Sumptuous meat marinated in spices and yogurt, baked in a tandoor oven, served in a masala sauce—how can you go wrong?
In short, you can’t; but you can go out-of-the-box. While its origins are widely debated, chicken tikka masala is one of the most popular dishes in the U.K., and growing in popularity in American restaurants, as well.
The protein you feature in the dish and the things you can do with your naan can make your Indian entrees truly distinct.
Play with Protein
While chicken is the most thought-of choice for tikka masala, those tomatoes baked in coconut milk, garlic, and ginger play well with a variety of other proteins.
Shrimp works well with the spicy flavors, paired with basmati rice, peas, chard, and chopped cilantro. Want something plant-based? Consider tofu. With tofu that’s baked until it’s chewy on the outside and soft on the inside, you’ll have a dish that soaks up all the flavors in a surprisingly scrumptious take on the classic.
Nifty Ways to Serve Naan
Regardless of protein, tikka masala is always best with a warm, fluffy naan. This oven-baked flatbread can be used in so many more ways than with tikka masala. Naan can be used in place of a bun or sourdough bread for a grilled chicken sandwich; serve sliced grilled chicken with arugula, tomatoes, avocado, and a drizzle of tangy cilantro ranch for a tasty take on the sandwich.
Wrap mahi mahi inside naan with a cucumber yogurt sauce and balsamic-glazed onions for a seafood wrap that satisfies. Additionally, naan can be turned into its own flatbread pizza—personal-sized and pleasing to your customers.
Your Sourcing Solution
Excited to innovate with tikka masala and naan? From tikka masala sauce to Basmati rice and cilantro chutney, Dot Foods is your sample solution. For more inspiration and amazing photos of food, follow Dot Foods on Instagram.
Start experimenting with tikka masala by visiting our website today.