Lime-Garlic Cilantro Marinade

Add Preferred Source

This zesty Lime-Garlic Cilantro Marinade is a quick and flavorful way to enhance grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables. It’s fresh, bold, and only takes a few minutes to prepare. The perfect balance of lime, garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice will add a lively touch to any dish.

Made with cilantro, lime juice, garlic, and a little jalapeño, this marinade is one of my top favorites. It’s ideal for grilling or anytime you need to brighten up your proteins and veggies. Best of all, it comes together in just five minutes in the blender.

I love how adaptable this marinade is. It also works beautifully as a dressing for roasted vegetables or grain bowls. The lime brings a refreshing citrusy flavor, while the garlic and cumin provide a nice depth. This is a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.

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

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Add all of the ingredients to a blender or food processor. Blend until the marinade is smooth and well combined, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed.

Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning by adding more lime juice for brightness, salt for balance, or garlic for a stronger bite.

Use the marinade immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Marinate meats, poultry, seafood, or vegetables for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours, depending on the protein, before cooking.

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• For a thinner marinade, add a bit of water or more olive oil.
• To transform this into a creamy dressing, mix in ½ cup of mayo and enough lime juice or water to reach the desired consistency.
• Be mindful of cross-contamination: discard any marinade that’s touched raw meat or seafood.

Serving Suggestion

This marinade is perfect for grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp. It’s also great on roasted veggies, tofu, or as a drizzle for rice bowls. Serve with warm tortillas, black beans, and a fresh salad for a full, tasty meal.

Storage

Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best flavor, use it fresh, as it contains fresh herbs and lime juice. If the oil solidifies in the fridge, let it warm up to room temperature and give it a quick shake or stir before using. For longer storage, freeze the marinade in an ice cube tray for easy portioning—perfect for quick meals!