Indian Curry Yogurt Marinade
on Aug 27, 2021, Updated Apr 04, 2025
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Great on lamb, chicken, and salmon. The marinade's yogurt acts as a tenderizer for the meat and a cooling counterpoint.
This yogurt-based marinade is infused with warm Indian spices like curry powder and cumin, and spiked with garlic and fresh cilantro. It’s great on lamb (try these Indian-Inspired Lamb Kebabs), chicken (try this Grilled Chicken Thighs recipe), and salmon, in particular.
I am a card-carrying member of the church of marinades. Having a few marinades in the fridge means that dinner will happen, by god, oh yes, it will. Here’s how it works: make a marinade. In the next few days, you’ll pick up (or defrost) some meat or fish. In the morning, put your protein into the marinade, turn to coat well, and store in the fridge. Come home at the end of the day, heat up a pan, preheat the oven, fire up the grill. And shortly you’ll be tucking into a truly delicious meal.
Table of Contents
This Indian Curry Yogurt Marinade is great on lamb, chicken, and salmon. The yogurt acts as a tenderizer for the meat and a cooling counterpoint to the spices and seasonings.
Yogurt in Marinades
The marinade’s yogurt tenderizes the meat and provides a rich, cooling counterpoint to the rich spices. It also adds richness. I am a fan of Greek yogurt in marinades, and I almost always go for fuller fat than not. You can choose between nonfat, 1 or 2%, or whole milk yogurt, which can reach up to a whopping 10% fat and is lovely and full-flavored.
Yogurt contains lactic acid and nonharmful living bacteria, which help break down proteins, making them tender. Buttermilk works along the same lines (which is why so many good cooks marinate chicken in buttermilk before frying).
Larger cuts of lamb, beef, and chicken should marinate from 8 to 12 hours in the fridge, fish and seafood just needs about 2 hours. Also, think kebabs; cubed meat can be marinated for 4 to 8 hours.
Indian Curry Yogurt Marinade Ingredients
- Plain whole-milk yogurt – Greek yogurt is the best here. You can use whole milk or skim yogurt, just make sure you use plain rather than flavored yogurt.
- Onion – Any kind of onion will work here, but do mince it finely.
- Garlic – Mince the garlic finely so it blends into the marinade.
- Cilantro – Cilantro haters should feel free to use parsley.
- Lemon juice – Adds important acidity and loosens up the texture of the marinade.
- Curry powder – It is essential to use a fresh, high-quality blend of curry powder in this recipe, as it is the main flavor.
- Cumin – Complements the flavor of the curry.
- Salt and pepper – Seasoning is essential.
How to Make Indian Curry Yogurt Marinade
- Place ingredients in a bowl: Put the yogurt, onion, garlic, and cilantro in a medium bowl or a large jar with a lid. Add the curry powder and paprika.
- Mix: Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake to combine well.
What to Serve With Indian Curry Yogurt-Marinated Meats
More Great Marinade Recipes
- Jamaican Jerk-Style Marinade
- Spicy Sesame Asian Marinade
- Dijon, Garlic, and Lemon Marinade
- Ginger, Mint, and Lime Marinade
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Indian Curry Yogurt Marinade
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt (preferably Greek yogurt)
- ½ cup minced onion (red or yellow)
- 2 garlic cloves (finely minced)
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Put the yogurt, onion, garlic, cilantro, lemon juice, curry powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl or a large jar with a lid.
- Whisk or shake to combine well.
