Savory Seafood Butter Chicken: A Fusion Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Ingredients

500 grams of boneless chicken pieces
200 grams of mixed seafood (shrimps, scallops, squid)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of grated ginger
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 tablespoon garam masala
1 cup of tomato puree
1 cup of heavy cream
Salt to taste
Freshly chopped coriander for garnish
Basmati rice for serving
Naan bread for serving

Steps and instructions

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, melt the butter. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until the onions are translucent.
Lower the heat and add the turmeric, cumin, coriander, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir well to combine all the spices with the onion mixture.
Add the tomato puree to the pan, stir well, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
Return the chicken to the pan, add the mixed seafood, and stir everything together so that the chicken and seafood are well coated with the sauce.
Pour in the heavy cream, season with salt, and stir well. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken and seafood are cooked through.
Sprinkle the freshly chopped coriander over the top just before serving.
Serve the seafood butter chicken hot, accompanied by basmati rice and naan bread.

Tools for making

Large pan - A pan large enough to cook the chicken and seafood together.
Vegetable oil - Used for frying the chicken and seafood.
Butter - Adds a rich and creamy flavor to the dish.
Chopping board - To chop the onion and garlic.
Knife - For chopping the onion and garlic.
Grater - To grate the ginger.
Measuring spoons - To measure the spices accurately.
Mixing spoon - For stirring and combining the ingredients.
Lid - To cover the pan while simmering the chicken and seafood.
Serving dish - To present the finished seafood butter chicken.

Recipe variations

Substitute chicken with tofu or paneer for a vegetarian version.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added flavor and nutrition.
Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
Add a teaspoon of curry powder or curry paste for a more intense and aromatic flavor.
Replace the seafood with your choice of fish fillets or prawns.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder or add chopped green chilies.
Experiment with different herbs and spices like fenugreek leaves or cardamom pods for a unique twist.

Recipe overview

Get ready to indulge in a beautiful fusion of flavors with our Seafood Butter Chicken recipe. This dish combines the creamy richness of a traditional Indian butter chicken with a variety of succulent seafood. You'll experience the delightful blend of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and fresh seafood, all bathed in a luxurious, buttery sauce. The recipe involves browning the chicken, sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger, adding an array of spices, and simmering everything in a tomato and cream-based sauce. In the end, you'll be rewarded with a hearty and satisfying meal that shines with complexity and depth of flavor. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, this dish is best served with basmati rice and naan bread. Whether you're a veteran of Indian cuisine or new to its distinctive flavors, this Seafood Butter Chicken recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. Get ready to take your culinary skills to a new level!

Common questions

Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen seafood for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it properly and pat it dry before adding it to the pan.
Can I use chicken with bones instead of boneless chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken with bones if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half or milk. However, keep in mind that the texture and richness of the dish may be slightly different.
Is it spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. Cook the chicken and seafood separately, and then combine them with the sauce and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - Use a cutting board to chop and prepare the ingredients.
Knife - A sharp knife will be needed for cutting the chicken and chopping vegetables.
Large pan - A large pan or skillet will be used to cook the chicken and seafood.
Spatula - A spatula will help in flipping and stirring the chicken and seafood in the pan.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the spices and other ingredients.
Grater - A grater will be used to grate ginger for the recipe.
Saucepan - A saucepan will be used to prepare the tomato puree.
Serving dishes - Use serving dishes to present the seafood butter chicken when serving.
Garnishing tool - A tool such as a pair of kitchen scissors or a herb stripper can be used to chop fresh coriander for garnishing.

Origin stories

Butter chicken, or Murgh Makhani, originates from the vibrant and colorful land of India. It was accidentally created in the kitchens of Moti Mahal in Daryaganj, Delhi, in the 1950s. The founder, Kundan Lal Gujral, while trying to minimize wastage in his restaurant, came up with the novel idea of simmering tandoori chicken pieces in a rich tomato gravy, heavily laced with butter and cream. The result was a lip-smacking dish that soon became a sensation, not just in the country but all around the world. The thought of seafood in butter chicken, however, is a unique fusion twist to the traditional recipe. It is perfect for seafood lovers, enhancing the classic dish with a taste of the ocean, and symbolizes the ongoing innovation and evolution in the world of culinary arts.

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.