Making homemade Tandoori Paste is so easy. Make it as spicy or as mild as you like with just 3 fresh ingredients and a handful of pantry staples.
A jar of homemade tandoori pastes on top of baked pieces of chicken, tomatoes and herbs.

Tandoori Paste

Tandoori paste; also known as tikka paste or tikka masala is used as a marinade on chicken that is then baked in a tandoor oven. A tandoor oven is a traditional Indian earthenware cooking pot made from clay. This recipe for this tandoori paste can be used for any form of cooking and marinating. You will find our recipe Chicken Tikka Masala and Tandoori Chicken is a great way to use it.

Making your own tandoori paste is so easy. I know so many of us just grab a jar of Pataks Tandoori Paste at Woolworths or similar, but once you make your own, you won’t go back. This is not just a tandoori paste substitute it is more authentic and in my opinion the best tandoori paste.

Related Recipes Tandoori Chicken / Easy Keto Red Curry Chicken

Why We Love This Recipe

Flavour-packed! The best part of making your own tandoori paste is being able to adjust the flavour. Make it spicier or as mild as you like.
Low in carbs – at only 2g net carbs this keto-friendly Indian Tikka Paste recipe is low carb and keto-friendly.
Family Friendly – tandoori sauce recipe is very family friendly. Not too hot or spicy. Add as much or as little as you like to flavour your favourite curry recipes.
Freezer Friendly -make ahead, and freeze in portions for easy healthy freezer meals.

The Ingredients

Scroll to the bottom of this post for the quantity of each ingredient used in our low carb recipe for tandoori spice paste.

Homemade Tandoori Paste ingredients in small bowls with labels showing what they are.

Garlic – I use fresh garlic cloves but you can use any store-bought or homemade garlic paste.

Ginger – I use fresh ginger. In fact, I used frozen fresh ginger I purchased on special. Ginger paste can be used as well.

Kashmiri chili powder – is a mild chili powder that can be found in Asian markets. If you have none and cannot easily purchase it use a mild (or hot) chili powder.

Curry powder – I used my homemade Meat Curry Powder but you can use any curry powder you enjoy.

Fenugreek leaves – also known as kasoori methi, dried fenugreek leaves is one of my favourite dried herbs for Indian cooking. Available at most Asian markets or online. You can use a little ground fenugreek powder as a substitute.

Spices – I always use fresh spices. Check the best-before dates of all the spices you use. The older they are, the less flavour they have. Add more or less salt flakes and black pepper to taste.

How to Make It

Pieces of chicken with herbs and lemon.

Step 1. Homemade tandoori paste is very simple to make. It is as easy as blending in a food processor until it forms a paste.

To make tandoori paste in a Thermomix add all the ingredients to the mixer; mix 20 sec/speed 5. Scrape and repeat until finely chopped into a paste. You can use whole cumin seeds and coriander seeds if you prefer. I would recommend blending them first for 10 sec/speed 10 before adding the remaining ingredients.

How to Use Tandoori Curry Paste

To use the tandoori marinade paste is very simple. You can use it as a dry marinade by just rubbing into chicken, beef, lamb or pork.

Mix with Greek yogurt for a tandoori sauce or marinade. This can be used to flavour meat or vegetables or used as a simple tandoori dip.

Use in place of spices for chicken korma, chicken tikka, or tikka masala.

A grey bowl with red paste in it.

Hot Tips and FAQs

What is the difference between tikka paste, tikka masala and tandoori paste?

They are all much of a muchness some spices and quantities might vary a little from recipe to recipe. The real difference is in the cooking style and method. Tikka and tikka masala is usually cooked in a pot in the sauce or with diced chicken, vegetables or other protein. Tandoori is mostly used on whole pieces of chicken and cooked in a tandoor oven.

Can I freeze tandoori paste?

Yes, you can. Spoon any leftovers (or double the recipe) into a silicone ice cube tray. Freeze it. Transfer to a ziplock bag. Use straight from frozen as needed or defrost to use as a marinade.

More Recipes To Try

Here are just some of my favourite keto recipes for easy quick low carb dinners.

Peri Peri Chicken

Homemade Healthy Beef Stew

Easy Tuna Mornay

Savoury Mince

Easy Keto Nachos with Homemade Protein Chips

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Homemade Tandoori Paste in a jar with a label on top of tandoori chicken pieces.

Tandoori Paste

Making homemade Tandoori Paste is so easy. Make it as spicy or as mild as you like with just 3 fresh ingredients and a handful of pantry staples.
5 from 56 votes!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Course: Pastes and Marinades
Cuisine: Indian
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Vegan
Recipe Category: Low Carb
Calories: 55kcal
Author: Megan Ellam
Servings: 8 people
Tap or hover over number to scale ingredients
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Ingredients 

  • ½ (½) small onion
  • 6 cloves (6 cloves) garlic
  • 3 tablespoons (3 tablespoons) grated ginger
  • 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) paprika
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tablespoon) Kashmiri chilli powder
  • 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) ground turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) curry powder optional
  • 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) fenugreek leaves optional
  • 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) salt flakes
  • 2 tablespoons (2 tablespoons) apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil optional

Instructions

CONVENTIONAL METHOD

  • Place all ingredients into a food processor or blender. Scrape and repeat until smooth.

THERMAL METHOD

  • Place ingredients into mixer; chop 20 sec/speed 5. Scrape and repeat until smooth.

