We Loved Masalejar’s Tandoori Marinade And You Will Too

This product has featured in Mishry’s Best Products of 2023 List.

From starters to main course, and even breads – the tandoori segment in every menu across the world promises unique smoky flavors.

While researching and reading about new launches, we came across this too-good-to-be-true marinade mix. All you need are the meat and veggies, and you’re good to go!

We ordered a jar of the same, and here’s our Masalejar Tandoori Marinade review. Did it meet our expectations or surpass them?

Here’s all you need to know.

What were we looking for while reviewing Masalejar Tandoori Marinade? 

In addition to convenience, we took into consideration the flavors, texture, and price point. 

Smoky, earthy flavors with a similar aroma were aspects we expected to find. 

1. Taste 

Tandoori is essentially a flavor profile with varying proportions of desi spices like ginger, garlic, coriander, pepper, and garam masala. Warm, smoky, earthy- are certain characteristic features of tandoori masala.

How well can a packaged marinade replicate these?

2. Convenience 

In addition to the protein source (paneer/meat), what other ingredients does this paste call for? Would we be better off preparing a marinade from scratch?

Is the price justified?

3. Other Parameters

The price, packaging, net quantity, shelf life, quality of ingredients were some non-tasting parameters we accounted. 

Price + Packaging

100 grams of this marinade is packed in glass jar with a clean, elegant label. This is priced at Rs 200/- and has a shelf life of 90 days. 

Main Ingredients

Iodised salt, coriander powder, Kashmiri mirch powder, garam masala, tandoori masala, cashew paste, mustard oil, ginger garlic paste, and vinegar are the main ingredients.

Thumbs up for the clean ingredient list, we were impressed.

Did you know Tandoori masala and Garam masala aren’t the same?

Both are spicy, flavorful mixes, but the difference between Tandoori and Garam masala lies in the ingredients.

Garam masala is used for seasoning, while Tandoori masala is primarily used as a marinade. Garam masala comprises warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, while Tandoori masala is ginger-garlic based with the addition of Garam masala. 

How did we make it?

Following the instructions on the pack, we used 125 grams of paneer with one tablespoon of this marinade and an equal amount of yogurt. After letting the paneer cubes marinate in this mix, we cooked it in a pan, over medium heat.

For an authentic paneer tikka experience, we also added some diced onions, tomatoes and capsicum. 

Aroma + Appearance

Supremely exquisite aroma! This marinade had a lingering mustard oil aroma with warming notes of ginger and garlic. Words can’t suffice, but this already had us drooling. This paste had deep red, brown tones. It wasn’t flowy or smooth, it was chunky with a thick consistency. 

Taste

This was WAY WAY different than most ready to use marinades we’ve reviewed in the past. And we mean it in the best sense possible. This wasn’t excessively salty, despite salt being the first ingredient on the list. Similarly, the spice wasn’t overwhelming too. This marinade had a well-rounded flavor of ginger and garlic that somehow tied up the paste together. The innate smokiness we look for in a tandoori paste made it presence felt boldly. 

While this marinade is close to perfection by itself, you can add some lemon juice and chaat masala to enhance the flavors even further. 

Here are some interesting FAQs on Masalejar tandoori marinade.

After reviewing Masalejar Tandoori Marinade Spice Mix extensively, we can say definitely that this product is making it to Mishry’s list of Best Products 2023. Taste, convenience, nutrition, this excelled in all three aspects.

How has your experience with ready to use pastes been?