How to Grill or Bake Tandoori Fish Tikka at Home in a Tandoor

Succulent tandoori fish tikka pieces charred to perfection, served on a platter with lemon wedges and herbs—highlighting the authentic flavor of this grilled tandoori fish recipe.

PREP TIME

15 minutes

COOK TIME

Marination Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

SERVINGS

3-4

Best Fish for Tandoori

 Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about the best fish for tandoori preparations. You want firm, meaty fish that holds up well to skewering and high heat:

 
  • Halibut
  • Salmon
  • Tilapia (for budget-friendly option)
  • Cod
  • Sea Bass
  • Kingfish (Surmai)
  • Pomfret (whole fish, if preferred)

Avoid flaky or very lean fish, which may dry out quickly.

Ingredients 

For the Fish:

  • 500g boneless fish fillets, cut into 2-inch cubes
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp turmeric
Optional Garnish:
  • Sliced onions
  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh coriander
 
 

First Marinade:

    • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • ½ tsp chili powder
    •  

Second Marinade:

  • ½ cup thick yogurt (hung curd or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tsp roasted cumin powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color)
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp mustard oil or vegetable oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tbsp besan (gram flour), lightly roasted

Equipment Used

Tandoor Oven: CS03 – Round Portable Clay Tandoor Oven

Perfect for outdoor setups, this NSF-certified tandoor reaches high heat quickly and delivers an authentic smoky sear on tandoori fish tikka. Use charcoal or wood for the best flavor.

Stainless Steel Skewers

Flat skewers work best for fish. They keep the fillets secure and prevent rotation or slipping while cooking.

Alternative Setup:
If you don’t have a tandoor, use:
  • A grill (gas or charcoal) for grilled tandoori fish
  • A conventional oven at high heat (broil setting) for baked tandoori fish
 
How to Make Tandoori Fish Tikka – Step-by-Step
  • Step 1: Prep the Fish
    • Wash and pat dry the fish. Cut into even-sized cubes for even cooking.
    • In a bowl, apply lemon juice, salt, and turmeric. Let it sit for 10 minutes to remove any fishy smell and prep the surface for marination.
  • Step 2: Apply First Marinade
    • Add ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, and chili powder to the fish. Coat well and let sit for 10 minutes.
    • This helps tenderize the fish and create a base flavor.
  • Step 3: Second Marinade for Deeper Flavor
    • In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, spices, salt, mustard oil, and roasted besan. Mix until smooth.
    • Add the fish to this marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the better the flavor.
  • Step 4: Preheat Your Tandoor or Oven
    • For Tandoor:
      • Light up your CS03 clay tandoor with charcoal or wood. Allow it to preheat for at least 30 minutes, until the walls are hot and glowing.
    • For Grill/Oven:
      • Preheat to 450°F (232°C) or set to broil. Line a tray with foil and grease lightly if baking.
  • Step 5: Skewer and Cook
    • Thread the marinated fish pieces onto skewers, leaving small gaps between each piece for even cooking.
    • Tandoor Method:
      • Place the skewers vertically into the tandoor. Cook for 10–12 minutes, rotating halfway through. The fish should be slightly charred, firm, and juicy.
    • Grill Method:
      •  Place the skewers on a preheated grill, turning once or twice. Cook for 12–15 minutes.
    • Baked Method:
      • Place fish on a foil-lined tray or grill rack and bake under the broiler for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges start to brown.
  • Step 6: Garnish and Serve
    • Once cooked, remove from skewers and place on a serving platter. Garnish with lemon wedges, sliced onions, and sprinkle with chaat masala.
    • Serve immediately with green chutney, naan, or as a protein-packed appetizer.

Pro Tips for the Softest Coriander Naan

  • Use hung curd or Greek yogurt to prevent a watery marinade.
  • Mustard oil adds authentic heat and depth—warm it before mixing for best results.
  • Roasted besan (gram flour) helps the marinade stick to the fish and adds nutty flavor.
  • Don’t overcook—fish dries out quickly, especially in high-heat tandoors.
  • Tandoori fish tikka tastes best fresh off the heat, not reheated.

Need Help? Order and Technical Support

Have questions or ready to place an order? Reach out to us via phone at +1(727) 251 6924 or email us at info@tandoormorni.com. Need detailed instructions? Explore the Operation Manual for our CH & CS models to get started with your Tandoor oven today.

About Tandoor Morni

Tandoor Morni, in business since 1992, is a trusted name in premium Tandoori Clay Ovens, known for crafting high-quality traditional and commercial tandoors. With a commitment to excellence, Tandoor Morni offers a wide range of tandoors, including commercial, residential, catering, and copper models. Our tandoors are built with durable materials and designed for efficient heat distribution, ensuring authentic flavors and fast cooking. Each oven features customizable options like gas, wood fire, or charcoal compatibility, making them suitable for various cooking needs.

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