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Flavorful Tikka Masala Grilled Salmon Recipe with Easy Cucumber Raita and Turmeric Flatbread

tikka masala grilled salmon - featured image

A vibrant and comforting fusion dish featuring smoky grilled salmon marinated in tikka masala spices, paired with cooling cucumber raita and warm turmeric flatbread. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive dinner parties.

Ingredients

  • Salmon filets: Skin-on, about 6 ounces (170g) each, fresh and firm
  • Plain yogurt: 1/2 cup (120ml), preferably whole milk for creaminess
  • Garlic paste: 1 tablespoon (freshly minced works too)
  • Ginger paste: 1 tablespoon
  • Garam masala: 1 tablespoon
  • Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon
  • Ground coriander: 1 teaspoon
  • Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Chili powder: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon or to taste
  • Olive oil or mustard oil: 2 tablespoons (for marinating and grilling)
  • Greek yogurt: 1 cup (240ml), thick and creamy (for cucumber raita)
  • Cucumber: 1 medium, peeled, seeded, and finely diced
  • Fresh cilantro: 2 tablespoons, chopped
  • Cumin powder: 1/2 teaspoon (lightly toasted for raita)
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (for raita)
  • Lemon juice: 1 teaspoon (for raita)
  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240g)
  • Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon (for flatbread)
  • Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (for flatbread)
  • Plain yogurt: 3/4 cup (180ml) (for flatbread)
  • Warm water: 1/4 cup (60ml), as needed (for flatbread)
  • Olive oil or ghee: for cooking and brushing flatbread

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tikka Masala Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup plain yogurt, garlic paste, ginger paste, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, lemon juice, salt, and 2 tablespoons olive oil until smooth and fragrant. (5 minutes)
  2. Marinate the Salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels. Coat each filet generously with the marinade, covering all sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Make the Cucumber Raita: While the salmon marinates, combine Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, chopped cilantro, cumin powder, salt, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir well and refrigerate until serving. (10 minutes)
  4. Prepare the Turmeric Flatbread Dough: In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, turmeric powder, baking powder, and salt. Add yogurt and warm water gradually, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 20 minutes.
  5. Shape and Cook the Flatbreads: Divide dough into 6 equal balls. Roll each into a thin circle about 7 inches (18cm) in diameter. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, brush lightly with oil or ghee, and cook each flatbread for 1-2 minutes per side until golden spots appear. Keep warm wrapped in a clean towel. (15 minutes)
  6. Grill the Salmon: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates. Place salmon skin-side down and grill for about 4-5 minutes. Flip carefully and grill another 3-4 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and has a nice char.
  7. Serve: Plate the grilled salmon with a dollop of cucumber raita on the side and warm turmeric flatbread. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired. (2 minutes)

Notes

Marinate salmon at least 30 minutes for flavor; 1-2 hours is ideal. Oil grill grates to prevent sticking. Watch salmon closely to avoid overcooking; it should flake but remain moist. Toast cumin powder for raita to enhance aroma. Rest flatbread dough for softer breads. Flatbreads can be made gluten-free by substituting flour with chickpea and rice flour blend. Dairy-free option: use coconut yogurt. Leftovers store well but flatbread is best fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: tikka masala, grilled salmon, cucumber raita, turmeric flatbread, Indian fusion, quick dinner, healthy seafood, yogurt marinade