Vegan Cilantro-Lime Turmeric Marinade
Bright, punchy, and deeply aromatic, this marinade brings together fresh lime, golden turmeric, and a generous handful of cilantro into something that makes just about any vegetable or plant-based protein taste genuinely exciting. The base is extra-virgin olive oil whisked with citrus juice and zest, which creates an emulsified coating that clings beautifully and carries all those warm spices right into whatever you're marinating. Turmeric and cumin give it an earthy, slightly exotic depth, while the optional cayenne lets you dial the heat up or down depending on your crowd. Everything here is straightforwardly plant-based — no animal products sneak in unless you choose to add the optional honey, which you can simply leave out to keep things fully vegan. It comes together in one bowl with just a whisk, and the flavors actually improve after a night in the fridge, so making it ahead is genuinely worth it. Use it on grilled zucchini, cauliflower steaks, tofu, or chickpeas — anything that benefits from a bold, citrusy kick before it hits the heat.
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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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