Tandoori Turkey Skewers Recipe – Authentic Indian Grill

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Tandoori Turkey Skewers Recipe – Authentic Indian Grill

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for delicious, healthy, and flavourful recipes to spice up your weeknight dinners. And let me tell you, these Tandoori Turkey Skewers are it. I first made these for a summer barbecue with friends, and they were a huge hit – even my spice-averse cousin couldn’t get enough! They’re so easy to make, packed with incredible Indian flavours, and a fantastic way to enjoy lean protein.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Tandoori Turkey Skewers are a winner for so many reasons. They’re quick – ready in under 30 minutes! They’re healthy, using lean turkey breast and lots of colourful veggies. But most importantly, they’re bursting with that authentic tandoori flavour we all crave. Seriously, the marinade is where the magic happens. Get ready for tender, juicy, and incredibly aromatic skewers!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Tandoori Turkey Skewers:

• 0.5 cup plain yogurt
• 3 tbsp light cooking oil
• 2 tbsp tandoori masala
• 2 tbsp coriander powder
• 0.5 tsp red chilli powder
• 0.5 tsp amchoor powder
• 1 tsp garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• 500 grams boneless turkey breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 medium-sized onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to really elevate this recipe:

• Tandoori Masala: This is the heart and soul of the tandoori flavour! You can find it at most Indian grocery stores, or even in the spice aisle of larger supermarkets. Don’t skimp on quality here – a good tandoori masala makes all the difference.
• Amchoor Powder: This dried mango powder adds a lovely tangy flavour that balances the spices beautifully. It’s a bit unique, but trust me, it’s worth seeking out! You can usually find it at Indian grocery stores.
• Turkey as a Lean Protein: I love using turkey breast in this recipe because it’s a fantastic source of lean protein. It stays really juicy when marinated and grilled, and it absorbs the flavours beautifully. But feel free to swap it out – I’ll cover that in the FAQs!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, oil, tandoori masala, coriander powder, red chilli powder, amchoor powder, garam masala powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely combined.
2. Marinate the Turkey: Add the turkey pieces and chopped vegetables to the marinade. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the turkey and veggies are well coated.
3. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. But honestly? The longer, the better! I often marinate this for up to 8 hours for a really deep flavour.
4. Thread the Skewers: Thread the marinated turkey and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between them.
5. Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the turkey is cooked through and the edges are slightly charred.

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the skewers! Leave a little space between the pieces for even cooking.
• If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning.
• Keep a spray bottle of water handy to tame any flare-ups on the grill.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice Level:
  • Mild: Reduce the red chilli powder to ¼ tsp.
  • Medium: Stick with the ½ tsp of red chilli powder.
  • Hot: Add ¾ tsp or even 1 tsp of red chilli powder for a fiery kick!
• Festival Adaptations: These skewers are perfect for celebrations! They’re a popular choice for Eid and Diwali gatherings at my place.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just double-check that your tandoori masala doesn’t contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

These Tandoori Turkey Skewers are fantastic served immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a side of cooling green chutney for dipping. They also pair beautifully with a simple rice pilau or a fresh salad. My family loves them with a side of warm naan bread for soaking up all those delicious juices.

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What is the best way to marinate the turkey for maximum flavour? The longer, the better! While 15 minutes is good, marinating for at least a couple of hours, or even overnight, will result in incredibly tender and flavourful turkey.
• Can I use chicken instead of turkey in this recipe? Absolutely! Chicken thighs work particularly well, as they stay nice and juicy.
• What is Amchoor powder and where can I find it? Amchoor powder is made from dried unripe mangoes and adds a lovely tangy flavour. You can find it at most Indian grocery stores.
• How do I prevent the skewers from sticking to the grill? Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Soaking wooden skewers in water also helps.
• Can these skewers be baked in the oven if I don’t have a grill? Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.