Tikka Masala Powder Recipe (Tikka Masala Spice Mix)
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Tikka masala powder is a warm, smoky, and slightly tangy Indian spice blend. Make a bold, aromatic tikka masala spice mix at home in under 20 minutes using pantry staples. This versatile Indian spice blend delivers restaurant-style flavor for chicken tikka masala, paneer tikka, vegetables, and more.
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I try to make a lot of the spice mixes I use in my kitchen from scratch. It only makes sense with so much news about adulteration at its highest.
I almost always have a bottle of my Achari Masala Powder, Sandwich Masala, Chaat Masala Powder, Chai Masala Powder, and Dabeli Masala in my pantry, and whenever I get some extra time, I try to experiment with new spice mixes.
This Tikka Masala Powder is also one of my tried-and-tested recipes, and I have been making it for years. Not just the quality of the ingredients, but even the taste of this homemade tikka masala spice mix is so much better than the store-bought one.
Do give it a try once. I am sure you will never go back to the packaged one.
Why Make Tikka Masala Powder At Home?
Although easily available in stores, I always prefer making it home. Homemade tikka masala powder is much better than store-bought one because
- It is made using high-quality ingredients.
- Free of preservatives.
- Free of artificial colors.
- It tastes much better.
- Economical.
This easy homemade tikka masala spice recipe yields approximately ½ cup of spice mix. One tablespoon of this spice powder is enough to marinate 9 ounces (250 g) of chicken, red meat, tofu, or paneer.
Ingredients
Whole Spices – This tikka masala is a fine mix of the following whole spices
- Whole coriander seeds (dhaniya ke beej)
- Cumin seeds (jeera)
- Whole black peppercorns (kalimirch)
- Dry Kashmiri red chilies – Use any dry red chilies that are easily available. I prefer to use Kashmiri dry red chilies as they add a beautiful red color to the masala without making it too spicy.
- Whole black cardamoms (badi elaichi)
- Whole green cardamoms (hari elaichi)
- Cinnamon (dalchini)
- Cloves (laung)
Spice Powders – You will also need turmeric powder, dry mango powder (amchoor), and Kashmiri red chili powder.
How To Make Tikka Masala Spice Mix
Step 1: Add the following ingredients to a frying pan.
- 3 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
- 3 tablespoon cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 15-20 whole dry Kashmiri red chilies (stalks removed)
- 4-5 whole black cardamoms
- 5-6 whole green cardamoms
- 2-inch piece of cinnamon stick
- 5-6 cloves
Step 2: Dry roast on low heat until lightly browned and fragrant (8-10 minutes), stirring continuously.
Step 3: Remove the pan from the heat and let the ingredients cool down completely. Transfer the roasted ingredients to a grinder or a food processor along with the following ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoon dry mango powder
- 2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
Step 4: Grind to make a fine powder. Store the tikka masala mix in an airtight container and use it as required.
Pro Tips for Maximum Flavor (This Is Where Most Recipes Fail)
- Use fresh spices (older than 6 months = dull flavor).
- Measure the ingredients correctly. It’s all in the balance.
- Prefer Kashmiri chili powder for vibrant color without too much heat.
- Toast whole spices lightly before grinding if making from scratch.
- Always add this spice mix to hot oil or butter to bloom the flavors
Usage Suggestions
Use this tikka spice mix to make your favorite tikka appetizer recipes, such as chicken tikka and paneer tikka.
It is also used to make the chikka for gravy dishes such as chicken tikka masala, mushroom tikka masala, and paneer tikka masala.
You can also use this spice to flavor your fusion Indian sandwiches and wraps.
Storage Suggestions
Tikka masala powder can be stored at room temperature in a clean, dry, airtight container for 2-3 months.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 months to increase its shelf life.
Use a clean, dry spoon to remove the spice, and close the lid tightly after each use.
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Tikka Masala Powder Recipe (Tikka Masala Spice Mix)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons whole coriander seeds (dhaniya seeds)
- 3 tablespoons cumin seeds (jeera)
- 2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns (kali mirch)
- 15-20 whole dry Kashmiri red chilies (stalks removed)
- 4-5 whole black cardamoms (badi elaichi)
- 5-6 whole green cardamoms (hari elaichi)
- 2 inch piece of cinnamon stick (dalchini)
- 5-6 cloves (laung)
- ½ teaspoons turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons dry mango powder (amchoor)
- 2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder
Instructions
- Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, Kashmiri red chilies, black cardamoms, green cardamoms, cinnamon stick, and cloves on low heat until lightly browned and fragrant (8-10 minutes). Keep stirring continuously while roasting.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the ingredients cool down completely.
- Transfer the roasted ingredients to a grinder or a food processor along with turmeric powder, dry mango powder, and Kashmiri red chili powder.
- Grind to make a smooth powder.
- Store the spice mix in an airtight container and use as required.
Amazing
This Tikka masala powder was easy to make and so fragrant and delicious! I had to leave out the mango powder, didn’t have it. Same with black cardamom, I doubled the green cardamom. I made a Chickpea Tikka Masala with it that was very good!
It’s a terrific masala powder!
Mate, that is awesome, thanks for sharing.I’m going to make this masala on the weekend.Cheers luv.
The recipe is very tasty, thanks a lot. Is there a reason you grind 20 Kashmiri chillies and also add later 2 teaspoons of grounded Kashmiri chillies? why not just grind more chillies?
Sometimes the home ground chilies are not very bright in color. The readymade chili powder gives a nice color to the spice mix in that case.
Can you give me the amount I would use in a recipe. I have a bottle already mixed, but can’t find a recipe that says “use 3 TBSP , etc spice mix….
For 1 pound of meat, you can use approximately 2 tbsp of this spice mix.
Would you remove the cardamom seeds from the pods before grinding?
Hi David, no you can grind it whole.
Love Tula Masal!
Thank you!
How to make organic Paneer?
I don’t have a post to make paneer yet. You can check other blogs or buy it from any Indian grocery store.
I have a question. I like to make my masalas as per use and not leave them sitting around. If I cut this to 1/3 the volume will it be good for a 1 time use? Should I cut it.more or less? Thank you
You will have to cut it by 1/5th for one time use.
Hello! Will 1/5th be good for 1lbs of boneless chicken?
Love this recipe! Mango powder! Can’t wait to taste this.
Do try 🙂
Love your reipes
Thnx a lot 🙂