Why We Love This Lamb Tikka Masala Recipe
We have an amazing elegant Paneer Tikka Masala on the site that can be swapped with chicken breast or chicken thighs to make traditional Chicken Tikka Masala. We also have an alluring chicken tikka masala skewer recipe for grilling. But today I’m sharing a rich succulent recipe that is utterly irresistible… Lamb Tikka Masala. This more rustic version of tikka masala is my personal favorite. Lamb’s grassy, gamey flavor and tender meat beautifully complement the richness and lightly sweet flavor of the tomato-based curry. Pair it with rice and naan (bread) and you have a satisfying meal that you’ll be thinking about long after you’ve licked the dish clean!
Ingredients You Need
Boneless lamb meat – loin chops or shoulder chops Greek yogurt – whole fat or no fat Tandoori masala spice blend* – typically a combo of fragrant spices like garam masala, with ground cumin, turmeric, Kashmiri chili powder, and dehydrated mango powder Garlic paste and garlic paste – concentrated pastes pack the most flavor, but can be swapped with fresh minced garlic cloves Salt – to taste Ghee – or unsalted butter Onion – chopped Tomato sauce – plain, no fire-roasted Heavy cream – for just the right richness Lime juice – fresh is best but bottled will work Cilantro – freshly chopped, to garnish
Note: To simplify the recipe we are using a store-bought tandoori masala spice blend that has everything you need to make this recipe taste authentic. However, if you can’t find the specific spice blend we have a homemade spice blend in the recipe notes below.
How to Make Lamb Tikka Masala
Note: If you want to marinade it longer than 30 minutes, cover the bowl and place the lamb in the refrigerator. Get the Complete (Printable) Lamb Tikka Masala Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
If you can’t find tandoori seasoning, make your own spice blend by combining a mixture of 1 tbsp garam masala, 2 tsp cumin, 2 tsp turmeric, and 2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder. Easily make this a dairy-free Indian lamb curry recipe by swapping ghee or butter with your favorite plant-based butter. Substitute coconut cream (the thick stuff, not the thin liquid) for the heavy cream; the sauce will have a slightly sweeter but still delicious taste! You can swap lamb for chicken breasts or thighs. Follow the recipe steps just the same.
Tips & Tricks
Sear the lamb! This will start to build lots of flavor in the masala sauce! Simmer until tender! It might take longer than 30 minutes depending on the sizes of the pieces of lamb, but make sure to simmer until it is nice and tender. Indian lamb curry is a wonderful variation of chicken tikka masala! If you don’t typically like lamb, I still recommend trying it since it is covered in that delicious sauce, you might just end up liking them!
Serving Suggestions
This saucy dish is delicious with classic Indian sides like basmati rice and a warm piece of naan or roti! For a lower-carb option, try our fluffy Roasted Cauliflower Rice and versatile Cloud Bread. I also highly suggest including a ramekin of homemade Raita and fresh Kachumber Salad on the table, too!
Looking for More Delicious Dinner Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
Easy Chicken Curry Madras Jamaican Goat Curry Instant Pot Butter Chicken Curry Instant Pot Tandoori Chicken Drumsticks Crockpot Chickpea Curry
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