BHA & BHT Free Smoky Paprika Cilantro Lime Marinade
Bold, smoky, and bright with citrus, this marinade is the kind of thing that makes weeknight grilling feel like an event. Smoked paprika and cumin lay down a deep, earthy backbone while fresh lime juice and zest cut right through with a sharp, clean tang. Turmeric adds a subtle warmth and a gorgeous golden hue, and the fresh cilantro and minced garlic round everything out with herby, pungent punch. For anyone avoiding synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT, store-bought marinades and spice blends can be a minefield — those additives show up in packaged seasonings more often than you'd expect. This recipe sidesteps all of that by relying entirely on whole spices, fresh herbs, extra virgin olive oil, and real lime juice, so you know exactly what's going into every drop. No labels to decode, no hidden ingredients to worry about. The technique is simple: whisk the oil and lime together first to get a loose emulsion, then work in the spices before folding in the cilantro. It comes together in minutes and keeps in the fridge for up to three days, making it easy to prep ahead for the week. Use it on chicken, fish, or vegetables — just adjust the marinating time based on what you're cooking and you're set.
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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
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- 1
Combine the olive oil, lime juice, and lime zest in a small bowl and whisk until the oil and juice are loosely emulsified.
- 2
Add the smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, cayenne (if using), garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the spices are fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform in color.
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