Vegan Smoky Paprika Cilantro Lime Marinade
This marinade punches way above its weight, layering smoky depth, bright citrus, and earthy warmth into every drop. Smoked paprika and cumin do the heavy lifting on flavor, while fresh lime juice and zest cut through with a sharp, lively acidity that keeps everything balanced. A pinch of turmeric adds a gorgeous golden hue, and the fresh cilantro stirred in at the end keeps the whole thing tasting vibrant rather than flat. Everything here is 100% plant-based — no honey, no fish sauce, no hidden animal products — just pantry spices, good olive oil, and fresh aromatics working together beautifully. It comes together in one bowl with nothing more than a whisk, which makes it a genuinely low-effort way to add serious character to vegetables, tofu, or legume-based proteins. The recipe even gives you a make-ahead option, so you can prep it up to three days in advance and have bold, ready-to-go flavor waiting in the fridge whenever you need it.
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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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