Tandoori Marinade and Sauce
Ready to spice things up? This Tandoori marinade blends yogurt, lemon, and spices like cumin and paprika for a zesty, vibrant kick. Perfect for chicken!
Hey there, fellow foodies! If you’re ready to spice things up in the kitchen, let’s talk about a game-changer: tandoori marinade and sauce! This zesty blend is perfect for marinating meats, veggies, or even tofu, giving everything a vibrant flavor profile that’ll make your taste buds dance. Trust me, once you try this homemade tandoori sauce, you’ll want to put it on everything!

What You’ll Need
Here’s the simple lineup of ingredients that makes this marinade truly pop:
- Plain yogurt (Greek yogurt works great too!)
- Lemon juice (freshly squeezed for that zing)
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Ground turmeric
- Ground paprika (this adds a beautiful color)
- Ground garam masala (the secret spice!)
- Ground cayenne pepper (adjust this to your heat preference)
- Minced garlic (about 3-4 cloves)
- Minced ginger
- Salt
- Olive oil (for that silky texture)
Try it with these Tandoori Chicken Tacos! A mash up that is sure to impress both your family and your taste buds.
Instructions
Now, let’s whip up this delicious tandoori goodness:
- Mix It Up: Grab a small mixing bowl and toss all the ingredients in there. You want to stir until everything is well combined and smooth. This tandoori marinade is super easy—no fancy equipment needed!
- Chill Time: Pop that bowl in the fridge to let the flavors meld together. You can make this sauce ahead of time, and it’ll stay fresh for about a week, but trust me, you’ll want to use it up before then because it’s that good!
- Ready to Rock: When you’re ready to use it, just slather it on your chicken, fish, veggies, or whatever you’re craving. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better if you have the time. The longer it sits, the more flavor it packs in!
Perfect Pairings
What can you do with this magical tandoori sauce? Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Grilled Chicken: Marinate chicken thighs or breasts in this sauce and grill them for a juicy, smoky flavor.
- Tandoori Veggies: Toss some veggies like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini in the marinade for a flavorful veggie dish that’ll complement any meal.
- Tandoori Tofu: If you’re plant-based, don’t skip the tofu! Let it soak in this marinade for a hearty, flavorful dish.
- Wrap It Up: Use marinated meats or veggies in wraps or sandwiches for a tasty lunch that packs a punch.
- Dips & Sauces: Mix leftover marinade with some mayo or sour cream for a zesty dip that’s perfect for veggies or chips!
Why Tandoori?
Tandoori cooking originates from India and uses a traditional clay oven called a tandoor. This method gives the food a unique smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate. But don’t worry, you can achieve similar results on your grill or in the oven! This tandoori marinade not only infuses your food with robust flavors but also helps keep everything moist and tender—talk about a win-win!
So there you have it, my friends—a simple yet sensational tandoori marinade and sauce that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re grilling up a storm or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinners, this tandoori magic will make your meals unforgettable. Happy cooking, and may your taste buds rejoice!
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Tandoori Marinade and Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika (for color)
- 1 teaspoon ground garam masala
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (about 3-4 cloves)
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small mixing bowl and stir until well-combined. Refrigerate until ready to use. Use sauce within 1 week for best results.