Add Preferred SourceThis Lime-Garlic Cilantro Marinade brings bold, fresh flavors to your grilled dishes, seafood, or vegetables. Its zesty lime, fragrant garlic, and herb combination make it an easy way to add flavor to any meal in just a few minutes. It’s delish with shrimp, chicken, veggies and more!
Perfect for grilling season, this marinade is made with fresh cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a touch of jalapeño. It’s my go-to marinade for adding a punch of flavor to proteins or veggies. Even better, it takes just five minutes to make in a blender.
I love the versatility of this marinade—it also works well as a bright dressing over roasted veggies or grain bowls. The lime adds freshness, while the garlic and cumin offer warmth and depth. It’s a simple, flavorful recipe that you’ll want to make again and again!
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Ingredients
- Cilantro – Include the stems; just remove the bottom inch.
- Juice of 1 lime – About 3-4 tablespoons.
- Olive oil – Or any cooking oil.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is the only way to roll with this recipe!
- Dried cumin
- Jalapeño – Seeds removed or use a serrano chili for more heat.
- Kosher salt and black pepper
How To Make Lime-Garlic Cilantro Marinade
- Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and pulse until everything is finely chopped.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lime juice, garlic, or salt as needed.
- Use immediately as a marinade for meat, poultry, seafood, or vegetables.
Step-By-Step Process
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- For a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon or two of water or more olive oil.
- To make this marinade into a creamy dressing, add ½ cup of mayo and enough water or lime juice to thin it out.
- Don’t cross contaminate! Discard any leftover marinade if it came in contact with raw meats or seafood.
Recommended
Serving Suggestion
Use this marinade to add bright, herby flavor to grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. It’s also delicious on roasted vegetables, tofu, or drizzled over rice bowls. Pair it with warm tortillas, black beans, and a fresh salad for a flavorful, well-rounded meal.
Storage
Store any leftover, unused Lime-Garlic Cilantro Marinade in an airtight container or a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since it contains fresh herbs and lime juice, it’s best used fresh for the brightest flavor. If the oil solidifies slightly in the fridge, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a quick stir or shake before using again. For longer storage, you can freeze the marinade in small portions using an ice cube tray—perfect for quick weeknight meals!
Lime-Garlic Cilantro Marinade
Ingredients
- 1 cup cilantro
- 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
- Add all the ingredients to a blender or food processor and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more lime juice, salt, or garlic as needed.
- Use immediately as a marinade for meat, poultry, seafood, or vegetables.
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- For a thinner consistency, add a tablespoon or two of water or more olive oil.
- To make this marinade into a creamy dressing, add ½ cup of mayo and enough water or lime juice to thin it out.
- Don’t cross contaminate! Discard any leftover marinade if it came in contact with raw meats or seafood.
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.