Notes

INGREDIENTS
Kashmiri chilli powder is a mild chilli powder. Substitute any preferred level of heat chilli powder or paprika for an even milder version.
Fenugreek leaves, also known as Kasoori Methi is amazing stuff.  It is available in most Asian markets. You can substitute 1 teaspoon of ground fenugreek or leave it out altogether.
Curry powder is optional, but I love the extra flavour it adds to everything I use the tandoori paste with.
STORING
The paste will store in the fridge for up to 14 days. Alternatively, spoon it into a silicone ice cube tray. Freeze, then transfer to a ziplock bag and keep frozen. This way, you can add the paste mix to any dish from frozen, or defrost it to use in a tandoori marinade.
WAYS TO USE TANDOORI MASALA PASTE
To make authentic chicken tandoori, use whole chicken or chicken cut into potions but still on the bone. Marinate and grill, bake, air fry, barbecue or if you are lucky enough cook in a tandoor oven.
To make chicken tikka masala use skinless chicken cut into cubes. Firstly, brown then cook in the sauce until tender and melts in your mouth.
Tandoori paste can be used with beef, lamb, pork, seafood and vegan and plant-based dishes. 
SERVING SIZES
This recipe yields approximately 6 serves. The actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes. 
SERVING SIZE BY WEIGHT
To calculate the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe by 6. The result will be the weight of one serving. 
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Nutritional values shown are guidelines only. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on the brands and types of ingredients used. 
The recipe card instructions contain the most basic steps and ingredients list. If you have any queries, or questions or are unsure of substitutions, please scroll up to the blog post for more information.

Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1serve (2 tablespoons) | Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 602mg | Potassium: 123mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1172IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg | Magnesium: 11mg | Net Carbs: 2g
Tried this recipe?Mention @meganellam or tag #madcreations!

Share This Recipe

41 responses to “Easy Homemade Tandoori Paste”

  1. Evi

    5 stars
    This is a great tandoori recipe! I love the combination of spices, and I just used it on salmon the other day. So good!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Yay!

    2. Mary

      5 stars
      Made the tandoori paste today. Only substituted fenureek leaves with fresh curry leaves and made a great beef and chicken curry. Really easy and tasty recipe. Thanks.

  2. Lisa

    5 stars
    This spice mixture is terrific! So glad to keep some in my fridge or freezer for quick flavorful meals.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      That is so good to hear Lisa x Enjoy!

  3. Katie Crenshaw

    5 stars
    Oh Wow! The flavors are spot on! It was so easy to throw together. I used it on chicken and it turned out fabulous.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      That is so good to hear. Thanks for letting us know Katie.

  4. Leslie

    5 stars
    This tandoori paste recipe is full of flavor and super easy to make! Perfect, classic recipe!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      It sure is Leslie

  5. Debbie

    5 stars
    This homemade Tandoori Paste looks amazing. I love this combination of spices .I will be making this for sure.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Enjoy!

  6. JC Phelps

    5 stars
    I adore tandoori paste but have never made it. I’m definitely going to try, as it’s much easier than I would have imagined!

  7. Keri

    5 stars
    I love to make my own spice and paste blends, and this tandoori paste didn’t disappoint. I made a big batch and it’s so yummy!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      So happy you enjoyed it Keri.

  8. Helen Jack

    5 stars
    This is simply soooo delicious and quite authentic! My partner kept on calling out asking when tea would be ready as he could smell the chicken cooking! He almost inhaled it when I eventually served it to him. I will be keeping a stash in the freezer for sure! Q

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      That is so awesome to hear Helen. I will be creating a few recipes to use it, so make a double batch at least 🤣

    2. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Haha! That is so good Helen.

  9. Andrea

    5 stars
    love how tasty this paste turned out! so incredibly flavorful!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Yay!

  10. Karen

    5 stars
    Delicious! Very well balanced flavor and texture. I made exactly as instructed and it turned out perfectly! Thanks for sharing!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Yay! Winner winner!

  11. James Strange

    5 stars
    I made this and cooked the chicken with a charcoal grill and it was fantastic. I did cut back on the chili since my wife is not a fan of spicy but the recipe was still great.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      That is so great to hear James.

  12. LaKita

    5 stars
    This tandoori paste is loaded with so much flavor, simple to make, and absolutely delicious!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Thanks for trying it out and leaving feedback LaKita.

  13. Heather

    5 stars
    Oh I love tandoori! Never knew I could make it myself. Thank you for including the substitutions…so helpful!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      You are very welcome Heather.

  14. Nancy

    5 stars
    Wow, I had no idea it was this easy to make. I’m going to make a big batch to gift to my sister too. Thanks!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      It is so incredibly easy.

  15. Amanda

    5 stars
    This paste is so, so good! Definitely way better than anything you can buy. The spice kick is much more complex and deeper in flavor when you make it yourself, but it really was simple to prepare.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      So happy you enjoyed it Amanda.

  16. Veronika

    5 stars
    I tend to always buy tandoori paste but this one was so easy to make that I never wanna go back to the store-bought stuff again! So delicious!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Yay! I love hearing that!

  17. Karen

    5 stars
    Really easy to make. Smells devine. Can’t wait to use it in a dish soon.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Thanks for making it Karen. I hope you enjoy it in a meal soon.

  18. Nina

    5 stars
    Easy to make, smells amazing! Can’t wait to cook some chicken with it – this is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ recipe!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Yay! Thanks for trying it Nina x

  19. Cristina

    5 stars
    Very easy and flavoursome recipe!!

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      Yay! Good to hear you enjoyed it

  20. Kylie

    5 stars
    This paste was so easy to make. I had all the ingredients here. I made tandoori prawns and halloumi. It was so amazing. Thanks Megan for all you do.

    1. Megan Mad Creations Hub

      You are very welcome Kylie. I am happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe

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