This classic Tandoori marinade is the secret to achieving restaurant-quality grilled meats at home. The base of plain yogurt not only adds a creamy tang but also helps tenderize the protein, allowing the complex spice blend to penetrate deeply. Key ingredients like fresh ginger, jalapeno, and a robust mix of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom create a warm, earthy, and slightly spicy flavor profile. The lemon juice brightens the overall taste, while paprika provides a beautiful color. Perfect for chicken thighs, lamb chops, or shrimp, this marinade is best when used generously and allowed to sit for several hours or overnight. Its an essential staple for any cook looking to elevate their grilling game with authentic international flavors.
Tandori Marinade
Description
This classic Tandoori marinade is the secret to achieving restaurant-quality grilled meats at home. The base of plain yogurt not only adds a creamy tang but also helps tenderize the protein, allowing the complex spice blend to penetrate deeply. Key ingredients like fresh ginger, jalapeno, and a robust mix of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom create a warm, earthy, and slightly spicy flavor profile. The lemon juice brightens the overall taste, while paprika provides a beautiful color. Perfect for chicken thighs, lamb chops, or shrimp, this marinade is best when used generously and allowed to sit for several hours or overnight. Its an essential staple for any cook looking to elevate their grilling game with authentic international flavors.Ingredients
Directions
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Peel the fresh ginger root and mince it finely.
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Split the jalapeno pepper, remove the seeds, and mince it finely.
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Place the minced ginger, garlic powder, and minced jalapeno into a mixing bowl.
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Whisk in the plain yogurt, lemon juice, crumbled bay leaves, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, cardamom, and ground cloves until smooth.
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Season the mixture with salt to taste, stirring until fully combined.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 291.2kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9.7g15%
- Saturated Fat 3.3g17%
- Cholesterol 13.4mg5%
- Sodium 7385.9mg308%
- Total Carbohydrate 56.0g19%
- Dietary Fiber 18.7g75%
- Sugars 8.4g
- Protein 10.5g21%
* 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
This marinade makes enough to coat about 2 pounds of meat, such as chicken thighs, lamb chops, or shrimp.
For best results, marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
If you prefer a milder heat, remove the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeno before mincing. For extra heat, leave some seeds in.
Use full-fat plain yogurt for the creamiest texture and best browning results. Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute.
Store any unused marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not reuse marinade that has touched raw meat unless it is boiled first.
