Lupin Free Smoky Paprika Cilantro Lime Marinade
Bold, smoky, and bright with citrus, this marinade is the kind of thing that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something worth talking about. Smoked paprika and cumin build a deep, earthy backbone, while fresh lime juice and zest cut right through with a sharp, clean tang. A handful of freshly chopped cilantro ties it all together, giving the whole mixture a herby lift that bottled marinades simply can't replicate. Everything gets whisked together in a single bowl — no special equipment, no complicated technique, just pantry spices and fresh ingredients doing exactly what they're supposed to do. It works beautifully on chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables, with flexible marinating times so you can plan ahead or pull it together last minute. Because every ingredient here is a whole, recognizable food — olive oil, garlic, spices, citrus — there's no need to scan labels or second-guess what's hiding in the mix. Make a batch at the start of the week and keep it in the fridge for up to three days; dinner basically plans itself.
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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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