Best 6 Costa Rican Lime Marinade Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to Costa Rica and discover the tantalizing flavors of their traditional lime marinade. This vibrant marinade, also known as "Adobo", forms the heart of many beloved Costa Rican dishes, offering a perfect blend of zesty limes, aromatic herbs, and a hint of heat.

With its versatility, the Costa Rican lime marinade can elevate various proteins, vegetables, and seafood to new heights of flavor. Picture succulent grilled chicken or fish, infused with the marinade's tangy citrus notes and earthy undertones. Vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, when marinated and grilled, take on a delightful smoky and zesty character.

The marinade's versatility extends beyond grilling. It can be used as a flavorful base for slow-cooked stews, adding depth and complexity to dishes like "Carne Asada" or "Pollo Guisado." Its zesty tang also shines in ceviche, the iconic seafood dish where fresh fish or shrimp is cured in the marinade, resulting in a refreshing and tangy delight.

Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the recipes that showcase the Costa Rican lime marinade in all its glory. From the classic grilled chicken or fish to the aromatic slow-cooked stews and the refreshing ceviche, these recipes will transport you to the vibrant heart of Costa Rican cuisine.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SOY LIME MARINADE



Soy Lime Marinade image

An excellent marinade for any meat. I've tried this with fish, chicken, pork and beef, so like I said, ANY meat! Marinade should be good for up to 2 pounds of meat, this is an extremely flavorful marinade, a little bit goes a LONG way! Garnish your meat with lime wedges! Enjoy!

Provided by KPD123

Categories     Meat

Time 5m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup green onion, finely sliced
1/4 cup lime juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients and marinate with your choice of meat!
  • Marinade for less than 2 hours for chicken or fish, and marinade no more than 4 hours for beef or pork. Use your judgment, DH and I like super strong flavors and will marinate for up to 8 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 73, Fat 0.1, Sodium 2015, Carbohydrate 15.6, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 12.2, Protein 4.1

COSTA RICAN LIME MARINADE



Costa Rican Lime Marinade image

This is from reciperewards.com and is good for a lot of different meats. I decided to put the minimun eight hours for marinading in the prep time, because there is no cooking involved, just the putting together of the ingredients for the marinade.

Provided by Studentchef

Categories     Low Protein

Time 8h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped or 1/2 teaspoon lime zest
1/3 cup lime juice
1/4 cup tomato juice 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon red pepper sauce
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Mix all ingredients in shallow non-metal dish or resealable plastic bag. Add up to 3 pounds chicken, pork or beef, turning to coat with marinade.
  • Cover dish or seal bag and refrigerate, turning meat occasionally, at least 8 hours but no longer than 24 hours.
  • Remove meat from marinade; discard marinade. Grill meat as desired.
  • Yield: 8 servings.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 13.8, Fat 1.1, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 3539.3, Carbohydrate 1.1, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 0.2, Protein 0.1

CILANTRO-LIME MARINADE



Cilantro-Lime marinade image

I actually made this up while trying to imitate a lime salad dressing I had tasted. It makes enough to marinate 4 boneless chicken breasts. Great for fajitas!

Provided by Leighmcl

Categories     Lime

Time 1m

Yield 1/2 Cup

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 limes, juice of
1/3 cup olive oil or 1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Toss all the ingredients into a mini food processor and pulse until combined.
  • Marinate meat for 1/2 hour.
  • Grill.
  • Eat.
  • Say: Yumm.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1411.3, Fat 145.2, SaturatedFat 20, Sodium 56.9, Carbohydrate 37, Fiber 2.5, Sugar 20.2, Protein 2.1

JALAPEñO AND LIME-MARINATED SKIRT STEAK TACOS



Jalapeño and Lime-Marinated Skirt Steak Tacos image

A spicy, tangy marinade helps tenderize this flavorful cut of meat that's perfect for tacos.

