Memorial Day is coming up fast, and it’s time to start planning your picnic spread. Just because this all-American holiday calls for traditional barbecue doesn’t mean you can’t spice it up with your own tandoori grilling recipes. Why not infuse a little Indian flair into your holiday meal prep by trying out these tasty takes on some traditional favorites?
Tandoori Grilling Recipe #1: BBQ Ribs
Bring on the heat this Memorial Day by taking a crack at these delicious tandoori-style BBQ ribs. This grilling recipe is sure to please even the most discerning pitmaster at your party. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 2 racks lamb spareribs (also called Denver ribs)
- 1 tbsp. cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp. garam masala
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 (4” inch piece) ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- ½ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup malt vinegar
- 3 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp. ground cardamom
- 1 and ½ tsp. red food coloring (optional)
- 1 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Juice of one lemon, plus wedges for serving
- Melted, unsalted butter for serving
Begin by heating the cumin seeds and garam masala in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant, then let it cool. Transfer the mixture to the spice grinder and grind it until it’s very fine. Then, purée the garlic and ginger in a food processor until smooth. Combine the cumin, garam masala, yogurt, vinegar, cayenne, cardamom, food coloring, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and lemon juice and purée until smooth. Slather your ribs in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
When your ribs have soaked up all the delicious flavor of your marinade, the real fun begins: Fire up your Hōmdoor to 600º F and place the lid on to expedite the heating process. While your oven heats up, place the ribs onto your skewers about six inches from the wooden handle and use a piece of onion as the last piece on the skewer to keep the skewered pieces from burning (plus you’ll get a nice flavor for your meat). Once your tandoor is up to temp, place the skewered ribs into the oven ensuring there are at least six inches between your ribs and the charcoal. Cook for 10 minutes (or until your infrared thermometer shows a safe internal temperature), serve with lemon wedges and butter, and enjoy!
Tandoori Grilling Recipe #2: Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob isn’t just an American favorite: It’s actually one of the most popular street foods served in India. Grilling this delicious pastime in your tandoor is easy as can be. First, you’ll need the spice rub for your corn. This particular grilling recipe suggests the following spice combinations; however, you can always create your own tasty tandoori spice mix:
- Lime, chili powder, salt, red chili powder
- Lime, salt, pepper powder
- Melted, salted butter, salt, chili powder
- Minced garlic, salt
- Green chutney
Once you’ve gathered your spice rub ingredients, it’s time to fire up the Hōmdoor. Set your tandoor to 600º F and wait for it to heat up. While you wait, skewer the husked corn, ensuring all pieces remain at least six inches from the wooden handle. Place the corn into the tandoor and grill for approximately four minutes (or until there is a slight char on the outside). Voila — your Indian-inspired corn on the cob is now ready to serve to your Memorial Day guests.
Tandoori Grilling Recipe #3: Chicken Burgers
Burgers are a mainstay of Memorial Day celebrations. Why not kick your burger game up a notch by trying out this tasty take on a timeless tradition? Tandoori chicken burgers are juicy, delicious, and have just enough spice to give your picnic the punch it needs. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 and ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into rough chunks
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp chopped, fresh ginger
- 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- Coarse salt and ground pepper
- 4 (6-inch) whole-wheat pitas
- 1 cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced diagonally
- ½ cup fresh cilantro
- Cumin Yogurt Sauce (or your own tandoori yogurt sauce)
In a medium bowl, mix together your chicken, scallions, ginger, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, cardamom, cayenne, 1 and ½ teaspoons coarse salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Set the mixture aside to marinate for up to 30 minutes (no sooner than 10 minutes). Next, transfer the chicken mixture to your food processor and pulse until roughly chopped but not pasty.
Before separating the mixture into patties, heat up your tandoor to 450 – 500º F. Form the mixture into separate portions and with dampened hands, take one portion and mold it onto the skewers in 4-inch-long sausage shapes, pressing it gently to shape it with your fingers. Grill the chicken mixture while covered until lightly browned and cooked through, turning occasionally to ensure an even cook (about eight minutes per side).
Once your chicken has finished cooking, halve the pitas crosswise and drop two chicken patties into each pita bread with cucumber slices, cilantro sprigs, and your chosen yogurt sauce. If you want, add a few slices of watermelon on the side for your guests to enjoy.
Tandoori Grilling Recipe #4: Sausages
Yet another American grilling classic is sausage. Spicy sausage is a great addition to any BBQ spread, and these tandoori sausages are no exception. To get started, gather the following ingredients:
- Sausages of your choice
- ½ cup yogurt
- 2 tsp tandoori powder
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/8 tsp turmeric powder
- Juice of one lime or lemon
- ¼ tsp salt to taste
- 2 tbsp oil
First, make shallow slits into each sausage — approximately 2 – 3 per side. Mix all the ingredients in with your sausages and marinate them overnight (or at least an hour if you can’t do the full 24). Once marinated, heat up the tandoor to 600º F and skewer your sausages. Insert the sausages into the tandoor and let them cook for about four minutes, or until there is a slight char on the outside. If you’re unsure about whether or not they are fully cooked, you can always use your Hōmdoor infrared thermometer to test the internal temperature for safe eating. From there, serve with all the fixings your heart desires!
Make Memorial Day Memorable with Hōmdoor!
With a new repertoire of grilling recipes for your Memorial Day celebration, all that’s left to do is ensure you have the grill to get the job done. Grab your tandoor oven off our website during the Memorial Day sale happening May 25 – June 1, 2021 to take advantage of free shipping on all Hōmdoor products sitewide. You could save more than $600 on your tandoor grill depending on the product you choose and your geographic location. Don’t miss the chance to have the best grill season yet with Hōmdoor!