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Distinction Between Tikka Masala and Tandoori Masala

  • March 19, 2025 5:10 PM +06

    Grounds

    Tikka Masala: This thick, creamy curry is typically used in recipes like chicken tikka masala.

    Tandoori Masala: When grilling or roasting meats, seafood, or vegetables—often in a tandoor oven—Tanddoori Masala is used as a marinade.

    1. Ingredients
      • Tikka Masala Paste: Contains tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, paprika, and yoghurt or cream for a mild, creamy texture.
      • Tandoori Paste: Contains yoghurt, garlic, ginger, red chilli powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, paprika, lemon juice, and mustard oil for a tangy, smoky, and spicier profile.
    2. Flavor Profile
    • Tikka Masala Paste is creamy, subtly sweet, mildly spicy, and faintly acidic.
    • Tandoori Paste: It tastes bolder and burnt and is smokier, tangier, and spicy.
    • Application
    • Tikka masala paste is added to curries when cooked with meat or vegetables.
    • Meat or vegetables can be marinated in Tandoori Paste before being grilled or roasted.
    1. Cooking Technique
      • Tikka Masala Paste: Typically cooked in a pan with other ingredients to make a sauce.
      • Tandoori Pasteis used for marination and then cooked in a grill, oven, or tandoor for a smoky effect. MORE ON tandoori chicken tikka recipe.

    In short, tikka masala paste is for curries, while tandoori paste is for marination and grilling.