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Tandoori Kebab

“Traditional Indian Tandoori Kebab Recipe with a Restaurant-Style Twist”

🧂 Ingredients Box – Tandoori Kebab

IngredientQuantity
Boneless chicken (cubed)500 grams
Hung curd (thick yogurt)1 cup
Ginger-garlic paste1 tbsp
Lemon juice1 tbsp
Red chili powder1 tsp
Turmeric powder1 tsp
Garam masala1 tsp
Coriander powder1 tsp
Cumin powder½ tsp
Black salt (kala namak)½ tsp
Mustard oil (heated)2 tbsp
SaltTo taste
Red food color (optional)A pinch
SkewersAs needed
Butter or oil (for basting)As needed

🔥 Tandoori Kebab Recipe

⏲️ Total Time: 8 hours 40 minutes

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Marination Time: 6 to 8 hours
  • Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes

📝 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade (10 mins)

In a large mixing bowl, add:

  • 1 cup thick curd (hung curd)
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp each of red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, coriander powder
  • ½ tsp each of cumin powder, black salt
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp mustard oil (heated and cooled)
  • Optional: A pinch of red food color for restaurant-style look

Mix well until it forms a thick, smooth marinade.


Step 2: Marinate the Chicken (6–8 hours)

  • Add 500g boneless chicken cubes to the marinade.
  • Mix until well coated.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours (overnight for best results).

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken (5 mins)

  • Thread marinated chicken pieces onto metal or soaked wooden skewers.

Step 4: Grill or Bake the Kebabs (20–25 mins)

Option 1 – Oven:

  • Preheat oven to 220°C (428°F).
  • Place skewers on a rack, bake for 20–25 minutes.
  • Baste with butter/oil halfway through.

Option 2 – Grill:

  • Place skewers on a barbecue grill or tandoor.
  • Cook evenly for 15–20 minutes, turning and basting often until slightly charred.

Step 5: Smoke It (Optional – 5 mins)

  • Place a hot charcoal piece in a small bowl inside the kebab tray.
  • Add a few drops of ghee or oil.
  • Cover immediately for 5 minutes to infuse smoky flavor.

Step 6: Serve (Immediate)

Serve hot with:

  • Mint chutney
  • Lemon wedges
  • Onion rings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Tandoori Kebab

1. What is Tandoori Kebab?

Tandoori Kebab is a popular Indian grilled dish made by marinating meat (or paneer/vegetables) in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) or oven/grill.

2. Can I make tandoori kebab without a tandoor?

Yes, you can make it in a regular oven, on a grill pan, or even on a gas stove using skewers or a wire rack.

3. How long should I marinate the chicken?

Ideally, marinate for 6–8 hours or overnight for maximum flavor. Minimum is 2 hours.

4. Can I use store-bought yogurt?

Yes, but it should be thick. You can also use hung curd for best results.

5. What cut of chicken is best for kebabs?

Boneless thigh meat is preferred as it stays juicy. Breast meat works too but may dry out faster.

6. Is red food color necessary?

No, it’s optional. It’s used for traditional restaurant-style appearance.

7. Can I use this marinade for fish or paneer?

Yes, the same marinade works great with paneer, tofu, or firm fish like salmon.

8. How do I make kebabs in a microwave oven?

Use the grill mode of the microwave oven and follow baking instructions, flipping halfway through.

9. Can I freeze marinated kebabs?

Yes. Store in an airtight container or zip bag. Freeze up to 2 weeks. Thaw before cooking.

10. Why are my kebabs dry?

Possible reasons: overcooking, using lean cuts like chicken breast, or not enough yogurt/oil in the marinade.

11. What oil is best for the marinade?

Traditionally, mustard oil is used for its flavor. You can also use regular oil or ghee.

12. What’s the smoky restaurant-style trick?

Use a piece of hot charcoal placed in a bowl with ghee inside the dish and cover it for 5 minutes.

13. Can I make vegetarian tandoori kebabs?

Yes. Use paneer, mushrooms, tofu, baby corn, or mixed veggies like bell peppers and onions.

14. Are tandoori kebabs spicy?

They are mildly spicy, but you can adjust red chili powder to your taste.

15. What to serve with tandoori kebabs?

Serve with green chutney, lemon wedges, naan, jeera rice, or as a party starter.

16. Is tandoori kebab healthy?

Yes! It’s grilled, high in protein, and uses yogurt-based marinade instead of deep frying.

17. Can I use a gas stove to make kebabs?

Yes. Roast the skewered kebabs directly over a flame or use a wire rack.

18. What spices go into tandoori marinade?

Common spices: red chili, turmeric, garam masala, coriander, cumin, and black salt.

19. How do I prevent kebabs from sticking to the grill?

Brush the grill and skewers with oil before placing the kebabs.

20. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of curd?

Yes. Greek yogurt is thick and perfect for tandoori-style marinades.

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