Beef Tikka

4.3(259 reviews)

Pakistani-Indian grilled beef chunks marinated in yogurt and spices — the bolder cousin of chicken tikka. The marinade tenderizes the beef while infusing it with the warm South Asian spice profile.

Prep Time

10 min

🔥

Cook Time

11 min

🍽

Servings

4

Calories

211 cal

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Beef Tikka — homemade International snacks recipe with beef, tandoori masala, cumin, 4 servings, ready in 21 minutes
Snacks
Hard

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Smart Servings Scaler

servings
  • Beef400 g
  • Tandoori Masala1
  • Cumin1 tsp
  • Paprika1 tsp
  • Yogurt½ cup

All quantities scaled automatically from 4 servings.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust

  • Beef400 g
  • Tandoori Masala1
  • Cumin1 tsp
  • Paprika1 tsp
  • Yogurt0.5 cup

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cube 1.5 lb of beef sirloin or tenderloin into 1.5-inch pieces. Pat dry.

  2. 2

    Marinate at least 6 hours, ideally overnight: ½ cup hung yogurt, 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Kashmiri chili powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 2 teaspoons cumin powder, 2 teaspoons coriander powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 tablespoon mustard oil, 1 tablespoon cornstarch (binder).

  3. 3

    Thread onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.

  4. 4

    Heat a grill, grill pan, or broiler to highest setting. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, turning twice total, until charred outside and cooked through to your liking (medium-rare 130°F, medium 140°F).

  5. 5

    Brush with melted butter before serving. Sprinkle with chaat masala and chopped cilantro.

  6. 6

    Serve with sliced onion, lemon wedges, mint chutney, and naan or basmati rice.

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💡 Expert Tips

  • 1.Tender cuts only. Sirloin or tenderloin. Chuck or stew meat would be too tough.
  • 2.Long marinade. 6 hours minimum, overnight is best.
  • 3.Don't overcook. Beef cubes go from juicy to dry fast. Pull at medium.
  • 4.Brush with butter. Adds gloss and richness.

🔬 Why It Works

Beef tikka succeeds with tender cuts of beef and proper marinade time. The yogurt tenderizes via lactic acid; the spice blend penetrates throughout. High-heat grilling creates the char without overcooking. The cornstarch in the marinade creates a slight crispy coating when grilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best beef cut?
Sirloin (affordable, tender), tenderloin (most tender, expensive). Avoid stew meat — too tough.
Can I use chicken?
Yes — chicken tikka. Same recipe. Cook 3 minutes per side for boneless cubes.
Best with what?
Naan, basmati rice, mint chutney, onion rings (Indian-style with chaat masala).
Vegetarian version?
Paneer tikka — same marinade with cubed paneer cheese. Cook briefly, paneer doesn't need to cook through.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings)

Calories211kcal
Protein5g
Carbohydrates64g
Fat26g
Fiber8g
Sugar29g

* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.

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