Cilantro Lime Marinade
Transform your dishes with the vibrant, zesty flavors of this homemade Cilantro Lime Marinade! Bursting with fresh cilantro, tangy lime juice, and a touch of honey, this marinade strikes the perfect balance of brightness and warmth, thanks to aromatic garlic, ground cumin, and a hint of red pepper flakes. Its versatility makes it ideal for infusing chicken, shrimp, vegetables, or tofu with bold, Southwest-inspired flavor in just 10 minutes of prep time. Whether you're grilling, baking, or sautéing, this marinade ensures juicy, well-seasoned results every time. Plus, its simple ingredient list and make-ahead convenience make it a must-have for easy weeknight meals or backyard barbecues.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup (packed) fresh cilantro leaves
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 0.33 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thinning)
Instructions
Start by thoroughly washing the fresh cilantro leaves under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
In a blender or food processor, combine the cilantro leaves, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, honey, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Blend the ingredients on high speed until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. If the marinade is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water and blend again until the desired consistency is achieved.
Taste the marinade and adjust seasonings if necessary (e.g., more salt for balance or more lime juice for tanginess).
Use the marinade immediately or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
To use the marinade, pour it over your protein or vegetables of choice in a resealable bag or shallow dish, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 6 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
Grill, bake, or sauté the marinated ingredients as desired. Enjoy the bright and tangy flavors of the Cilantro Lime Marinade!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
807 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 77.3 g | 99% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.5 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 654 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.3 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.0 g | ||
| Protein | 4.4 g | 9% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 171 mg | 13% | |
| Iron | 5.2 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 752 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
