Weeknight Dinner: Shrimp Tikka Masala
October 28, 2010
Did you know that Chicken Tikka Masala is the single most popular Indian dish in the world? It is so popular in London my cousins tell me they can go to an English Pub for a beer and Chicken Tikka Masala.
Well last night I made a home made variation of this popular dish with shrimp. While I try and be mostly vegetarian these days (I call myself a "flexitarian"), occasionally I will make fish and shrimp. One of my go to recipes is cilantro lime shrimp but this shrimp masala recipe is a new favorite because of the intensity of flavors, the ease of making it, and most importantly my 2 year old highly approves of this dish! Also the best thing about this recipe is that you can use this masala as the base for any vegetable, chicken, fish, or tofu. And if you double up this recipe you can freeze the remainder and just take it out when you need it. Keep in mind there are so many different ways to make a basic masala sauce and every time I do it the recipe changes. Since it is not like baking where you need exact measurements feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe according to your personal taste.
Ingredients:
2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion thinly sliced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 tablespoon fresh garlic
1-2 teaspoons garam masala
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon tumeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 lb Shrimp (about 20), peeled and deveined
1 cup of canned crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup greek yogurt
Optional-1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro
Optional-2 curry leaves
Optional-green chili
Directions:
1. Heat oil in a shallow pan and add onions and let onions cook for about 10 minutes. Add ginger, garlic, garam masala, sugar, salt, tumeric, red chili powder, green chili (optional) and tomato paste. Keep stirring and add some water if the mixture becomes too thick. After another 5 minutes or so add the crushed tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.
2. Blend the mixture with a hand mixer, blender, or food processor so the consistency of the mixture becomes smooth and even. You don't have to do this step but if you skip it just make sure to use finely diced onions.
3. Put the mixture back in the pan, add the shrimp, and cook until shrimp are gently cooked through. (3-5 min)
4. Remove from heat, add yogurt and the curry leaves (optional). Finish off by garnishing with fresh cilantro.(optional)
What is your favorite "go to" meal during the week?
Reader Comments (40)
LOVE LOVE LOVE this post!! Every bit of it!! And the photo of the spices gorgeous!!! SO enjoying your blog! xo
Looks yummy..I love shrimp but have never tried it with tikka masala gravy. Will give it a try.. My favorite "go to" meal during the week is miso soup with tofu and green onions and edamame on the side.
I love this dish and have to try this version! I think my favorite weekday meal is grilled salmon with a side of grilled veggies -- yeah... I love grilled!
Mmmm, this looks SO good! I'm not normally a big shrimp fan but this looks super tasty.
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com
Yummmmy! Now I am hungry!
Seriously, hungry....
:)
http://annawalker1992.blogspot.com/
That looks delicious!
This looks and sounds delicious Naina. We go to a local Indian place for Chicken Tikka Masala - but I would love to try your variation!! Thanks so much for sharing.
xoxo,
Carrie
ps-so behind on blog reading. thx for bearing w/me!!
That sounds delish!
I really like Tikka Masala and your recipe sounds very yummy:) Have a great day,sweetie
Gorgeous photos and dish. I have been too intimidated to try tikka masala in the past, but I promise to revisit. Your post has inspired me!
i have never had it- thats just wrong!
oh yum!
Yum! That looks incredible Naina!
Your pictures turned out really well!! Good job :-)(Obviously, the actual recipe looks yummy too!)
yummy! i love the pic of all your spices :) I usually make pasta or a salad.
that looks really good. That picture of all your spices is amazing!
xo
I love that picture of the spices!
Never had Shrimp...I usually get veggie Tikka Masala..OBSESSED with it, and garlic nan...YUM!
<3Cara
http://www.lilacandgrey.com/2010/10/wednesday-giveaway.html" rel="nofollow">Fabulous Nan Lawson Giveaway going on @ Lilac and Grey!
I've never had this because I don't like spicy foods. My bf says it's not spicy, but he lies. Is it spicy?
Naina, these look delicious!!! I love shrimp and I would love to try these recipe!
xx
Nikki
ahh this sounds so delicious!
Mmmm!!! THat made me so hungry!!! I just had breakfast, but I would GLADLY eat a bowl of Tikka Masala now too! haha. :o)
Also , haha I can't believe you dreaded Halloween hehehe, that's so cute / crazyyy!! hehe It's so much fun! But yeah finding the right costume is a challage, I concur! hehe
never had Tikka Masala. Looks tasty. In the spring/summer months we grill out most nights. Since I work full time we do love the crock pot or a casserole i can prepare ahead of time!
Thanks for the recipe! I love masala anything!
YUM! That looks delicious!! Unfortunately my weekday go-tos all involve pasta..I need to get out of that rut!
-Samantha
http://sincerelysamantha.com