Cinnamon 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 do the heavy lifting on depth and warmth, while fresh lime juice, lime zest, and a generous handful of cilantro keep everything lively and vibrant. A touch of turmeric adds an earthy undertone and a gorgeous golden hue that looks stunning on chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables alike. For anyone navigating a cinnamon sensitivity, spice blends and store-bought marinades can be a minefield — many pre-made options sneak in warming spices that aren't always obvious on the label. This one is built entirely from scratch with a short, transparent ingredient list, so you know exactly what's going in. Every component earns its place, and there's nothing hidden in the mix. Whisking the olive oil and lime juice together first creates a loose emulsion that helps the spices distribute evenly and cling to whatever you're marinating. The garlic goes in finely minced so it infuses the whole batch rather than sitting in clumps. Whether you're working with a quick fish fillet or a longer soak for thicker chicken pieces, this marinade is flexible enough to fit your schedule — and it keeps in the fridge for up to three days, so you can prep ahead and have dinner more or less ready to go.
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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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