🔥 Classic Tandoori Marinade Recipe

A bold, spiced yogurt-based marinade that delivers smoky, vibrant flavors ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-roasting.

🧂 Ingredients (For ~500g of meat, paneer, or vegetables)
1 cup thick curd (yogurt) – hung curd or Greek yogurt works best

1½ tbsp ginger-garlic paste

1 tbsp lemon juice

1½ tsp red chili powder (use Kashmiri chili powder for color)

½ tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1 tsp cumin powder

½ tsp garam masala

½ tsp black salt (optional, for extra depth)

Salt to taste

1 tbsp mustard oil (or any neutral oil)

1 tsp Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) – crushed between palms

A few drops of red/orange food color (optional, for traditional color)

🥣 Optional Add-ons:
1 tbsp besan (gram flour) – helps bind and adds nuttiness (great for paneer/veg)

½ tsp chaat masala – for a tangy finish

1 tsp Amchur powder – enhances tanginess (especially for veg)

🧑🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine curd, ginger-garlic paste, and lemon juice.

Add in all the spices: red chili powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin, garam masala, black salt, and regular salt.

Add mustard oil, kasuri methi, and food color (if using).

Mix well to form a smooth, thick marinade.

Step 2: Apply the Marinade
Add paneer, chicken, fish, tofu, mushrooms, or vegetables (like cauliflower, onion, capsicum).

Coat evenly and massage the marinade into the ingredient.

Step 3: Rest & Marinate
Cover and refrigerate:

Minimum: 2 hours

Best: Overnight for deep flavor penetration

Step 4: Cook as Desired
Grill, tandoor, oven-bake, or pan-sear until golden, slightly charred, and cooked through.

Optional: Baste with butter or oil while cooking for added richness.

🍽️ Perfect For:
Tandoori Chicken, Paneer Tikka, Fish Tikka, Veg Skewers

Wraps, salads, tandoori platters, or fusion tacos!

🌿 Welza Twist:
Use Welza Red Chili Powder, Kasuri Methi, Coriander Powder, Cumin Powder, and Garam Masala to give your marinade that restaurant-style punch and aroma.