Shrimp Tikka Masala is a tasty dish that combines juicy shrimp with a creamy, spiced sauce. It’s packed with flavor from tomatoes, spices, and a hint of coconut milk—yum!
Cooking this dish makes your kitchen smell amazing, trust me! I love pairing it with warm rice or naan to soak up all that delicious sauce. Perfect for impressing friends without too much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this dish as they hold up well in the cooking process. If you have a shellfish allergy, consider using firm tofu or chicken as an alternative.
Yogurt: Plain yogurt adds creaminess and tang. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for the same effect, or non-dairy yogurt for a dairy-free option.
Spices: Garam masala is essential here for that warm flavor. If you don’t have it, mix equal parts of cinnamon, cumin, and coriander as a quick DIY substitute. Fresh spices give better flavor!
Coconut milk: I love using coconut milk for a richer, slightly sweet flavor. If you’re not a fan of coconut, heavy cream is a fantastic alternative that makes the sauce creamy.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Perfectly cooked shrimp are juicy and tender, but overcooking them can make them rubbery. Here’s the trick:
- Marinate the shrimp for at least 20 minutes, letting the flavors penetrate.
- Cook them quickly in a hot skillet, about 2 minutes per side. Look for that bright pink color—you’ll know they’re done.
- Remove them from the heat just as they turn pink; they will continue to cook in the hot sauce!
Following these tips will ensure your shrimp stays tender and flavor-packed in this delicious Tikka Masala!
How to Make Shrimp Tikka Masala
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee, divided
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (14 oz/400g) tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
- Salt to taste
To Serve:
- Fresh cilantro (coriander) leaves, chopped for garnish
- Cooked basmati rice or naan, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. If you marinate the shrimp for up to 2 hours, it will help the flavors deepen. Overall, you can have a delicious Shrimp Tikka Masala ready in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the shrimp and toss to coat each piece well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated shrimp in batches, cooking each batch until they turn pink and get lightly charred, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Onion:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the chopped onion until it becomes golden and soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell fantastic at this point!
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the tomato puree and add the remaining garam masala. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and deepens in color.
6. Add Cream:
Reduce the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream (or coconut milk), mixing well to combine. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to merge.
7. Combine Shrimp and Sauce:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Cook everything together for 2-3 minutes to heat through, tasting and adding salt as needed.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Serve your delicious Shrimp Tikka Masala hot with steamed basmati rice or warm naan!
Enjoy your flavorful Shrimp Tikka Masala—it’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating. The best way to thaw shrimp is in the refrigerator overnight or by placing them in a sealed bag and submerging in cold water for about 30 minutes.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free Shrimp Tikka Masala, simply use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and substitute plain yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt alternative. This will still give you a creamy texture without the dairy.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder and paprika. You can always serve some extra chili flakes or hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a bit more heat!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much during storage.