Provided by Rhoda Boone

Categories     Steak     Jalapeño     Lime Juice     Tortillas     Cheese     Lunch     Dinner     Summer     Grill     Sugar Conscious     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added

Yield Makes 8 tacos

Number Of Ingredients 16

For the steak and marinade:
1 medium jalapeño, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 pound skirt steak, cut crosswise into 5-6-inch segments
For the tacos:
8 (8-inch) corn tortillas
Homemade or store-bought tomatillo salsa (for serving)
1/2 medium avocado, sliced
1/3 cup sour cream, thinned with a tablespoon of water or lime juice
Crumbled queso fresco (optional), cilantro leaves, thinly sliced red onion, and lime wedges (for serving)

Steps:

  • Marinate and cook the steak:
  • Combine jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, oil, salt, pepper, and cumin in a large resealable bag or bowl. Add steak and toss to coat; if using bowl, wrap with plastic. Marinate at least 30 minutes at room temperature or chill up to overnight in refrigerator, tossing occasionally.
  • Let steak sit at room temperature 30 minutes before cooking if chilled. Prepare a grill or grill pan for medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade, scraping off any bits that cling to meat; discard marinade. Grill steak 2-3 minutes per side for medium rare. Let rest 10 minutes before thinly slicing against the grain.
  • Assemble the tacos:
  • Warm tortillas in a microwave, oven, or over a gas flame. Divide steak among tortillas, then top with salsa, avocado, sour cream, queso fresco, if using, cilantro, and onion. Serve with lime wedges alongside.
  • Do Ahead
  • Steak can be marinated 1 day ahead; keep chilled.

COSTA RICAN MARINADE



Costa Rican Marinade image

This marinade can be used with beef, chicken, or pork. Posted for ZWT 4 - South/Central America and found on Recipe Goldmine's website.

Provided by lauralie41

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time P1DT30m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 teaspoon lime zest
1/3 cup lime juice
1/4 cup tomato juice
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon red pepper sauce
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Steps:

  • Using a shallow non-metal dish or reasealable plastic bag add all the ingredients and mix together well.
  • Up to 3 pounds of beef, chicken, or pork can be placed in the marinade and refrigerated for 8 hours but no longer than 24.
  • Cover the dish or seal the plastic bag and turn meat occasionally.
  • Grill meat to desired doneness and discard remaining marinade.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 19.9, Fat 1.5, SaturatedFat 0.2, Sodium 127.2, Carbohydrate 1.9, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 0.6, Protein 0.2

HONEY LIME MARINADE FOR GRILLED CHICKEN



Honey Lime Marinade for Grilled Chicken image

If you are looking for a marinade that really brings your chicken alive and produces sweet and juicy flavorful meat then this 5 ingredient marinade is one you should add to your list. I found this recipe some time ago and it is delicious. I've since misplaced the site it came from so decided to enter it here to make sure that it's always available. ***As a tip you can slice the chicken breasts so that they cook faster and are easier to portion bases on the appetite of the person eating.

Provided by DearOlDad

Categories     Poultry

Time 4h15m

Yield 4 Breasts, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon chopped fresh garlic
4 large boneless chicken breasts

Steps:

  • Add soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, honey, and garlic to a small bowl in that order (the olive oil will help the honey slide right out of the spoon). Whisk together thoroughly.
  • Place chicken in a large Ziploc bag and pour the marinade inches Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Preferred time is 1-4 hours.
  • After marinating, grill chicken over high heat for about five minutes per side for slices or seven minutes per side for whole breasts, until cooked through.
  • Additional marinade can be made and then reduced down to serve over rice as a complimentary side to the grilled chicken.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Limes: Key limes, also known as Mexican limes, are the traditional choice for this marinade, as they offer a more intense and aromatic flavor compared to regular limes. If key limes are unavailable, regular limes can be used, but the flavor may be slightly less pronounced.
  • Balance the Flavors: The marinade strikes a delicate balance between sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Adjust the amounts of honey, lime juice, and garlic to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a sweeter marinade, add more honey. For a tangier marinade, increase the lime juice. And if you want a more savory marinade, add more garlic.
  • Marinate for Optimal Flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor penetration.
  • Versatile Marinade: This marinade is not just limited to chicken. It can be used to marinate other meats, such as pork, beef, or fish. The marinade's bold flavors will complement a variety of proteins.
  • Serving Suggestions: Once the chicken is cooked, there are endless ways to enjoy it. Serve it with rice and beans for a classic Costa Rican meal. Or, use it in tacos, burritos, or salads for a flavorful and versatile dish.

Conclusion:

This Costa Rican lime marinade is a vibrant and flavorful blend of citrus, herbs, and spices that will elevate any chicken dish. Its zesty and tangy profile is perfect for grilled, roasted, or pan-fried chicken. Whether you're looking to impress guests at a backyard barbecue or simply enjoy a delicious and authentic Costa Rican meal at home, this marinade is sure to deliver. So, gather your ingredients, prepare the marinade, and let the flavors work their magic. Your taste buds will thank you!

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