Nutmeg Free Smoky Paprika Cilantro Lime Marinade
Bold, smoky, and bright with citrus, this marinade delivers serious depth of flavor from a short list of pantry-friendly spices. Smoked paprika and cumin do the heavy lifting, while fresh lime juice and zest cut through the richness of the olive oil for a beautifully balanced base. A handful of freshly chopped cilantro and a hit of garlic round everything out, making it just as good on grilled chicken as it is on roasted vegetables or fish. Warm spice blends can be a minefield when you're avoiding nutmeg, since it sneaks into so many seasoning mixes and marinades without much fanfare — here, every ingredient is spelled out clearly, and there's not a trace of it anywhere in the bowl. Whisking it together takes only a few minutes, and it keeps in the fridge for up to three days, so you can prep ahead and have a flavor-packed weeknight dinner ready to go. Whether you're going bold with the optional cayenne or keeping it mellow, this is the kind of versatile marinade that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!