This Chili Lime Marinade packs a punch of bold Mexican-inspired flavor with just 8 simple pantry ingredients, ready in under 5 minutes. It’s your go-to for adding vibrant zest and smoky spice to chicken, steak, pork, seafood, veggies, and even fruit!
Why You’ll Love This Marinade
Mexican cuisine is famous for bold, balanced flavors — smoky, spicy, tangy, and a touch sweet all at once. This chili lime marinade captures that magic perfectly. Inspired by the classic chili lime seasoning Tajín, it delivers bright citrus, smoky depth, and a hint of heat and sweetness.
It’s incredibly versatile and easy to make. Just whisk together olive oil, fresh lime zest and juice, garlic, ancho chile powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and a little agave nectar for sweetness. Marinate your favorite protein or veggies for a few hours and grill, roast, or pan-sear to perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Olive oil — a smooth base to carry all the flavors
- Fresh lime zest & juice — for bright acidity and tang
- Garlic — adds aromatic depth
- Agave nectar — balances heat with a subtle sweetness (honey or maple syrup work too)
- Ancho chile powder — mild smoky heat from dried poblano peppers
- Ground cumin — warm earthiness
- Smoked paprika — smoky richness
- Dried oregano — peppery herb flavor
- Salt & black pepper — essential seasoning
How to Make It
- Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl or jar until combined.
- Pour over your choice of meat, seafood, tofu, or veggies.
- Cover and refrigerate for 6–8 hours (no longer than 8 hours to avoid texture changes from the lime’s acidity).
- Grill, roast, or broil until nicely charred and cooked through.
What to Marinate
- Chicken: Perfect on thighs or breasts, great for fajitas or tacos
- Beef: Ribeye, flank, or skirt steak soak up the flavors beautifully
- Pork: Tender chops or pork tenderloin pair wonderfully
- Seafood: Salmon, shrimp, or white fish with a zesty kick
- Tofu: Great for plant-based tacos or bowls
- Veggies & Fruit: Summer squash, peppers, pineapple, or mango come alive with this marinade
Pro Tips
- For easy prep and cleanup, mix and store your marinade in a mason jar or gallon bag.
- Want that char-grilled flavor without a grill? Use a grill pan or finish under the broiler.
- Leftover marinade can be thickened with cornstarch to make a tasty sauce.
Final Thoughts
This chili lime marinade is a bright, zesty staple for your kitchen all year round. It transforms simple ingredients into memorable meals with bold, balanced Mexican-inspired flavor. Give it a try on your next grilling night, and get ready to come back for more!