better after a day or two in the fridge. Use it on chicken, shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables — the 30-minute minimum marinating time is all you really need, though a longer soak takes things to another level entirely.
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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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