Tikka Masala Powder Recipe

Small pyramid piles of tikka masala spice ingredients in a circle on a silver plate with a small wood spoon sitting in the center of the plate.

5 from 1 vote

Tikka Masala Powder Recipe

Learn how to make your own tikka masala spice mix at home. It’s a spicy, fragrant seasoning blend that can be made in just a few minutes and is perfect for any tikka or tikka masala recipe. And, it’s so much better than store-bought.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Ingredients

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Method: No cook, Stove top

Special Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Low-FODMAP, Paleo, Whole30

Servings: cups

Calories: 19kcal

Author: Tracey Hatch-Rizzi

Ingredients

Using powdered ingredients

2 tablespoons coriander
2 tablespoons paprika
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons fenugreek leaves optional - read more about fenugreek leaves in my Kasuri Methi ingredient spotlight
2 teaspoons Kashmiri chili see Notes for Kashmiri powder substitute
½ teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon cardamom
½ teaspoon black pepper ground

Using whole spices

4 tablespoons coriander seeds
2 tablespoons powdered paprika
2 tablespoons cumin seeds
2 teaspoons fenugreek leaves optional
4 each dry Kashmiri chilis see Notes for Kashmiri chili substitute
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
½ teaspoon nutmeg powder
1 small cinnamon stick
6 each green cardamom pods
1 teaspoon black peppercorns

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Using powdered spices

Measure all ingredients into a small bowl.
Stir or whisk together until thoroughly combined.

Using whole spices

In a large skillet, add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dry Kashmiri chilis (if using), green cardamom, cinnamon stick and black peppercorns.
Dry roast over medium heat until fragrant and very slightly browned. Don’t overcook.
Let cool (this will take about 10 minutes).
In a small bowl, add the paprika, turmeric, chili powder (if not using whole chilis) and nutmeg.
Place the cooled, toasted spices and fenugreek leaves in a coffee grinder or spice grinder and grind to a fine powder.
Add ground spices to the bowl of powdered spices and mix well.

Notes

How to use

Make a homemade tikka masala paste – combined with tomato paste, fresh ginger and oil or yogurt. Both pastes are often used as a marinade for dishes that include a curry sauce.
Spicy coleslaw – add ¼ teaspoon to Cilantro Lime Coleslaw for some additional wow factor!
Use as a dry rub – for use in tikka recipes or sprinkle on meat, poultry or fish, like in my Indian Spiced Salmon recipe.
Spice up cauliflower rice – add to homemade cauliflower rice
Add to salad dressing – add a pinch to Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing

Variations

Amchur (dried mango) powder – amchur has a fruity, sour taste and is available in some Asian or International markets, as well as online.
Ground ginger – adds a pungent, spicy aroma with a hint of pepper
Clove – adds a subtle, sweet flavor with a little bitterness and astringency. Use whole cloves if toasting whole herbs or add ground cloves.

Nutrition