Fish Free Smoky Paprika Cilantro Lime Marinade
Bold, smoky, and bright with citrus, this marinade is the kind of thing that makes weeknight cooking 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 lift. A touch of turmeric adds warmth and a gorgeous golden hue, and the fresh cilantro stirred in at the end keeps everything tasting alive and vibrant. Every single ingredient here is plant-based and pantry-friendly, so there's zero guesswork about hidden seafood derivatives or fish-based additives that sneak into some store-bought marinades. Whisking the olive oil and lime juice together first creates a loose emulsion that helps the spices cling evenly to whatever you're coating. It works beautifully on chicken, vegetables, or hearty proteins — just give it enough time in the fridge to do its thing. Make a batch at the start of the week and you've got a flavor-packed shortcut ready to go for days.
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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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