Tandoori sauce is a vibrant and aromatic blend of spices, yogurt, and lemon juice, traditionally used as a marinade in Indian cuisine. Known for its deep, smoky flavor and often bright red hue, the sauce is a key component in dishes like Tandoori chicken. The combination of spices such as cumin, coriander, garam masala, and paprika, mixed with garlic, ginger, and yogurt, creates a rich and tangy marinade that infuses meats and vegetables with a distinctive flavor. Whether grilled, baked, or cooked on the stovetop, Tandoori sauce brings a burst of flavor to any dish, making it a favorite in many households.
Tandoori Sauce Recipe
The combination of spices such as cumin, coriander, garam masala, and paprika, mixed with garlic, ginger, and yogurt, creates a rich and tangy marinade that infuses meats and vegetables with a distinctive flavor. Whether grilled, baked, or cooked on the stovetop, Tandoori sauce brings a burst of flavor to any dish, making it a favorite in many households.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt, lemon juice, and vegetable oil.
Add Spices
Add the garlic paste, ginger paste, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, and red chili powder to the yogurt mixture. Mix well until all the spices are fully incorporated.
Color (Optional)
If you prefer the traditional red color, add a few drops of red food coloring. This is optional and purely for visual appeal.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and spice levels according to your preference.
Use or Store
- The tandoori sauce is ready to use as a marinade for chicken, fish, or vegetables. Marinate the food for at least 1-2 hours (or overnight for a deeper flavor) before cooking.
- If you have extra sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
This sauce can be used to make tandoori dishes in an oven, on a grill, or even in a stovetop pan. Enjoy the rich and smoky flavors it brings to your meals!
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 54kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 3.6g6%
- Total Carbohydrate 5g2%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 0.1g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Tandoori sauce is primarily used as a marinade but can also be adapted as a dipping sauce or a base for other dishes.
- The sauce's signature red color comes from the addition of paprika and sometimes food coloring, though this is optional.
- Adjust the level of heat in the sauce by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper or red chili powder.
- Marinate meats or vegetables for at least 1-2 hours for best results; overnight marination will yield even more intense flavors.