Honey Free Smoky Paprika Cilantro Lime Marinade
Bold, smoky, and bright with citrus, this marinade punches way 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 tang. Turmeric adds a gorgeous golden hue and a subtle warmth, and the fresh cilantro stirred in at the end keeps everything tasting vibrant and alive. Many store-bought marinades sneak in sweeteners to balance acidity, but this one achieves that balance entirely through spice layering and the natural richness of extra virgin olive oil — no added sweeteners of any kind. It works beautifully on chicken, fish, or vegetables, with flexible marinating times built right into the instructions so you can plan around whatever you're cooking. Make a batch at the start of the week and keep it in the fridge for up to three days, ready to transform a weeknight dinner with almost zero effort.
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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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