Ginger Free Smoky Paprika Cilantro Lime Marinade
Bold, smoky, and bright with citrus, this marinade punches well above its weight for something that comes together in a single bowl. Smoked paprika and cumin lay down a deep, earthy backbone, while fresh lime juice and zest cut right through with a sharp, clean brightness. A handful of chopped cilantro ties everything together and gives the finished dish that unmistakable fresh herb lift. Many store-bought marinades and spice blends sneak in ginger as a background note, so mixing your own from scratch is the cleanest way to stay in control of every ingredient. The formula is flexible enough to work on fish, chicken, or vegetables — just adjust the marinating time based on what you're cooking. Whisk it up in minutes, and it keeps in the fridge for up to three days, so you can prep ahead and have weeknight dinners basically sorted.
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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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