Mouthwatering Beef Tikka Masala: A Step by Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of beef, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons of cumin powder
  • 2 teaspoons of coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 teaspoon of garam masala
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1 can (400 grams) of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup of plain yogurt
  • 1/2 cup of heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the onions to the pan and sauté until they become translucent.
  3. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for another 2 minutes.
  4. Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, garam masala, and cayenne pepper to the pan and stir well to combine with the onions, garlic, and ginger.
  5. Add the cubed beef to the pan and cook until all sides are browned.
  6. Once the beef is browned, add the crushed tomatoes and yogurt to the pan and stir well to combine.
  7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the mixture simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. After 30 minutes, add the heavy cream to the pan and stir well to combine.
  9. Let the mixture simmer for another 10 minutes, uncovered.
  10. Season with salt to taste and garnish with the chopped cilantro before serving.

Tools for making

  • Cutting Board - For preparing and chopping ingredients.
  • Knife - Used for cutting and slicing the beef, onions, garlic, and ginger.
  • Large Pan - Used for sautéing and simmering the beef tikka masala.
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon - For stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring Spoons - To accurately measure and add the spices to the recipe.
  • Can Opener - Required to open the can of crushed tomatoes.
  • Grater - Used to grate the ginger.
  • Whisk - To whisk the yogurt into the mixture smoothly.
  • Cover or Lid - Needed to cover the pan while simmering the beef tikka masala.

Recipe variations

  • Chicken Tikka Masala: Substitute the beef with boneless chicken pieces.
  • Lamb Tikka Masala: Replace the beef with tender lamb pieces for a rich and flavorful variation.
  • Vegetable Tikka Masala: Omit the meat altogether and use a combination of vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, and peas.
  • Tofu Tikka Masala: For a vegetarian or vegan option, use firm tofu instead of meat.
  • Spicy Tikka Masala: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped green chilies for an extra kick of heat.
  • Coconut Tikka Masala: Add coconut milk or cream to the sauce for a creamy and slightly sweet variation.
  • Cashew Tikka Masala: Blend roasted cashews with the sauce to create a creamy and nutty flavor.
  • Mushroom Tikka Masala: Use sliced mushrooms instead of meat for a hearty and earthy twist.
  • Paneer Tikka Masala: Replace the beef with cubed paneer (Indian cottage cheese) for a popular vegetarian option.
  • Smoky Tikka Masala: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or use smoked salt to infuse a smoky flavor into the dish.

Recipe overview

Beef Tikka Masala, a popular dish in Indian cuisine, is known for its rich, flavorful sauce and tender pieces of beef. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this delicious meal at home. It is made by simmering beef in a fragrant mix of spices, onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and yogurt, then finished with a splash of heavy cream for that signature creamy texture. The end result is a dish filled with layers of flavor, perfect for serving over a bed of steamed rice or with warm naan bread. Whether you're new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned veteran, you'll love the balance of spices and the comforting warmth this dish brings to your table.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute chicken for beef in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
  2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Certainly! You can replace the beef with tofu or paneer (Indian cheese) to make it a vegetarian tikka masala.
  3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for plain yogurt in this recipe. Keep in mind that Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency, so you may need to adjust the amount slightly.
  4. Is there a substitute for heavy cream? If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
  5. How spicy is this dish? The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your taste. The recipe includes cayenne pepper, but you can increase or decrease the amount to make it milder or spicier.
  6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting surface to chop onions, garlic, and ginger.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp knife for slicing and dicing ingredients, including the beef.
  • Large pan - A spacious pan for cooking the beef and sauce.
  • Wooden spoon - A versatile utensil for stirring and combining ingredients in the pan.
  • Measuring spoons - Accurate spoons for measuring spices and seasonings.
  • Can opener - To open the can of crushed tomatoes.
  • Spatula - For flipping and turning the beef cubes while browning.
  • Cover or lid - Used to cover the pan during the simmering process.
  • Serving bowl - A bowl to present the Beef Tikka Masala when serving.
  • Rice or naan bread - Traditional accompaniments to enjoy with the dish.

Origin stories

Tikka Masala, despite its quintessential Indian flavor profile, has a bit of a contested history. Some food historians suggest it originated in the Indian subcontinent, while others claim it was actually birthed in Britain by Bangladeshi chefs in the 1960s, catering to the local palate. One popular anecdote tells us that the dish was created when a British diner found his chicken tikka too dry, and the innovative chef added a can of tomato soup into the mix, giving birth to the rich and creamy Tikka Masala we know today. This fusion of cultures in a single dish embodies how food can transcend geographic boundaries and become a symbol of shared enjoyment and exploration.

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.