Barbecue, also known as BBQ, refers to a technique of cooking meat, fish or vegetables using indirect heat and smoke from a wood or charcoal fire. BBQ is popular worldwide, with many regional styles and variations. Indian BBQ combines traditional Indian spices and cooking techniques with barbecue to create a unique flavor profile.
What Makes Indian BBQ Different?
There are several elements that distinguish Indian BBQ from other BBQ styles:
- Spices – Indian BBQ relies heavily on aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala and others to add complex flavor.
- Marinades – Meat and vegetables are typically marinated overnight in spiced yogurt, oils and spice pastes before cooking.
- Cooking vessels – Food may be cooked on skewers over flame or in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven.
- Breads – Flatbreads like naan, roti and parathas are served alongside.
- Sauces – Spiced sauces and chutneys made from ingredients like mint, tamarind and coconut add flavor.
So while the cooking method is similar to American BBQ, the seasonings and side dishes have an Indian influence.
Common Ingredients
Here are some of the most popular ingredients used in Indian BBQ:
Spices
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Turmeric
- Chili powder
- Garam masala
- Chaat masala
- Mustard seeds
- Fenugreek
Herbs
- Mint
- Cilantro
- Curry leaves
Oils and Vinegars
- Mustard oil
- Coconut oil
- Ghee
- Yogurt
- Lime juice
Produce
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Chilies
- Tamarind
Popular Spice Blends
Pre-mixed spice blends are commonly used to add complex layers of flavor:
- Garam masala – Mix of spices like cinnamon, cumin, cardamom
- Chaat masala – Tangy blend with amchoor, cumin, coriander, mint
- Tandoori masala – Spices like paprika, cumin, garlic, ginger, cinnamon
Common Meats
Here are some of the most popular meats used:
- Chicken – Boneless thighs or legs work well
- Lamb – Shoulder, ribs and leg cuts shine
- Beef – Brisket, short ribs and chuck roast work great
- Goat – Shoulder, leg and ribs have robust flavor
- Fish – Firm fish like salmon, tuna, trout and shrimp
Vegetables
In addition to meats, these veggies are also commonly used:
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Corn
- Paneer (cheese)
Marinades
Marinating is key for infusing flavor and tenderizing meats. Common marinades include:
Yogurt-based
- Plain yogurt
- Spices like coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger
- Chilies, lemon juice, mint
Oil-based
- Mustard oil, coconut oil, ghee
- Onion, garlic, ginger
- Spice pastes
Dry rubs
- Spice blends
- Chili powder, salt, garlic powder
- Chaat masala, garam masala
Cooking Methods
There are several popular cooking methods used in Indian BBQ:
Tandoor
A tandoor is a cylindrical clay oven used to cook meat and breads like naan. Temperatures can exceed 480°C (900°F). Meat marinated in yogurt and spices cooks quickly in the high heat while also smoking from fat and marrow drippings.
Smoker
Meat can be smoked slowly over wood chips and charcoal to infuse smoky flavors. Spices and wood chips like hickory, pecan and mesquite add extra flavor dimension.
Grilling
Cooking over open grill flames imparts charred flavors. Skewers and grates allow for even cooking and char marks.
Roasting
Dry rubs can be used to coat meat and vegetables that are then roasted in the oven. This allows the spices to form a flavorful crust.
| Method | Equipment | Temperatures | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tandoor | Clay oven | 480°C (900°F) | High heat, smoking, charring |
| Smoker | Smoker box | 107°C – 135°C (225°F – 275°F) | Infuses smoky flavor |
| Grilling | Grill, skewers | 230°C (450°F) | Charring, caramelization |
| Roasting | Oven | 200°C (400°F) | Coats food in spices |
Serving and Condiments
Indian BBQ is served alongside various breads, rice dishes, condiments and sauces:
Breads
- Naan
- Roti
- Paratha
- Kulcha
Rice
- Plain basmati rice
- Biryani
- Tandoori rice
Condiments
- Raita (yogurt dip)
- Chutneys
- Pickles
- Onions
- Limes
Sauces
- Tamarind sauce
- Mint chutney
- Mango salsa
- Coconut chutney
Popular Dishes
Here are some beloved Indian BBQ meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes:
Meats
- Tandoori chicken
- Tikka kebabs
- Tandoori lamb chops
- Achari gosht (lamb curry)
- Shahi paneer (cream cheese curry)
- Keema pav (spiced lamb patties)
Seafood
- Tandoori fish tikka
- Tandoori shrimp
- Fish tikka masala
- Shrimp vindaloo
Vegetarian
- Tandoori paneer tikka
- Stuffed peppers
- Tandoori mushrooms
- Grilled corn
- Veggie skewers
Try Indian BBQ at Home
You can recreate delicious Indian BBQ flavors at home with these tips:
- Marinate meats overnight in spiced yogurt or oil rubs
- Cook with charcoal or wood chips when possible for smoky flavors
- Introduce spices and aromatics like garlic, ginger early in cooking
- Brush meats with ghee or oil while cooking to keep moist
- Keep a high heat to get char while cooking quickly to prevent drying out
- Serve with naan, rice, chutneys and sliced onions
Where to Find Authentic Indian BBQ
For the full Indian BBQ experience, visit one of these top rated Indian restaurants known for their authentic BBQ dishes and flavors:
| Restaurant | Location | Signature Dishes |
|---|---|---|
| Tandoor Tavern | Multiple locations, USA | Tandoori ribs, burnt garlic naan |
| The Spicy Affair | New Delhi, India | Achari chicken tikka, fish tikka |
| Dishoom | London, UK | Black daal, biryani, kebabs |
| Moti Mahal Delux | Multiple locations, India | Butter chicken, dal makhani, tandoori fish |
Key Takeaways
- Indian BBQ combines smoky BBQ flavors with aromatic Indian spices and marinades.
- Meats like chicken, lamb, fish and veggies are marinated in yogurt, oils and spice rubs before cooking.
- Food is cooked at high heat in a tandoor oven, smoker or grill to impart charred, smoky flavors.
- Dishes like tandoori chicken, kebabs, curries and tikka masala are featured.
- Naan, rice, chutneys and sauces accompany as traditional side items.
Indian BBQ offers a delicious fusion of smoky American BBQ techniques with flavorful Indian spices and ingredients. The combination of subtle aromas with charred meats and sauces is unmatched. Seek out authentic Indian restaurants or try making kebabs, curries and tandoori specialties at home for a taste of this mouthwatering cuisine.