Tikka Masala Sauce Recipe

Made with a perfect blend of spices, tomatoes, garlic, and cream, this Tikka Masala Sauce is deeply satisfying and incredibly easy to make. Unlike store-bought versions, this recipe uses fresh ingredients and no preservatives, allowing you to control the heat, flavor, and creaminess. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or elevating leftovers into something extraordinary.

Tikka Masala Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Chef Sadat KhizarCourse: SauceCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Tikka Masala Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin

• 1½ teaspoons ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon turmeric

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes

• ½ cup heavy cream

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro

• Water or stock as needed to adjust consistency

Directions

• Heat oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat.
• Sauté onions for 5–7 minutes until soft and golden brown.
• Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in the spices: cumin, coriander, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to toast the spices.
• Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
• Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes until creamy and smooth. Add a splash of water or stock if the sauce is too thick.
• Season with salt to taste. Blend the sauce with an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve hot with grilled chicken, paneer, or vegetables.

Recipe Video

Serving Suggestions

This Tikka Masala Sauce pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken for a classic Chicken Tikka Masala
• Paneer or tofu for a hearty vegetarian version
• Chickpeas or mixed vegetables for a plant-based curry
• Steamed basmati rice or naan bread to soak up the flavorful sauce
• Pasta or baked potatoes for a fusion twist

Storage & Saving Suggestions

You can easily make this sauce ahead and store it for later use:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
• Meal Prep Tip: Make a double batch and freeze half to save time on busy nights.

FAQs – Tikka Masala Sauce Recipe

Is it possible to create this sauce without dairy?

A: Of course, For a delectable dairy-free alternative, use cashew or full-fat coconut cream in place of heavy cream.

To what extent is this sauce spicy?

A moderate amount of heat is present. Leave out the cayenne pepper to make it milder. Do you want it hotter? Add more fresh green chile or chili flakes.

Is it possible to substitute canned tomatoes with fresh ones?

A: Yes, tomato puree or crushed tomatoes in a can work well and have a constant flavor.

Which protein complements this sauce the best?

A: Tikka Masala Sauce pairs well with chicken, paneer, tofu, shrimp, or even chickpeas.

Is it possible to combine the sauce to achieve a smoother consistency?

A: Without a doubt. For a smooth finish reminiscent of a restaurant, use an immersion blender or a standard blender.