Paraben Free Cilantro-Lime Turmeric Marinade
Bright, citrusy, and deeply aromatic, this marinade brings together fresh lime, golden turmeric, and a generous handful of cilantro into something that genuinely transforms whatever it touches. Every single ingredient here is whole and recognizable — no preservatives, no synthetic additives, nothing that would raise a flag for anyone avoiding parabens or other chemical compounds commonly hidden in bottled sauces and store-bought marinades. That's the real win: you get bold, complex flavor from a short list of pantry staples and fresh produce, with zero guesswork about what's actually in the bottle. The turmeric and cumin layer in warmth and earthiness while the lime juice keeps everything lively and bright, and a little raw honey (if you use it) rounds out the heat from the optional cayenne without dulling any of the other notes. It works beautifully on chicken, fish, tofu, or roasted vegetables — just give it at least 30 minutes to work its magic in the fridge, and the flavors only get better the longer it sits. Whisking it together takes just a few minutes, and you can keep a batch refrigerated for up to three days, making it an easy go-to for weeknight cooking when you want something that tastes like you put in way more effort than you did.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!