Description
This zesty chili lime marinade is a quick and flavorful way to infuse your favorite proteins and vegetables with a tangy, smoky, and mildly sweet taste. Ready in just 5 minutes, it combines fresh lime juice, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, and a hint of agave nectar to create a vibrant blend that enhances grilled, roasted, sautéed, or broiled dishes. Ideal for chicken, steak, shrimp, tofu, pork, or vegetables, it elevates any meal with bright citrus notes balanced by warm spices and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Fresh Lime Juice & Zest
- 2 tablespoons Ancho Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (DeLallo brand noted)
- 1 tablespoon Agave Nectar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients until fully emulsified and smooth, creating a vibrant blend of flavors that balances acidity, spice, and sweetness.
- Marinate the Protein or Vegetables: Add your choice of protein—such as chicken, steak, shrimp, tofu, or pork—or vegetables to the marinade. Toss gently to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Refrigerate to Infuse Flavors: Cover the marinated ingredients and refrigerate for approximately 6 hours. Avoid going beyond 8 hours to prevent the marinade’s acidity from altering the texture of the food.
- Cook Your Dish: Choose your preferred cooking method: grill, broil, roast, sauté, or use a stovetop grill pan. For an indoor grilling effect, finish the protein or vegetables under the broiler or on a grill pan to develop beautiful caramelized char spots and cook fully through.
- Serve or Use as Sauce: Serve the cooked protein or vegetables directly with the marinade flavor or use the leftover marinade as a delicious sauce to complement your dish.
Notes
- For best results, marinate proteins for about 6 hours but no longer than 8 hours to avoid overly soft textures.
- You can substitute agave nectar with honey or a mild sweetener if preferred.
- If using tofu or vegetables, adjust marinating time to 2-4 hours to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for maximum brightness in flavor.
- This marinade pairs well with a variety of proteins and can be adapted based on your favorite spices.
- Ensure proper food safety by refrigerating during marination and cooking proteins to recommended internal temperatures.
