Tandoori Marinade

Written by
Derrick Riches
Derrick Riches is a grilling and barbecue expert. He has written two cookbooks.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Derrick Riches
Updated 04/07/19
Tandoori Marinade

Cultura RM / Brett Stevens / Getty Images
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 5 mins
Total: 15 mins
Serving: 1 serving
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
879 Calories
47g Fat
101g Carbs
31g Protein
See Full Nutritional Guidelines Hide Full Nutritional Guidelines
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 879
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 47g 60%
Saturated Fat 10g 51%
Cholesterol 48mg 16%
Sodium 280mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 101g 37%
Dietary Fiber 13g 48%
Protein 31g
Calcium 1118mg 86%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This delicious tandoori marinade is the perfect complement to grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Toast the spices for added flavor or simply mix and use.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup onion (pureed)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 teaspoons ginger (fresh, minced)
  • 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped)
  • 3 tablespoons cumin powder
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons red pepper (chili powder works)
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • 1 1/2 cups ​yogurt (plain)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato puree (or tomato paste)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steps to Make It

  1. Heat oil in the pan.

  2. Add pureed onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes.

  3. Add spices and cook for another 2 minutes. If the mixture is too dry, add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. The spices should be paste-like. Remove pot from heat and add in lemon juice, yogurt, salt, cilantro, and tomato paste. Mix well. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before using it as a marinade.

  4. If you opt to toast the spices, make sure they are in their whole form. For instance, replace black pepper with peppercorns, cumin powder with cumin seeds, and use whole cloves. Toast in a small skillet over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, until spices become fragrant. Move spices around while they toast or else they will burn. Remove from pan and either grind by hand with mortar and pestle or place into a spice grinder on a medium-grind setting. Follow the rest of the instructions above for the perfect marinade.

  5. Marinate beef, pork, and lamb for 6 to 12 hours, chicken for 4 to 8 hours, fish, seafood and vegetables for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Recipe Tags: