Mouth-Watering Pork Tandoori: An Indian Delight

Ingredients

  • 500g pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, minced garlic, grated ginger, ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, vegetable oil, and salt. Stir until well combined.
  2. Add the pork cubes to the bowl and mix well to ensure all the pork pieces are coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.
  3. Preheat your grill or broiler. While waiting, thread the pork cubes onto skewers.
  4. Grill the skewers for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the pork is charred on the edges and cooked through.
  5. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  6. Before serving, garnish the pork with chopped fresh coriander leaves and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for cutting the pork shoulder into cubes.
  • Knife - Needed to cut the pork shoulder and mince the garlic.
  • Large bowl - Used to mix the marinade with the pork.
  • Skewers - Used to thread the pork cubes for grilling.
  • Grill or broiler - Required to cook the pork skewers.
  • Tongs - Used to flip the skewers while grilling.
  • Serving platter - Used to present the cooked pork tandoori.

Recipe variations

  • Chicken Tandoori: Substitute chicken pieces (such as boneless thighs or drumsticks) for the pork.
  • Vegetable Tandoori: Replace the pork with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms.
  • Lamb Tandoori: Swap the pork with lamb cubes for a different flavor.
  • Paneer Tandoori: Use cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) instead of pork for a vegetarian option.
  • Spice Variations: Experiment with different spice blends or add additional spices like garam masala, fenugreek leaves, or cinnamon for unique flavors.
  • Marinade Additions: Enhance the marinade by adding ingredients like lemon zest, tamarind paste, or yogurt-based sauces like mint raita.
  • Grill Alternatives: If you don't have access to a grill, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the pork is cooked through.

Recipe overview

Get ready to savor the flavors of India with this delicious Pork Tandoori recipe. This dish features succulent cubes of pork shoulder marinated in a rich blend of yogurt and exotic spices like coriander, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. The pork is then skewered and grilled to perfection resulting in a smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy feast. The garnish of fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon just before serving adds a refreshing touch. It's a perfect main course for a backyard barbecue or a family dinner, promising an adventurous culinary escape right at your dining table. Preparing this dish involves marinating time, so plan ahead. But the result is definitely worth the wait. Enjoy creating and indulging in this traditional Indian delicacy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use any other meat instead of pork? Yes, you can substitute pork with chicken or lamb in this recipe.
  2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for plain yogurt in this recipe.
  3. Can I marinate the pork for less than 2 hours? While marinating the pork for at least 2 hours is recommended for optimal flavor, if you're short on time, you can marinate it for a minimum of 30 minutes.
  4. Can I cook the pork in the oven instead of grilling? Yes, you can cook the marinated pork in the oven by baking it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
  5. Can I freeze the leftover pork tandoori? Yes, you can freeze the leftover pork tandoori in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or Broiler - Used to cook the marinated pork skewers.
  • Skewers - Used to thread the pork cubes for grilling.
  • Large Bowl - Used for mixing the marinade and coating the pork.
  • Measuring Spoons - Used to measure the spices and lemon juice accurately.
  • Grater - Used to grate the fresh ginger.
  • Knife - Used to cut the pork shoulder into cubes and chop the fresh coriander leaves.
  • Cutting Board - Used as a surface for cutting the pork and chopping the coriander.
  • Basting Brush - Used to brush the marinade onto the pork skewers.
  • Tongs - Used for flipping the skewers while grilling.
  • Platter - Used for serving the cooked Pork Tandoori.

Origin stories

Tandoori Pork is a popular dish hailing from the Indian subcontinent, specifically from the Punjab region. The term "Tandoori" originates from "tandoor", a traditional clay oven used widely in Northern India, particularly in Punjab, where food is cooked over a charcoal fire. The beauty of tandoori dishes lies not only in the succulent, smoky flavor imparted by the tandoor, but also in the vibrant marinade. The traditional marinade includes a blend of aromatic spices and yogurt, an essential ingredient in many Indian cuisines. Interestingly, while Tandoori Chicken is globally recognized and adored, Tandoori Pork isn't as common due to religious dietary restrictions in India. However, in regions and among communities where pork is consumed, Tandoori Pork is a delicious twist on the classic recipe and is as tantalizing and flavorful.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.