Savory and Spicy Beef Tandoori: A Classic Indian Delight

Ingredients

500 grams of beef steak
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 cup of natural yogurt
2 teaspoons of garam masala
1 teaspoon of turmeric
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of coriander
1 teaspoon of paprika
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
Salt to taste
Oil for grilling
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

Trim the beef steak and cut it into 2-inch pieces.
In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, yogurt, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika, minced garlic, grated ginger, and salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
Add the beef pieces to the marinade and make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for the flavors to fully develop.
Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly oil the grill grates.
Thread the marinated beef pieces onto skewers.
Grill the skewers for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is well cooked and slightly charred.
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve your beef tandoori hot with your choice of side dishes.

Tools for making

Skewers - Metal or bamboo skewers to thread the beef pieces for grilling.
Grill - A grill, either gas or charcoal, to cook the beef tandoori.
Bowl - A bowl to mix the marinade ingredients and coat the beef.
Knife - A knife to trim the beef steak and cut it into pieces.
Cutting board - A cutting board to safely cut the beef steak.
Grater - A grater to grate fresh ginger for the marinade.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons to accurately measure the spices for the marinade.
Tongs - Tongs to turn the beef skewers while grilling.
Basting brush - A basting brush to brush oil on the grill grates.

Recipe variations

Chicken Tandoori: Replace the beef with boneless chicken pieces or chicken drumsticks.
Lamb Tandoori: Substitute the beef with lamb pieces or lamb chops.
Vegetable Tandoori: Skip the meat and marinate a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. Grill them until tender.
Tandoori Fish: Use fish fillets like salmon or tilapia instead of beef. Adjust the grilling time accordingly.
Spicy Tandoori: Add some red chili powder or cayenne pepper to make the marinade spicier.
Minty Tandoori: Mix in some fresh mint leaves or mint chutney into the marinade for a refreshing twist.
Yogurt-Free Tandoori: Replace the yogurt in the marinade with coconut milk to make it dairy-free.
Smoky Tandoori: Use a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill to impart a smoky flavor to the beef.
Tandoori Naan: Serve the beef tandoori wrapped in warm naan bread along with yogurt sauce and pickled onions.
Tandoori Salad: Slice the grilled beef tandoori and serve it over a bed of mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and drizzle with a tangy dressing.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a taste of traditional Indian cuisine with this Beef Tandoori recipe. Easy to prepare yet amazingly flavorful, this dish will transport your taste buds to the heart of India. The recipe centers around tender pieces of beef steak marinated in a rich blend of authentic Indian spices, including garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and coriander, enveloped by natural yogurt. The marinated beef is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a succulent, slightly charred delicacy with a spicy kick. Serve this Beef Tandoori at your next barbecue or family dinner and impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and exotic appeal. Pair it with a side of basmati rice or naan bread for a complete meal that's sure to satisfy.

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat? - Yes, you can use chicken or lamb instead of beef for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use a different type of yogurt? - Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or any plain yogurt of your choice. Avoid using flavored yogurts.
Can I cook this recipe on a stovetop? - Yes, you can cook the beef tandoori on a stovetop using a grill pan or a regular frying pan. Just make sure to cook the beef pieces evenly on all sides.
Can I marinate the beef for longer than overnight? - Yes, marinating the beef tandoori for longer than overnight can further enhance the flavor. However, avoid marinating for more than 24 hours as the meat may become too tender and lose its texture.
Can I freeze the marinated beef? - Yes, you can freeze the marinated beef for later use. Simply place the marinated beef in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before grilling.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill - You will need a grill to cook the beef tandoori skewers.
Skewers - Skewers are necessary for threading and grilling the marinated beef pieces.
Bowl - A bowl is required for mixing the marinade ingredients and coating the beef.
Knife - You will need a knife for trimming the beef steak and cutting it into pieces.
Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for trimming and cutting the beef.
Grater - A grater is needed for grating fresh ginger.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are essential for accurate measurement of spices.
Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping the skewers while grilling.
Oil brush - An oil brush can be used to lightly oil the grill grates.

Origin stories

Tandoori cuisine traces its origins back to the ancient Harappan civilization, which existed more than 5000 years ago in the Indus Valley region, encompassing present-day northern India and Pakistan. This civilization is known to have used clay ovens similar to the modern tandoor for cooking. However, the particular style of cooking meat marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then skewered and baked in a tandoor, is believed to have been popularized by Kundan Lal Gujral, the founder of the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi, during the early 20th century. His innovative cooking techniques brought tandoori cuisine into the limelight, and from there, its popularity spread across the globe. So, every time you savor that delicious piece of beef tandoori, remember that you are partaking in a culinary tradition that has stood the test of time and borne witness to the rise and fall of civilizations.

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.