Lime-Garlic Cilantro Marinade
Add Preferred SourceThis vibrant Lime-Garlic Cilantro Marinade is a go-to for adding a burst of flavor to your grilled meats, seafood, or veggies. Fresh, zesty, and quick to make, it combines lime, garlic, herbs, and a touch of spice to elevate any dish.
With ingredients like fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a hint of jalapeño, this marinade is my top choice—ideal for grilling season or whenever you want to brighten up your proteins and vegetables. The best part? It only takes five minutes to blend together.
I love the versatility of this marinade. It’s not just for grilling; it makes a fantastic dressing for roasted vegetables or grain bowls. The lime adds a refreshing citrus punch, while garlic and cumin bring a warm depth. This is a simple, flavor-packed recipe that will be a regular in your kitchen all year.
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Ingredients
- Cilantro – Including the stems, just trim the bottom inch.
- Juice of lime – About 3-4 tablespoons.
- Olive oil – For roasting.
- Garlic – Peeled.
- Cumin
- Jalapeño – Seeds removed; use a serrano chili for extra heat.
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
How To Make Lime-Garlic Cilantro Marinade
- Blend all the ingredients in a food processor or blender until everything is finely chopped.
- Sample the marinade and modify the seasoning by adding more lime juice, salt, or garlic if desired.
- Apply the marinade immediately to meats, poultry, seafood, or vegetables.
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- For a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon or two of water or extra olive oil.
- To make it into a creamy dressing, blend in ½ cup mayo and add water or lime juice to reach your desired thickness.
- Remember to discard any leftover marinade if it has come into contact with raw meat or seafood to avoid contamination.
Serving Suggestions
This marinade is perfect for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. It’s also great on roasted vegetables, tofu, or as a drizzle over rice bowls. Pair it with warm tortillas, black beans, and a fresh salad for a delicious, balanced meal.
Storage
Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container or sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh herbs and lime juice, it’s best used fresh for optimal flavor. If the oil firms up in the fridge, just let it come to room temperature for a few minutes and stir or shake before using. For longer storage, freeze portions of the marinade in an ice cube tray—perfect for quick meals on busy nights!
Lime-Garlic Cilantro Marinade
Ingredients
- 1 cup cilantro trimmed
- 3-4 tablespoons lime juice
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 jalapeño seeds removed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Blend all the ingredients in a food processor or blender until everything is finely chopped.
- Sample the marinade and modify the seasoning by adding more lime juice, salt, or garlic if desired.
- Apply the marinade immediately to meats, poultry, seafood, or vegetables.
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- For a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon or two of water or extra olive oil.
- To make it into a creamy dressing, blend in ½ cup mayo and add water or lime juice to reach your desired thickness.
- Remember to discard any leftover marinade if it has come into contact with raw meat or seafood to avoid contamination.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
