Shrimp Tikka Masala is a tasty dish that features plump shrimp cooked in a creamy, spiced sauce. It’s rich in flavor and perfect for those who love a bit of warmth in their meal.
Each bite feels like a little party on your plate! I enjoy serving it with rice or naan. Trust me, you’ll want to soak up all that delicious sauce! 🍤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use fresh or frozen shrimp, but make sure it’s peeled and deveined. If you can’t find shrimp, try this recipe with chicken or tofu for a different twist.
Yogurt: Plain yogurt helps tenderize the shrimp. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt is a great substitute, adding a hint of coconut flavor.
Spices: Garam masala is key here, but if you don’t have it, a mix of cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and black pepper can come close. Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference.
Coconut Cream: This adds richness. If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or regular cream, but it won’t be as creamy and rich. I like using coconut for its slight sweetness.
Fresh Cilantro: It’s perfect for garnishing. If you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions can work too. I love a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten the dish!
How Do You Get That Perfectly Creamy Sauce?
The secret to a great sauce lies in cooking down the tomatoes properly. Here’s how to get the best texture and flavor:
- After adding the crushed tomatoes, simmer the mixture gently. This helps to deepen the flavors.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until you see the oil separate slightly from the sauce – this shows it’s thickened properly.
- When you add cream, keep it on low heat to maintain that rich, silky texture without boiling.
By following these tips, your Shrimp Tikka Masala will be creamy and delicious every time! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Shrimp Tikka Masala
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- Salt to taste
- For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or naan
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15-30 minutes for preparation and marinating the shrimp, plus another 25-30 minutes to cook the dish. In total, plan for about 1 hour to make a delicious Shrimp Tikka Masala that will amaze your taste buds!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a bowl, mix the shrimp with plain yogurt, lemon juice, 1 tsp garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. Make sure everything is well combined. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for 15-30 minutes for extra flavor.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are just cooked through. Take the shrimp out of the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Base of the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s golden brown, which takes about 5-6 minutes. Keep stirring to prevent burning!
4. Add Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the onions. Cook for another minute until your kitchen smells heavenly with the fragrant garlic and ginger.
5. Create the Sauce:
Now, stir in the crushed tomatoes, the remaining 1 tsp of garam masala, and salt. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to thicken up a bit, and you’ll see the oil start to separate.
6. Add Cream for Richness:
Lower the heat and stir in the cream. Let it simmer on low for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and warmed through.
7. Combine & Heat Through:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet, and gently stir to coat them in the luscious sauce. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes to meld those fabulous flavors.
8. Serve Deliciously!
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Shrimp Tikka Masala hot with fluffy basmati rice or soft naan bread to soak up that wonderful sauce. Enjoy every bite!
Happy cooking! Your taste buds will thank you for this delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before marinating. You can thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for a quicker thaw.
What If I Don’t Have Garam Masala?
If you don’t have garam masala, you can make a substitute by mixing equal parts of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and black pepper. This will give you a similar warmth and flavor profile!
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. They will add richness without the dairy!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
