Tikka masala is one of the most delicious recipes for people who like spicy and savory meat. The meat is marinated with spices and herbs and yogurt is used to help tenderize the meat.
Yogurt has a creamy and thick texture, which makes it a delicious addition to gravies, sauces, and tikka masala as well. In addition, it has a slight tanginess that helps accentuate the flavor of the meat.
However, if you are unable to get your hands on yogurt and have to prepare tikka masala, there are some substitutes that you can try!
Substitutes For Yogurt In Tikka Masala
1. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is one of the best choices to replace regular yogurt in tikka masala. It has a higher protein level as well as a rich and tangy flavor.
In addition, Greek yogurt is thicker as compared to regular yogurt, which is why we recommend thinning it out. If you have to bake the chicken or meat, you have to mix ¾ cup of Greek yogurt with ¼ cup of water – it’s perfect for replacing one cup of regular yogurt.
On the other hand, if you want to cook tikka masala the traditional way, you should add ¾ cup of Greek yogurt into the pot without diluting it.
2. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise has a consistency similar to yogurt and is salty, which is why we recommend adding it to the tikka masala mixture.
The best thing about mayonnaise is that there are tangy undertones and a richer flavor, which brings out the flavor of other spices and herbs in the tikka masala mixture.
It can be used in a 1:1 substitution ratio, and it’s recommended that you use the full-fat mayonnaise to achieve the best results.
3. Sour Cream
If you want to replace full-fat yogurt, you can opt for sour cream. Keep in mind that sour cream has a different flavor as compared to yogurt. In particular, sour cream has a savory flavor, which is why it tastes well in tikka masala.
In addition to tikka masala, sour cream can be used in sauces, soups, and stews to add a creamy texture and accentuate the salty and savory undertones.
4. Crème Fraiche
This is one of the most common condiments available in Europe and is known for its decadent and thick texture. It is made from heavy cream, which is soured with yogurt or buttermilk.
It has a slightly sour undertone as well as a rich texture – it adds a great flavor to tikka masala. In addition, it has a rich and decadent flavor that pairs well with fresh fruits, which is why it’s used in dessert recipes and pastries.
It can be used in a 1:1 substitution ratio, but you can also add water to achieve the right consistency.
5. Buttermilk
Buttermilk is one of the best substitutes for yogurt, especially if you want a rich yet thin texture. This is because buttermilk is basically a liquid base, which adds moisture as well as tang to the tikka masala.
In addition, it can be used to prepare quick bread, muffins, cakes, and cupcakes. Also, you can use it to prepare batters, marinades, and dressings.
Many experts recommend using a 1:1 substitution ratio, but it’s best to start with ¾ cup of buttermilk to make sure the food doesn’t become too runny.
6. Cream Cheese
This is a creamy condiment that’s perfect for adding richness and moisture to the food. It’s recommended that you mix cream cheese with milk or cream to achieve a creamy and rich consistency.
As far as the flavor is concerned, it tends to be more decadent as compared to yogurt, but it’s not very tangy. So, if you want to use it in replace of yogurt, it’s recommended that you add a bit of lemon juice.
In addition to tikka masala, you can use cream cheese and milk mixture in sauces, stews, and soups.
7. Heavy Cream
The texture and flavor of heavy cream are different from yogurt, but its creamy and thick consistency is perfect for tikka masala. On the other hand, you can imitate the tanginess of yogurt with lemon juice.
For this purpose, we recommend that you mix one cup of heavy cream with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes.
8. Sour Milk
Another option is to use sour milk in the tikka masala recipe. Keep in mind that sour milk has a slightly runny texture, and you have to add some vinegar or lemon juice to enhance the sourness.
To make sure your food doesn’t achieve a runny texture, you should start with half to ¾ cups of sour milk to replace a cup of yogurt.
9. Silken Tofu
If you are looking for a non-dairy replacement for yogurt in tikka masala, you can opt for silken tofu. It has a neutral flavor, which actually takes on the flavor of other ingredients – it doesn’t impart its own flavor.
However, it’s recommended that you blend silken tofu with plant milk to achieve a rich and smooth consistency. In addition, you can add a splash of lemon juice to replicate the tanginess of the yogurt.
The Bottom Line
Fortunately, it’s quite easy to replace yogurt in savory recipes. However, the flavor issues are pretty common because not many food items are tangy, so always add a bit of lemon juice (it will actually taste amazing with tikka masala).