Nutmeg Free Cilantro-Lime Turmeric Marinade
Bright, citrusy, and deeply aromatic, this marinade brings serious flavor to whatever protein or vegetables you throw at it. Fresh lime juice and zest give it a punchy backbone, while ground turmeric adds that gorgeous golden color and earthy warmth. Cilantro, garlic, and cumin round everything out into something that tastes like it took way more effort than a single bowl and a whisk. For anyone navigating spice blends carefully, this recipe is built entirely from scratch — no pre-mixed seasonings, no mystery additives, just whole ingredients you can see and control. It works beautifully on chicken, shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables, and the flavors genuinely deepen the longer it sits in the fridge. A quick 30-minute soak is enough to get the job done, but an overnight marinade 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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