Savory and Spicy Pork Tikka Masala: A Classic Indian Dish with a Twist

Ingredients

  • 1 kg pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 medium onions, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 400g canned tomatoes
  • 200ml coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Rice or naan bread for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they become translucent and start to brown.
  3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and stir well. Cook for one minute to allow the flavors to combine.
  4. Add the cumin seeds, turmeric powder, paprika, garam masala, coriander seeds, and chili powder to the pan. Stir well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger in the spices.
  5. Add the bite-sized pork pieces to the pan. Cook until the pork is browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Add the canned tomatoes to the pan, stir well to combine with the rest of the ingredients.
  7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes.
  8. Uncover the pan and stir in the coconut milk and lemon juice. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
  9. Season with salt to taste.
  10. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting the pork and other ingredients.
  • Large pan - Used for cooking the pork and simmering the sauce.
  • Spatula - Helps in stirring and flipping the pork and ingredients in the pan.
  • Grater - Used for grating fresh ginger.
  • Measuring spoons - Needed for accurately measuring spices and lemon juice.
  • Can opener - Required to open the canned tomatoes.
  • Lemon squeezer - Optional, but useful for extracting juice from lemon.
  • Cover or lid - Used to cover the pan while simmering the pork and sauce.

Recipe variations

  • Chicken Tikka Masala: Substitute chicken thighs or breast for the pork.
  • Vegetable Tikka Masala: Replace the pork with a variety of vegetables such as cauliflower, bell peppers, and peas.
  • Paneer Tikka Masala: Use paneer (Indian cheese) instead of pork for a vegetarian option.
  • Lamb Tikka Masala: Swap the pork for tender pieces of lamb.
  • Shrimp Tikka Masala: Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Spicy Tikka Masala: Increase the amount of chili powder or add some chopped fresh green chilies for an extra kick.
  • Healthy Tikka Masala: Use lean turkey or chicken breast and substitute coconut milk with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • Creamy Tikka Masala: Stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or coconut cream at the end to make the sauce richer and creamier.
  • Smoky Tikka Masala: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to give the dish a smoky flavor.
  • Mushroom Tikka Masala: Replace the pork with sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian and earthy twist.

Recipe overview

Pork Tikka Masala is a mouth-watering Indian dish known for its rich and aromatic flavors. This hearty meal features tender pork shoulder pieces coated in a variety of spices and simmered in a tomato and coconut milk sauce. The end result is a delightful fusion of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe walks you through the process step-by-step, ensuring that you can recreate this exotic dish at home with ease. Serve it hot with a side of rice or naan bread for a complete meal. Whether you're looking to expand your culinary horizons or just searching for a new way to enjoy pork, this Pork Tikka Masala recipe is sure to impress!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork? Yes, you can use chicken, beef, or lamb as alternatives to pork in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
  2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the pork with tofu or paneer. For a vegan version, omit the meat and replace the ghee with vegetable oil, and use plant-based yogurt or coconut milk instead of dairy yogurt.
  3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the recipe ahead of time. Once cooked, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
  4. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  5. What can I serve with Pork Tikka Masala? Pork Tikka Masala pairs well with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or roti. You can also serve it with a side of cucumber raita or a fresh salad.
  6. Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Yes, you can adjust the level of spiciness to your preference. Increase or decrease the amount of chili powder used in the recipe. You can also add fresh green chilies or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Tikka Masala, a scrumptious dish celebrated widely in Britain and across the globe, carries an elusive origin story believed to be rooted in the Indian subcontinent and adapted by British chefs. Its vivid representation of a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce hints at the rich and diverse culinary practices of India. However, its distinctly British twist came into play when a creative chef thought of drowning the hearty tikka (cubes of meat) in a luscious masala sauce to cater to the British palate demanding a bit of gravy with their meat - thus, Tikka Masala was born. Emblematic of fusion cuisine, it's the seamless blend of Indian spices and British culinary preferences that make it a beloved dish, transcending boundaries and continuing to add charm to our dinner tables.

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.