MSG Free Smoky Paprika Cilantro Lime Marinade
Bold, smoky, and bright with citrus, this marinade packs serious depth from a short list of whole spices and fresh ingredients you can feel good about. Store-bought marinades and spice blends are one of the sneakiest places for hidden flavor enhancers to show up, but every single ingredient here is clean and straightforward — nothing processed, nothing ambiguous on a label. Smoked paprika and cumin build a warm, earthy backbone, while fresh lime juice and zest cut right through with acidity that also helps tenderize whatever you're marinating. A hit of turmeric adds subtle complexity and a gorgeous golden hue, and the fresh cilantro stirred in at the end keeps the whole thing tasting vibrant and alive. It works beautifully on chicken, fish, or vegetables — just adjust your marinating time based on what you're cooking, and you'll pull something genuinely impressive out of the fridge. Whisk it together in minutes, and it keeps for up to three days, so you can prep ahead and have a flavor-packed weeknight dinner 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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